The basic design of lithium-ion batteries remains the same as Sony's 1989 patent application. Individual cells are cylindrical, have square metal casings (aluminum/steel), or are square pouch cells. Square batteries have a large capacity and are generally composed of windings, Z-shaped laminations, windings + laminations, positive electrode cladding, and laminations + laminations.
Lithium-ion batteries
Cylindrical battery technology is the most mature and has the lowest manufacturing cost, but large cylindrical batteries have poor cooling capabilities, so smaller cylindrical batteries are generally chosen. Automotive batteries have large capacities and numerous cells, such as 18650 lithium-ion batteries, resulting in complex and expensive management systems. The spiral wound structure of prismatic batteries has a simple manufacturing process, but it is primarily suitable for soft electrode batteries. This method can be used for lithium iron phosphate ternary material batteries, except for spinel anode materials.
Laminated batteries offer high reliability and long lifespan, and are suitable for various material systems. The batteries in General Motors' Volt plug-in hybrid and Nissan's Leaf electric vehicle are both manufactured using lamination technology. By 2015, the specific energy of lithium iron phosphate cells reached 140 Wh/kg, lithium ternary manganese oxide cells reached 180 Wh/kg, and small cylindrical cells using NCA reached 240 Wh/kg. In the coming years, the specific energy of lithium-ion cells will further increase, potentially reaching a maximum of 300 Wh/kg by 2020.
Currently, there are many types of lithium-ion batteries, each with different functions. For example, we often see lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, and 18650 lithium-ion batteries. Different batteries also have different characteristics, so how should we distinguish them? Today I will discuss the differences between lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries.
Hefei Lithium-ion Battery
The difference between lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries lies primarily in their durability. Generally, lead-acid batteries have a charge-discharge cycle of no more than 400 times, with a storage capacity and lifespan of approximately 2 years. Lithium-ion batteries are far more durable than lead-acid batteries and degrade very slowly, exceeding 500 deep charge and deep discharge cycles without exhibiting any memory effect. Their lifespan is typically 4 to 5 years.
Next, let's compare size and weight. Most lead-acid batteries are bulky, typically weighing between 16 and 30 kilograms. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries are generally much lighter than lead-acid batteries, which mostly weigh between 2.5 and 3 kilograms. They are small and easy to carry. The pollution generated during the production of lead-acid batteries is very harmful to environmental protection. Lithium-ion batteries are more environmentally friendly.
When using the same 48-volt battery, lead-acid and lithium-ion electric vehicles can travel 30 to 40 kilometers on a single full charge, with little difference in performance. Speed depends largely on the size of the motor used.
Finally, regarding price, lithium-ion batteries offer advantages over lead-acid batteries in all aspects, considering their performance, but their price is slightly higher. This is unavoidable.
