Primary and secondary batteries are electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy to electrical energy.
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So, what is a battery? A battery is an electrochemical cell or cells that produce an electric current by converting stored chemical energy to electrical energy.
Because of their ability to store energy, primary and secondary batteries are vital to modern-day electronic products such as mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, E-scooters, bicycles, and drones. For battery-powered products, one of the critical decisions product designers must make early in the product design process is what type of battery to use for the new electronic product.
There are numerous battery types with various characteristics for new product development. Because each device necessitates a unique battery to meet the power supply requirements, it is critical to understand the product requirements, such as voltage, peak current, operating environment, temperature rating, and life span, when selecting the battery type.
The following sections discuss the battery types, their chemical composition, applications, and the critical parameters for choosing the suitable battery for your next electronic device.
There are two basic types of batteries: primary and secondary. These batteries power most portable consumer electronics products as they have many of the same characteristics and functions.
The image above shows the widely used battery types for both primary and secondary.
The primary batteries, also known as Disposable batteries, are non-rechargeable; therefore, the user can only use them once. The initial charge of a disposable battery can last significantly longer than a rechargeable battery in most applications. Their design is simple and lighter, and there is no fluid used in these batteries hence called Dry cells such as Zinc-Carbon cells.
However, the secondary batteries are rechargeable and have a longer life span because the user can recharge them multiple times. Their complex design consists of diverse materials for their anode, cathode and electrolytes. Lead-acid, nickel-cadmium (NiCd), and lithium-ion batteries are examples of secondary batteries.
Primary batteries, also known as disposable batteries, are designed for single use as the electrochemical reaction is not reversible. The most common primary battery types are Alkaline, Zinc Carbon, Lithium iron disulfide, Lithium-thionyl chloride, Lithium manganese dioxide, and Lithium-sulfur dioxide. These come in various standard sizes, such as D, C, AA, AAA, AAAA, 9V, and coin cells.
This battery is a primary dry cell battery. It produces current through the electrochemical reaction between the zinc anode and carbon cathode in the existence of an ammonium chloride electrolyte.
Zinc-carbon battery applications: Manufacturers use Zinc-Carbon batteries in Toys, Clocks, TV remotes and Flashlights.
Advantages of Zinc-carbon battery: Inexpensive and reliable
Disadvantages of Zinc-carbon battery: Poor leakage resistance, unsuitable for cold weather, low energy density, voltage drop steadily with discharge.
Zinc-Carbon battery design tips
Alkaline battery, also known as Alkaline-manganese, is an advanced form of Zinc-carbon battery and delivers more energy at higher current loads. The battery produces power from the chemical reaction between Zinc and Manganese dioxide.
Alkaline battery applications: Many household items, including gaming consoles, remote control, CD players, digital cameras, toys, flashlights, and radios, use alkaline batteries.
Advantages of Alkaline Battery: Alkaline batteries have a low self-discharge rate and do not leak electrolytes.
Disadvantages of Alkaline Battery: Their high internal resistance reduces the battery power output.
Alkaline battery design tips
The chemistry and construction of lithium iron disulfide batteries differ from those of alkaline batteries. They use lithium as an anode, iron disulfide as a cathode, and lithium salt and organic solvent blend as electrolytes. The diagram below shows a cross-section of a typical cylindrical LiFeS2 battery.
Applications: Lithium Iron batteries are used in electronic devices that require a small, portable power source, such as digital cameras, portable lights and bike lights
Advantages:
Disadvantages: Because of the lithium metal content in the anode, the Li-FeS2 has a higher price and transportation issues.
Design guide :
Lithium thionyl chloride is a primary cell battery. Lithium-thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl2) cells use a metallic lithium positive electrode (anode) and a liquid negative electrode (cathode) consisting of a porous carbon current collector filled with thionyl chloride.
Lithium-thionyl chloride battery applications: Lithium Thionyl Chloride custom size batteries are used in electronic devices that require a small, compact power source, such as clock supports, smart sensors, system backups, real-time clocks and automotive electronics.
Lithium-thionyl chloride battery advantages
Lithium-thionyl chloride battery disadvantages
Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMnO2) batteries use manganese as the cathode and lithium as the anode. LiMnO2 is available in various shapes, the most common of which are button cells and cylindrical batteries.
Applications: They are widely used in electricity, gas and water meters, fire and smoke alarms and security devices.
Advantages
As discussed in the previous section, secondary batteries are rechargeable and found in products such as mobiles, tablets, laptops, e-scooters and many more portable devices.
A lithium-ion battery, also known as a Li-ion battery, is a rechargeable battery made up of cells in which lithium ions move from the cathode to the anode via an electrolyte during discharge and back again during charging.
There are six types of Lithium-ion batteries depending on the active material.
Lithium-ion cells consist of an intercalated lithium compound positive electrode, graphite negative electrode and electrolyte lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) salt dissolved in an organic solvent. As a result, lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density, no memory effect, and a low self-discharge rate.
Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can be found in every iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch, MacBook, and AirPods. Apple uses Lithium-ion batteries because they are far better than other types for their products.
Advantages: High level of energy density, Lightweight, Less maintenance, Low self-discharge rate
Disadvantages: Can be damaged due to overheating and high voltage
The materials of the electrodes are the same as Lithium-ion batteries but use a high-conductivity gel polymer as an electrolyte to enable the movement of ions between electrodes. In addition, this polymer electrolyte can shut down the battery due to overheating during charging and discharging.
Advantages: Comparatively secure than Li-Ion batteries, High level of energy density, less maintenance, factors related to slim and flexible form.
Disadvantages: Expensive, unsafe during leakage or puncture.
Nickel-Cadmium batteries are secondary type batteries that typically contain a Cadmium hydroxide anode, a Nickel oxide-hydroxide cathode, and a Potassium hydroxide electrolyte between both electrodes.
Nickel Cadmium battery applications
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Advantages of NiCad: fast charging, long shelf life, higher charge and discharge cycle.
Disadvantages of NiCad: Expensive, unsafe during overcharging, Cadmium is not environment friendly.
Design tips for NiCad
The composition of A Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) secondary battery consists of a positive electrode of nickel oxide-hydroxide and a negative electrode with a hydrogen-absorbing alloy. The electrodes are unconnected with a potassium hydroxide electrolyte.
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery applications: Digital cameras, wireless telephones, microphone-based products, toothbrushes, Medical instruments, and hybrid vehicles
NiMH advantages: High power density, compact size, No transportation regulations, a good substitute for Alkaline.
NiMH disadvantages: Expensive than a NiCad battery, rapidly self-discharges, and has a short service life.
Design tips for Nickel-Metal Hydride
The lead acid battery is rechargeable with a metallic lead electrode (anode), a lead dioxide electrode (cathode) and a concentrated solution of sulphuric acid (35%–40%) as an electrolyte. It is inexpensive, capable of producing high currents, and has a relatively low energy density.
Advantages of Lead-acid: Economical, less maintenance, high-level discharge rate
Disadvantages of Lead-acid: Short service life, heavyweight, limited useable capacity
There is no single battery design that is ideal for every application. Choosing one necessitates a trade-off. That is why it is critical to prioritise your requirements list. Determine which parameters you must have and which you can compromise. Here are some key parameters to consider during the early stages of product design.
This parameter relates to one-time or multiple-time usage. For example, the non-rechargeable battery is used in mems-based sensors, toys, smart watches, pacemakers, and flashlights. At the same time, the rechargeable battery is used in laptops, cell phones, and EVs to provide regular power.
The batteries have different sizes and shapes, as mentioned above. However, the typical sizes of primary and secondary batteries/cells are AA, AAA, and 9V, which are feasible for portable gadgets.
As mentioned in the specifications table, this parameter is described as a battery’s nominal or output voltage.
The temperature also affects the battery performance. The batteries with liquid electrolytes cannot operate below 0°C as their electrolyte has a higher chance of freezing. Similarly, lithium-based batteries can perform up to -40°C but with low performance. The ideal temperature range of these batteries is 20°C to 40°C.
The battery capacity is expressed as Watt-hours (Wh) which shows the amount of power (W) delivered for a specific time range. It relies on temperature, discharge rate, and cut-off voltage value. For example, a battery with 12V and 1Ah has a total capacity of 12Wh, whereas it can deliver 1 Amp for one hour or 100mA for 10 hours or 10mA for 100 hours which is called the discharge rate. The cut-off voltage value is the point at which the battery is considered fully discharged, and further discharge can be harmful.
The characteristics of a battery always depend on its chemical composition, as described earlier.
A battery is considered among the most expensive parts of any device. Hence product designer should select it according to your budget and the need of the application.
The shelf life is also essential when choosing a battery as it determines how long a battery can be kept unutilised.
Lithium iron phosphate battery (also known as LFP or LFP battery) has emerged as a leading choice in various applications due to their unique characteristics. In this article, we'll explore what LFP batteries are, delve into their advantages, and scrutinize the potential drawbacks associated with this popular energy storage technology.
LFP stands for lithium ferrous phosphate, and an LFP battery is a type of lithium-ion battery that employs lithium iron phosphate as its cathode material. The unique chemical composition of LFP battery provides distinct advantages and addresses some of the challenges associated with other lithium-ion chemistries. These batteries have become widely utilized in applications ranging from electric vehicles to renewable energy storage systems.
LFP batteries offer several advantages that make them a preferred choice in various applications. Here are some key advantages of LFP battery:
● Enhanced Safety: One of the standout features of LFP batteries is their excellent safety profile. Unlike some other lithium-ion chemistries, LFP is known for its thermal stability and reduced risk of thermal runaway. This makes LFP batteries a safer choice, particularly in applications where safety is a critical concern.
● Long Cycle Life: LFP batteries exhibit a longer cycle life compared to many other lithium-ion batteries. With the potential for thousands of charge-discharge cycles, LFP batteries are ideal for applications that demand durability and longevity, such as off-grid solar systems and electric vehicles.
● Stable Performance at High Temperatures: LFP batteries perform well in high-temperature conditions, maintaining stability and reliability. This feature makes them suitable for applications in climates with elevated temperatures, where other lithium-ion batteries might experience performance degradation.
● Fast Charging Capability: LFP batteries generally support faster charging compared to other lithium-ion chemistries. This characteristic is particularly valuable in applications where quick turnaround times are essential, such as electric vehicles and portable electronic devices.
● Low Self-Discharge Rate: LFP batteries have a lower self-discharge rate compared to some other rechargeable batteries. This means they can retain their charge for longer periods when not in use, making them suitable for applications that require energy storage over extended periods.
● Environmental Friendliness: LFP batteries are considered environmentally friendly because they do not contain cobalt, a material associated with environmental and ethical concerns in some other lithium-ion chemistries. The materials used in LFP batteries, including iron and phosphate, are more abundant and pose fewer environmental and supply chain issues.
● High Discharge Current: LFP batteries can deliver high discharge currents, making them suitable for applications that require a quick and powerful energy release. This characteristic is beneficial in electric vehicles, power tools, and other high-performance devices.
● Ease of Maintenance: LFP batteries generally require less maintenance compared to some other types of batteries. Their stable chemistry reduces the need for complex battery management systems and regular maintenance tasks.
While LFP batteries offer numerous advantages, it's important to consider some potential disadvantages associated with this battery technology:
● Lower Energy Density:One of the primary drawbacks of LFP batteries is their lower energy density compared to some other lithium-ion batteries. This means they may have a lower specific energy and, consequently, a larger physical size for a given energy capacity.
● Higher Cost:LFP batteries can be more expensive to manufacture compared to certain other lithium-ion chemistries. While the prices have been decreasing with advancements in technology and increased production scale, the initial cost remains a consideration for some applications.
● Reduced Voltage:The nominal voltage of a single LFP cell is lower compared to some other lithium-ion chemistries. As a result, devices and systems designed for higher voltage batteries may need additional cells in series, impacting the overall design and complexity.
● Slower Discharge Rate: In comparison to some other lithium-ion batteries, LFP batteries may have a slower discharge rate. While this might not be a significant concern for many applications, it could impact high-power applications where rapid discharge is essential.
● Bulkier Size: LFP batteries, due to their lower energy density, may require a larger physical size to achieve the same energy storage capacity as batteries with higher energy density. This can be a disadvantage in applications where space is a critical factor.
LFP batteries offer a compelling combination of safety, longevity, and stable performance, making them a preferred choice in various industries. While their disadvantages, such as lower energy density and higher initial costs, should be considered, ongoing advancements in battery technology are addressing these concerns. As research and development continue, LFP batteries are likely to play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of energy storage. As a global leader in LFP battery cell manufacturing, Grepow offers professional customization solutions for LFP battery packs and Battery Management Systems (BMS), catering to your specific application requirements. If you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact us at .
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