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In demanding applications, choosing the right battery chemistry is crucial, especially when reliability under extreme environmental conditions is a top priority.
Lithium-Ion Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA) chemistry is proving to be an excellent choice for projects that require high energy density and durability. Here’s how we used NCA chemistry to meet stringent requirements in a utility-focused project, ensuring high performance for both high and low temperatures.
Understanding the NCA Solution: Key Specifications and Configuration
To meet the rigorous demands of this project, we designed a custom NCA battery with the following specifications:
- Series & Parallel Configuration: 6S2P
- Voltage: 21.6V
- Capacity: 6.7Ah
- Energy (Wh): 144.72Wh
- Chemistry: Lithium-Ion NCA
- Cell Manufacturer: E-One Moli
- Cell Part Number: INR18650-M35A
- Battery Management System (BMS): Safety circuit
- Enclosure: Sturdy plastic case for durability in outdoor settings
- Unique Features: Performance in low-temperature charging and high-temperature exposure
These specifications enable the battery to operate effectively under a variety of challenging environmental conditions, making it well-suited for utility applications that require high energy density, good cycle life, and resilience under extreme conditions.
Meeting the Challenge of Extreme Environments
This battery was designed to power equipment in outdoor settings exposed to various climates, from Alaska’s frigid winters to Florida’s hot, humid summers. Here’s how our design overcame these challenges:
Low-Temperature Charging
The client required the battery to be chargeable in temperatures below 0°C. Our design met this need, allowing safe charging down to -20°C, albeit at a reduced rate to avoid damage to the cells. This feature is critical for areas experiencing extended cold periods, ensuring that battery power remains available even in sub-zero conditions.
High-Temperature Discharge
The battery also needed to function reliably in high temperatures, with discharge capability up to 70°C. At elevated temperatures, calendar life (total lifespan) becomes more significant than cycle life (number of charge/discharge cycles), as heat accelerates degradation. Our NCA battery was optimized for longevity in high-heat environments, ensuring sustained performance even when effective heat management is challenging.
Why NCA Chemistry Was the Optimal Choice
NCA chemistry was chosen for this project due to its unique benefits, especially suited for extreme utility applications:
- High Capacity and Energy Density: NCA chemistry provides substantial energy storage in a compact form, which is advantageous in utility applications where space and weight constraints are common.
- Low-Temperature Charge Capabilities: Unlike some chemistries, NCA can perform efficiently in cold conditions without a significant drop in efficiency, making it suitable for diverse climates.
- Good Cycle Life and Reliability: Known for its strong cycle life under moderate usage, NCA is a dependable choice for long-term applications, ensuring a stable and durable power solution.
Ensuring Compatibility with Battery Management Systems and Chargers
A compatible charger is essential for maintaining battery safety and extending its life. For this project, careful consideration was given to matching the charger with the battery’s specific requirements. Additionally, quick access to quality cells was crucial due to a tight project timeline. By sourcing reliable E-One Moli cells from Taiwan, we ensured both availability and high quality, which are essential for demanding utility applications.
NCA: A Superior Solution for Mission-Critical Utility Applications
This project illustrates why NCA chemistry is increasingly valued for mission-critical applications. Its ability to perform in extreme environmental conditions—from frigid cold to intense heat—makes it an ideal choice for utility applications.
By carefully matching the battery chemistry to the project’s unique demands, we delivered a power solution that meets stringent requirements and supports mission-critical operations across varied climates.
Want to learn more about our battery solutions for utility and extreme environments?
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