Recently, Chinese scientists developed a lithium battery that can operate at -70°C. This battery could be used in cold regions of Earth and even in space, which is simply amazing. Let's take a look at the relevant information together.
Ordinary lithium-ion batteries operate between -20 and 60°C, but their performance and discharge capacity decrease below 0°C. In certain specific environments, the ideal temperature for lithium-ion batteries varies from person to person; some can even operate at temperatures exceeding 100°C.
Polymer batteries typically operate at temperatures below -20°C and are referred to as low-temperature polymer batteries.
In general, the better the low-temperature performance of a low-temperature polymer battery, the worse its high-temperature performance. This is a very contradictory requirement. Currently, many lithium-ion battery companies have developed a wide-temperature low-temperature battery that can operate between -40°C and -70°C, which is mainly used in products with special requirements such as automotive electronics.
Currently, the operating temperature of lithium-ion batteries is between -20 and 60 degrees Celsius. Taking lithium iron phosphate, the most widely used type in my country, as an example, charging at 0 degrees Celsius is extremely difficult. At 0 degrees Celsius, its battery capacity is maintained at around 60%-70%, and between -10 degrees Celsius and -20 degrees Celsius, it remains at 20%-40%. When the ambient temperature exceeds 60 degrees Celsius, the battery may overheat, burn, or explode due to increased operating time.
For charging, the temperature of the lithium battery must be below 0 degrees Celsius; otherwise, frequent charging will lead to rapid battery damage. In addition, environments ranging from -20 to 60 degrees Celsius will also pose safety hazards.
According to researchers, the materials used in the new battery are both inexpensive and environmentally friendly, but commercialization will take some time. So, when will battery technology see a revolutionary breakthrough?
Scientists are now working to develop new batteries with greater energy and longer lifespan, which will offer better performance in various industries.
It's important to know that in frigid regions like Russia and Canada, temperatures can drop below -50°C; in space, temperatures can plummet to -157°C. At -20°C, conventional lithium batteries achieve only 50% of their optimal performance, and at -40°C, only 12% of that.
