You’re a homeowner who wants to get a solar panel installed in your home. You want to disconnect from the mainline energy grid. An installation expert comes to your home and explains how solar panels work.
Then, he tells you about lithium ion batteries and how they will store your solar energy. You’ve heard about the benefits of lithium, but you buy standard batteries out of habit.
You think about lithium uses for everyday life and want to switch over lithium ion batteries. However, you’re not sure about the other advantages.
What are some advantages?
Lithium ion batteries power many devices and tools. A lithium rechargeable battery pack offers such benefits as more energy, additional rechargeability, and lighter handling.
These energy-conserving batteries will also help you save money over time. This article will provide an in-depth view of lithium ion battery advantages. Read further if you wish to know more.
Higher Energy Density
Since lithium ion batteries have a greater capacity to store more energy, they can charge items for longer periods. Lithium alone carries a high reactive capacity that can expel vast amounts of energy.
A battery with a high energy capacity can also dispel more energy depending on the volume. You’ll also see lithium ion battery usage within solar panels and marine vessels due to its heavy energy storage prowess.
You’ll find a wide array of lithium ion batteries for sale, and you can choose from different types that are for certain purposes. It can charge a variety of heavy-duty items, such as power tools and electric cars. You can also find lithium ion batteries in smartphones, allowing the phone to remain powered for longer periods before charging.
If you’re weighing nickel cadmium vs lithium ion, the cells within lithium ion generate a voltage that’s three times more than nickel cadmium. In other words, it would take three nickel cadmium batteries for a single lithium ion battery.
The voltage is also higher than alkaline cells and nickel metal hydride. On average, you may receive a voltage between 1 to 2 volts per cell with other batteries. Additionally, the voltage within lithium ion dispenses energy efficiently, requiring fewer cells to power equipment and devices.
- Example: A smartphone only needs a single cell to provide sufficient power.
Moreover, lithium ion batteries will save you money over time, as the additional energy powers larger devices in the long-term.
Rechargeable Qualities
Lithium ion batteries offer more recharge cycles than other batteries like the alkaline variety. Lithium ion batteries are more stable, and you can recharge them hundreds of times before replacing them. Further, a high-quality lithium ion battery can offer up to 1,000 recharge cycles.
If talking about the larges types, a lithium ion rechargeable battery pack can last up to eight years or longer. Also, they’re easier to charge than many rechargeable types.
Lower Maintenance Requirements
Users of lithium ion batteries don’t need to monitor energy levels. With flooded lead-acid batteries, for instance, you must monitor the water levels to ensure they function properly. If you’re in business, you must also train personnel on checking the water levels.
With lithium ion types, you only need to keep a few simple maintenance tips in mind:
- Store the batteries at room temperature
- Avoid the complete discharge of lithium ion batteries
- Charge the battery partially instead of fully
You don’t need to charge the battery completely because it doesn’t contain a charge memory. A charge memory can lower the longevity of the battery. You’ll see memory charges in other battery types such as nickel cadmium batteries.
Moreover, the charge memory can take effect in the event of a partial charge. You can use every trace of a lithium ion battery without the worry of memory charges.
However, lithium ion batteries don’t need a full recharge to operate accordingly. Further, it’s better for the better to undergo a partial discharge. Moreover, you can charge the batteries regardless of the capacity levels.
- Note: Battery experts suggest allowing lithium ion batteries to discharge fully after 30 recharge sessions. Repeated partial charges may create a digital memory that can reduce the viability of the battery. Therefore, allow the battery to discharge up to the cutoff threshold and recharge at full capacity.
Another advantage is that they don’t need priming before usage. Battery priming is a method that enhances the battery while it’s in operation. Priming may also be necessary if the battery remained in storage for long periods.
You’ll see priming necessities mainly in nickel-laden batteries. Other rechargeable batteries may also call for priming upon the first charge. Lithium ion batteries, however, require no priming whatsoever.
In addition to low recharge requirements, the battery is also lightweight and makes for easier storage.
Lightweight and Easy Handling
Carbon and lithium are lightweight elements that make the battery lighter to carry. Also, they’re more compact than conventional batteries.
The lightness of the battery is an added convince for heavy equipment such as torches. An ordinary battery pack may add additional bulk to hardware.
Environmentally Sound
Since lithium ion batteries have more longevity, they can spare you the hassle of consuming more batteries. They also require fewer resources and materials during the manufacturing process. Manufacturers create these batteries with lithium and other metal alloys. On the other hand, lead-acid batteries require additional resources such as zinc and copper.
It’s also a clean source of energy when compared to other energy sources, such as fossil fuels. Lithium ion batteries are also biodegradable and recyclable.
The Benefits of Lithium and its Growing Popularity
More companies and consumers are using lithium ion batteries to power heavy machinery and gadgets. There are many types of rechargeable batteries that you can use for various purposes, such as powering tools or energizing the latest smartphones. Some of the best benefits of lithium batteries include its high energy storage and rechargeable capabilities.
Best of all, they’re long-term batteries that prevent you from purchasing more batteries that have short lifespans.
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