Li-Ion Battery Pack

Li-ion battery pack have a high energy density that allows them to fit into small packages. They can also handle many charge/discharge cycles.

They are safer than nickel-metal hydride batteries and are not considered a fire hazard. However, they do require special handling and transportation.

Li-ion battery systems should be stored in cool conditions to slow the ageing process. Typically they should be partially charged during storage to recalibrate the electronic fuel gauge.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are used in all sorts of electronic devices, from cell phones and iPods to laptops and electric cars. They are very popular because, pound for pound, they offer the highest energy density of all rechargeable battery types. Li-ion batteries have also made the news recently because of their tendency to burst into flames when improperly handled. This isn’t very common, but when it does happen, it can cause massive recalls and cost manufacturers millions of dollars.

A basic lithium-ion battery consists of four main components: a cathode, anode, electrolyte and separator. The negative electrode is called the anode and it can be made from several different materials, including graphite, lithium cobalt oxide and lithium iron phosphate. The electrolyte is a non-aqueous solution of organic carbonates (ethylene or propylene) that excludes moisture. The positive electrode is usually made from nickel or manganese dioxide, although there are some experimental cathode materials on the horizon.

Battery cells are connected in parallel or series to create battery packs. Modules of these battery packs are then assembled into larger battery systems, which can be used to power vehicles, appliances, industrial applications and energy storage. Recent advancements in battery management systems, modular design concepts and cell chemistry have improved performance, safety and flexibility for these batteries.

Applications

Lithium-Ion batteries have the highest energy density among practical secondary batteries and are used in a variety of electronics and electric vehicles. These batteries are also widely used in stationary energy storage systems. Li-ion batteries have a relatively low cost, long battery life, and high rechargeability. These batteries are also available in a wide range of shapes and sizes for use in applications such as cell phones, cordless drills, rotary mowers, digital cameras, and laptop computers.

Li-ion batteries are more efficient than NiMH or NiCd rechargeable batteries and are lighter. They also have a lower self-discharge rate and longer lifespan than other rechargeable batteries. They are also more durable than traditional lead-acid Li-ion battery pack batteries and provide an emergency power backup in case of a power outage.

Most lithium-ion batteries consist of an anode and cathode that are separated by a non-aqueous electrolyte made from ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate with complexes of lithium ions in each cell. The lithium ions intercalate between the anode and cathode, storing electrical charge with modest volume expansion. Graphite is the preferred anode material due to its low intercalation voltage and excellent performance, but alternative materials may be used.

The lithium-ion polymer battery is a variant of the Lithium-Ion battery that uses a dry polymer electrolyte instead of the traditional porous separator. This allows for very slim geometry and reduced packaging costs. Li-ion battery pack Lithium-ion polymer batteries also have a lower charging time and are more flexible than standard lithium-ion batteries.

Safety

Despite the high reliability of lithium-ion batteries they do have some safety concerns. If they are improperly manufactured, charged, stored or disposed of they can overheat and explode. They have caused fires and explosions resulting in property damage, serious injury and death in Australia and around the world.

If a battery cell becomes thermally unstable, it can disintegrate within seconds and cause a chain reaction that will eventually destroy the entire pack. To prevent this, a lithium-ion battery pack contains dividers that keep failing cells from spreading to adjacent cells. In addition, packs have temperature sensors that prevent the cell from causing a thermal runaway if it gets too hot.

Another concern is that lithium-ion batteries age over time and lose some of their capacity if they are not in use. This is because the cathode of the battery loses its ability to absorb lithium ions over time. Fortunately, new and improved chemistry combinations are being developed to address this issue.

Lithium-ion batteries require a safe handling and disposal process because of the flammable liquid electrolyte inside them. They must be kept away from combustible materials and should never be left on an open flame. They are also sensitive to heat and should not be exposed to extreme temperatures. They can be transported by air but they must be in carry-on luggage and kept separate from combustible materials.

Cost

Lithium-ion battery packs are one of the most cost-efficient energy storage devices. They can be used for many applications such as in electric vehicles, solar panels, and stationary batteries. They are also very durable and are safer than other batteries. They contain no liquid electrolyte, so there is no risk of acid spills or explosions. They can also withstand high temperatures.

However, the prices of critical metals in battery production have risen over the past year. This has pushed up the cell and pack costs. However, the prices of these materials are expected to drop soon. This will make EVs more cost-competitive with gasoline-powered vehicles.

On a global basis, the average price for a lithium-ion battery pack in 2022 was $151 per kilowatt hour (in real dollars). This price is mainly driven by the regional immaturity of EV markets and higher production costs. The bespoke nature of some battery orders is also pushing prices up.

Cells are the building blocks of battery packs, and they account for around 77 percent of the total cost on an EV-specific basis. Cells can be produced in a variety of shapes and sizes, and their pricing depends on the cathode material used and its performance.

The rest of a pack’s cost comes from the design, integration and manufacturing processes. Generally speaking, these costs are falling over time thanks to economies of scale, increased efficiency and the growing penetration of new technologies such as silicon or solid-state cathodes.