Back in the days, the concept of storing electric potential appeared to be impractical. But with the advancements in technology, different rechargeable batteries were introduced. These batteries could store current but for a short period and needed frequent recharging. This flaw of rechargeable batteries was eliminated with the invention of modern batteries like lithium-ion batteries.
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A lithium-ion battery can supply uninterrupted supply of current for a good amount of time. It is efficient in its working as compared to its predecessors. The wiring of a lithium battery can have an impact on its efficiency. This is why you need to get high-quality wires and cables from reliable manufacturers like Scondar. Despite all the benefits, using lithium-ion battery also has a downside. In this article, we will explain all the pros and cons of a lithium-ion battery in detail.
Contents
Pros:
The lithium-ion battery is a popular choice due to its numerous benefits. Some of the most prominent ones are given below:
Small Size:
The small size and light-weight of a lithium-ion battery is a benefit that makes it appropriate for a variety of applications. Due to this quality, lithium-ion batteries are easier to handle and install. That is why they are the ideal choice for portable devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
High Energy Density:
A big advantage of a lithium-ion battery is its high energy density. It means that a small-sized lithium-ion battery has the ability to store a greater amount of current. A lithium-ion battery can store up to 150 watts of power in one kilogram. On the other hand, other rechargeable batteries can store half or an even lesser amount of power.
Due to this feature, the lithium-ion battery is the most popular choice for gadgets like smartphones and tablets. A lithium-ion battery will provide a consistent supply of current required to keep the device running.
Source: Electronics
Fast Charging:
The fast charging of lithium-ion battery gives it an edge over its competitors. It has an efficient mechanism that facilitates the storage of electric potential at a fast pace. Usually, the lithium-ion batteries used in gadgets take around 2-3 hours to charge completely. Whereas, some of the other rechargeable batteries take much longer time. Due to fast charging, the lithium-ion battery is extensively used in electric vehicles.
Low Self-discharging:
In addition to fast charging, lithium-ion batteries also have a low self-discharging rate compared to other types. The self-discharging rate of lithium-ion battery is four-time lesser than nickel batteries. It means that the internal chemical reactions within a lithium-ion battery do not result in the loss of electric potential. Due to lower self-discharging, the lithium-ion battery also has a longer shelf life.
Low-maintenance:
The lithium-ion battery can be considered low-maintenance compared to some of its competitors. Unlike nickel batteries, you do not need to regularly maintain a lithium-ion battery for a good performance. A lithium-ion battery will most probably perform at its optimal level without periodic discharging.
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Long Charging-discharging Cycles:
The lithium-ion batteries can perform efficiently for a longer period as compared to other types. Their charge-discharge cycle ranges from 1000 to 5000. This way, lithium-ion batteries provide a good return on investment.
No Memory Effect:
Unlike nickel cadmium and nickel metal hydride batteries, a lithium-ion battery does not have a memory effect. Therefore, the lithium-ion battery does not require complete discharging before recharging. That is why they work efficiently even after many recharging cycles.
Multiple Types:
A lithium-ion battery has several types varying in design. Therefore, you are not stuck with only one type of battery for different applications. You have the luxury to choose the right type according to the scope of usage.
Cons:
All the major drawbacks of the lithium-ion batteries are mentioned below:
Less Durable:
Although a lithium-ion battery has longer charge-discharge cycles, the aging effect is a big drawback in it. It is due to the lack of durability of the material used in its composition. However, storing the battery at a suitable temperature can eliminate this problem.
Expensive:
One of the biggest drawbacks of a lithium-ion battery is its high cost. It is much more expensive than other rechargeable batteries like nickel cadmium and nickel metal hydride. The biggest reason responsible for the high cost of a lithium-ion battery is its manufacturing expense. A lithium-ion battery uses rare materials and complicated circuit mechanism that contribute to the overall cost.
In addition to that, the manufacturing process of a lithium-ion battery is also longer compared to other rechargeable batteries.
Safety Risks:
There are some hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries. It is the type of rechargeable battery that is prone to the explosion. If a lithium-ion battery is left on charge for a long time, it will get overheated that can result in an explosion. It is advisable to prevent overcharging of a lithium-ion battery to avoid such risks.
Source: Upsbatterycenter
Transportation Constraints:
The lithium-ion battery has certain limitations when it comes to transportation. You cannot transport a large stock of lithium-ion batteries due to the aviation restrictions. These restrictions are mainly imposed due to the security risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Specified Charging:
Another big disadvantage of lithium-ion battery is that they are not universally compatible with all kinds of chargers. Every type of lithium-ion battery comes with a unique charger that has a customized circuitry. There is always a threat of over-charging of lithium-ion battery that can shorten its power capacity and useful life.
Evolving Technology:
Although the evolving technology of a lithium-ion battery can also be deemed as a benefit, it is predominantly a drawback. The regular changes in lithium-ion technology give rise to many compatibility issues. In other words, a lithium-ion battery can be considered immature with a lot of room for improvement.
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The lithium-ion battery has already made a mark in the market in a short period. New advancements are coming in lithium-ion technology to make it better. All the information mentioned above will give you an insight into different aspects of a lithium-ion battery.