If you intend to operate battery-powered devices or equipment in extreme temperatures, you must ensure not only that the machine itself is suited to such conditions, but also that its power supply can operate safely and efficiently under these conditions. When selecting batteries to power products in extremely cold environments, it is important to understand how batteries are affected by low temperatures and which types of batteries can not only withstand these conditions but also continue to operate safely, efficiently, and reliably for extended periods at such low temperatures. In this article, we will cover all of these aspects to help you choose a product that meets your exact needs.
How do low temperatures affect lithium batteries?
In short, extremely low temperatures slow down the chemical reactions occurring within the battery, leading to poor performance and permanent damage. In such cases, charging capacity decreases while internal resistance increases. All of these result in reduced runtime, shortened battery life, and battery failure. To prevent these problems, the recommended temperature range for common lithium-ion batteries is -20°C to -55°C. For conditions outside this range, special low-temperature batteries are required to ensure safety and battery life.
Is the damage to lithium batteries caused by low temperatures permanent?
Because extremely low temperatures can cause irreversible chemical reactions inside standard lithium batteries, the resulting damage is permanent. To understand exactly what happens inside a battery and how it happens, let's start with some basics.
A lithium-ion battery has a positive electrode and a negative electrode. During charging, lithium ions start from the positive electrode lattice, pass through the electrolyte membrane to the negative electrode, and embed themselves in the graphite layer. During discharging, the opposite occurs: lithium ions move from the graphite negative electrode layer to the positive electrode lattice.
When exposed to low temperatures, everything slows down—from the movement of transported molecules to reaction rates, and the overall transport process of the material. This slowdown is particularly pronounced for lithium ions and atoms in the graphite layer and the cathode lattice. Lithium begins to accumulate at the electrode-electrolyte interface instead of embedding itself in the graphite layer, leading to the formation of lithium dendrites (metallic lithium accumulating on the negative electrode surface) during charging.
This is an irreversible conversion reaction, which may lead to capacity loss, increased short circuits, and safety hazards due to structural damage caused by lithium dendrites.
When a battery discharges under extreme low-temperature conditions, the positive electrode active material is lost, and metal particles accumulate due to the breakage of active particles from the positive electrode and the migration of transition metal elements to the negative electrode. This leads to lithium deposition within the battery.
How much capacity does a standard lithium battery lose when exposed to low temperatures?
In a study, researchers demonstrated how much capacity standard lithium-ion batteries lose when exposed to low temperatures. In this study, researchers placed batteries at a low temperature for 48 hours, then restored them to room temperature, and tested their capacity loss under two settings. Batteries charged and discharged at slow/low rates lost 3.2% of their capacity, while batteries charged and discharged at fast/high rates lost 6% of their capacity.
There are two main reasons why low-temperature exposure causes storage problems, as shown in Figure 3:
Positive electrode failure.
The detachment of positive electrode particles forms a binder and leads to a decrease in electrochemical activity.
Besides storage issues, this permanent damage can also lead to complete battery failure or even safety hazards such as battery explosion. This is why it is recommended to use specially designed low-temperature lithium batteries in extremely cold environments.
What are the differences between low-temperature lithium batteries and standard batteries?
Standard batteries have a recommended temperature range of -20°C to +50°C, while specially designed low-temperature lithium batteries can operate safely and efficiently at temperatures below -20°C. These batteries are structurally similar to standard lithium batteries, but their electrolytes and membranes are modified to accommodate charging, discharging, and storing energy at lower temperatures.
Why is JUTA the preferred choice for customized low-temperature battery solutions?
At Juda, we focus on providing high-quality, durable low-temperature batteries for a wide range of applications. As experts in custom battery packs, we surpass most battery pack manufacturers, ensuring that all our customers receive the best products to meet their specific needs.
Click here to learn more about our customizable cryogenic rechargeable battery products. Our team is ready to guide you through the design process and provide you with a product tailored to your exact needs.
