Battery Chemistries: Lithium Ion

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Application Description:

Lithium ion batteries are best where light weight and small size are the most important factors. They are not well suited for high power or battery backup applications.

Typical Applications:

Cell Phones
GPS Receivers
Test Equipment
Portable Computers
Portable Gas Detectors
Personal Digital Assistants

Manufacturers:

BatteriesPower      Panasonic     E-One Moli Energy      Boston Power   Kokam    K2    VARTA   Sanyo

Some configurations are available as standard packs.

Specifications

Cell Voltage 3.6 V
Shelf Life 1 year at 25ºC
Charge Temperature 0 to 45ºC
Discharge Temperature -20 to 60ºC
Cycle Life ~500 at 80% depth of discharge

Comparison Charts: Rechargeable Chemistries

Chemistry Cost Weight Temp Cycle Shelf Life Volts
(ºC) Life (months) per cell
Lead Acid Calcium $ Very Heavy -15 to 50 180 6 2.0
Lead Acid Tin $$ Very Heavy -65 to 80 300 12 2.0
Nickel Cadmium $$ Heavy -20 to 65 500+ 6 1.2
Nickel Metal Hydride $$$ Moderate -10 to 65 500 12 1.2
Lithium Ion $$$$ Light -20 to 60 500 12 3.7
Lithium Polymer $$$$$ Light -20 to 60 500 12 3.7

Non-rechargeable Chemistries

Chemistry Cost Weight Temp Discharge Shelf Life Volts
(ºC) Rate (years) per cell
Carbon Zinc $ Very Heavy -15 to 50 Medium 2 1.5
Alkaline $$ Heavy -65 to 80 High 5 1.5
LiMnO2 $$$ Moderate -20 to 65 Low 10 3.0
LiSOCl2 $$$$ Light -10 to 65 Low 10 3.6