How Long Does a Li-Ion Battery Pack Last?
Li-ion battery packs have high energy density and long lifespans. They’re a key technology for portable electronics and electric vehicles.
For example, ambulances rely on lithium-ion batteries to power lifesaving equipment like defibrillators during transport. Healthcare services in rural and remote areas also rely on battery-powered devices.
These batteries are more energy-efficient than lead-acid batteries, making them a smart choice for your warehouse.
High Energy Density
Lithium-ion batteries can pack a lot of energy into a small, lightweight package. They have some of the highest energy density of any rechargeable battery technology, beating traditional nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal-hydride options by a significant margin.
Typically, lithium-ion cells have cobalt or nickel cathodes. Cobalt has the highest specific energy and is thermally stable, but nickel is more expensive and has lower reactivity. A combination of these materials creates a chemistry that improves current handling, lowers internal resistance, and boosts ion flow to allow for a higher capacity without compromising safety or longevity.
A high energy density can be especially useful in portable devices such as cell phones and laptops. It can also be advantageous in devices that require extended runtimes, Li-ion battery pack such as cordless power tools and electric vehicles. Aerospace, military and other industry applications have also adopted the lithium-ion battery for its high capacity and light weight.
A lithium-ion battery can have a single cell or multiple cells. Larger batteries can have multiple cells connected in series or parallel to increase voltage and capacity. Some lithium-ion chemistries, such as lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), can achieve up to 500 Wh/kg. However, challenges related to degradation and cycling restrict their widespread use.
Long Lifespan
There isn’t a concrete answer to how long Li-ion battery packs last, but when they are used and stored correctly, they can last 8 to 12 years before needing replacement. There are many variables that come into play when it comes to a battery pack’s lifespan, including temperature, how often it is charged and discharged, whether or not the batteries are paired together, and the type of equipment in which they are being used.
However, the most important factor in determining battery life is the depth of discharge (DoD). The shallower a DoD, the more charge/discharge cycles that a battery can provide. Using a DoD of 20% or less can increase the number of cycles to more than four times that of a 100% DoD.
It is also beneficial to use a battery management tool to track metrics and a UL-listed battery analyzer to keep an eye on the State of Health of the battery. This will help anticipate issues and let you know when the batteries are approaching their end of life so that you can start planning for their replacement. It is also best practice to store your batteries at around 50% charge to minimize capacity loss while they are not being used. This is especially true in hot environments where the batteries can degrade much more quickly than if they were stored at a lower charge point.
Fast Charging
With the growing demand for electric vehicles, researchers have developed a fast-charging capability that allows lithium batteries to reach 80% state of charge within 10 minutes. It’s important to note that these batteries need to be specially handled and charged because they’re sensitive to heat and can be harmed if exposed to extreme temperatures. The best way to ensure the longevity of these batteries is by following specific handling, charging and discharging specifications that are provided by the battery pack or single cell manufacturer.
A Li-ion battery’s ability to fast charge depends on a series of steps that includes bulk transport of lithium ions across the electrodes, breakup of the solvation sheath, diffusion through the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film and redox reactions in the graphite interior. A high-conductivity electrolyte can speed up these processes, allowing the battery to charge quickly.
Consumer and industrial chargers for Li-ion battery packs are designed to fully charge the batteries to maximize their runtime. They cannot offer adjustable end of charge voltages that would prolong the life of the battery by lowering the voltage threshold at full charge, because this compromises the runtime. A trickle charge is also not possible with Li-ion batteries because it can cause damage to the cells, plating out lithium metal and generating a hazardous workplace fire that’s difficult for firefighters to extinguish.
Safety
The higher energy density of Li-ion batteries requires extra precautions to ensure they are handled correctly and not exposed to extreme temperatures. When a battery is damaged, it can discharge dangerous chemicals, cause fires, or explode.
To prevent this, lithium battery packs are built with safety features to monitor and protect the cells. 12v lithium battery Most packs have protective circuitry that monitors voltage, current, and temperature. This circuitry helps to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, short circuits, and thermal runaway. It also helps to keep the battery in its correct state of charge (SoC) and prevents it from overheating. Some batteries also have dividers that help to prevent the failure of one cell from spreading to other cells in the pack.
Additionally, batteries can be made safer by using a flame-retardant housing and ensuring that there is enough space between the battery cells for proper venting. They can also be sealed in a protective container that is made from a fire-rated, injection molded plastic. In addition, systems that use user-accessible Li-ion batteries are typically equipped with a lock to prevent mishandling and disassembly of the battery pack.
For safety purposes, never dispose of a battery in a regular trash can or recycling bin. Instead, take it to a household hazardous waste or battery recycling center. You should also store your battery in a cool, dry place, away from combustible and flammable items and in an environment that is free from moisture.
