ADVANTAGES OF LI-ION BATTERY
There are many advantages for using Li-Ion Battery compared to using Lead-Acid Battery. A very distinct advantage with the Li-Ion Battery is its size. It is smaller and lighter, which gives you the mobility and portability.
Advantages
- Higher voltage in Lithium over Lead Acid. (3.7v vs 2.0v)
- Greater Energy Density per unit. Weight(3x), Volume(6x)
- Lighter and smaller volume size, offers more portability
- Higher temperature tolerance (140F vs 80F)
- No air-conditioning required during operation. (Saving on need for construction of room for air-conditioning as well as utilities)
- Faster recharge time and more time in between recharges (26 weeks vs maximum 2 weeks for Lead acid)
- High turnaround charge efficiency (97% vs 75%)
- More discharge cycles. (2x)
- Deeper Discharge Tolerance (95% vs 50%). Higher Depth of Discharge
- Replacement Time-frame (4-7 years for Li-ion, Lead acid 1.5-2yrs)
Disadvantages
- Li-ion: Protection circuit is custom and expensive
- Lead Acid: Overall circuitry is commercial off the shelf and inexpensive
- Li-ion volatility must be closely managed and addressed with safety considerations in design
- Higher cost per w/hr
| ENERGY DENSITY | LEAD ACID | LI-ION (COBALT) |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal Cell Voltage | 2.0V | 3.7V |
| Voltage Operating Range | 1.8 – 2.1V | 3.2 – 4.1V |
| Wh/Kg | 35-40 | 140-150 |
| Size of 1kWh Battery | 14 Litres | 2.5 Litres |
| Weight of 1kWh Battery | 25kg | 6.7kg |
| Temperature | 0K to 25°C (77F) | 0K to 60°C (140F) |
| Life % Remaining at Discharge Temperature | 100% at 77F50% at 87F 25% at 97F 12% at 107F 6% at 117F 3% at 127F 0% at 137F (60°C) |
100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% |
| Low Temperature (partial functionality) | to -40°C | to -25°C |
| CHARGING | LEAD ACID |
LI-ION (COBALT) |
|---|---|---|
| Over-Chargeability | Tolerant (form H2 gas) | Intolerant – Vents |
| Protection Circuitry | Cheap | Expensive |
| Constant Charging | 0.07C Rate | 10x Faster |
| Recharging Time | 10x the Capacity | 1x the Capacity |
| Recharge Interval | Weekly | Every 4 – 6 months |
| Turnaround Charge Efficiency | 75% | 97% |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to 27°C | -20°C to 55°C |
