1. What is 3.6V Lithium ion Battery? And included types on the market.
Lithium-ion battery or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery composed of cells in which lithium ions move from the negative electrode through an electrolyte to the positive electrode during discharge and back when charging.
3.6V lithium battery is a battery with nominal voltage of 3.6V and has a capacity ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand milliamperes. It is generally used in various instruments, testing instruments, medical instruments, POS machines, laptops and other products. The rechargeable battery with nominal voltage of 3.6V can reach the level of 3.7V. The early LNCM ternary material, due to technical reasons, has only a nominal voltage of 3.6V, so it has the name of 3.6V lithium battery. However, with the continuous improvement of the formula and the structure, the nominal voltage of the battery has reached 3.7V.
3.6V rechargeable batteries may refer to nickel-metal hydride batteries. The nominal voltage of nickel-metal hydride batteries is 1.2V, and the voltage after three cells connected in series is 3.6V. Therefore, we should pay attention to distinguish whether 3.6V rechargeable batteries refer to lithium batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries.
3.6V lithium ion batteries are widely used in Panasonic products. The anode material is LiNiCoAlO2 containing nickel. Its characteristic is that the charging limit voltage remains unchanged at 4.2V. Although the discharge platform has been slightly reduced by 0.1V, the capacity and cycling life have been increased.
The most important representative of 3.8V lithium battery is Sanyo, which replaces the positive electrode with NMC ternary material to improve the discharge platform and capacity. Meanwhile, the charging limit voltage also rises to between 4.3V and 4.35V. Common products that use 3.8V batteries include ipad2, iphone 3, iphone5 and HTC one.
Thanks to BYD promotion of its electric cars, the term "lithium iron phosphate" has gained popularity in China in recent years. Take lithium iron phosphate for example, its anode material voltage standard value is usually between 3V~ 3.3V. At the expense of energy density, it improves the safety and cycling life, which is more suitable for safety performance in electric vehicles.
From 2012 year, prismatic Lithium ion battery launch market , the representative company have CATL, BYD and CALB, the features of this battery is high capacity of single cell, meet high energy requirement of electric vehicles, and energy storage system.
Types of 3.6V lithium battery:
1) Different appearance:
Cylindrical 3.6V lithium ion battery, such as 18650, 18500 and 14650, 21700, 26650 Lithium ion cell. main used for ebike, scooter, laptop;
Square 3.6V lithium ion battery, such as 103450, 523450, 653450, etc. Main used for phones and scanner;
And Prismatic 3.6V lithium ion battery appear in last years. Main used for electric vehicles.
2) Different capacity: 700mAh, 1500mAh, 1800mAh, 2200mAh, 2600mAh, 3000mah, 3200mah, 3400mah, 4800mah, 5000mah, 6000mah. Prismatic Lithium ion battery generally have higher capacity, usual models have 20Ah, 50Ah, 60Ah, 80Ah capacity.
2. Which products are more suitable for using 3.6V Lithium ion battery as power and why?
Application of 3.6V lithium battery: E-bike,scooter, motorcycle, surfboard,e-boat, etc. These products require high power and light weight and volume. The power industry is creating a demand for Li-ion battery packs to provide power sources.
As Li-ion batteries can store large amounts of energy and can be recharged many times, they offer good charging capacity and long lifespans. Lithium-ion batteries have relatively high energy. With a high storage energy density, the current maximum has reached 460Wh/kg, which is about 5-10 times that of lead-acid batteries, and may be higher in the future (specific energy refers to energy per unit weight or unit volume, and specific energy is expressed in Wh/kg or Wh/L). This is the mainly reason why most of manufacturer choose lithium ion material battery for power type devices and tools.
Also,lithium ion’s Balancing safety and performance. The inherent instability of lithium metal led to the development of a non-metallic lithium battery using lithium ions. Although slightly lower in energy density, the lithium-ion system is safe when it is properly designed, and used with a built-in associated Battery Management System (BMS) which ensures certain precautions are met when charging and discharging.
3. What is 3.2V LiFePo4 Lithium iron Phosphate Battery? and included types.
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries use phosphate as the cathode material and a graphitic carbon electrode as the anode. LFP batteries have a long life cycle with good thermal stability and electrochemical performance.
What are they used for:
LFP battery cells have a nominal voltage of 3.2 volts, so connecting four of them in series results in a 12.8-volt battery. This makes LFP batteries the most common type of lithium battery for replacing lead-acid deep-cycle batteries.
It is a high-power lithium-ion rechargeable battery for energy storage, EV, electric tools, yacht, solar systems that uses lithium iron phosphate as the positive material. LFP Battery has excellent safety and cycle life performance advantages and is the most critical technical index of a power battery.
LFP batteries typically have a life cycle rating of 2,000 cycles or more. Unlike lead-acid batteries, depth of discharge has a minimal impact on the lifespan of LFP batteries. Most LFP manufacturers rate their batteries at 80% depth of discharge, and some even allow 100% discharging without damaging the battery.
3.2V Lifepo4 lithium iron phosphate battery has cylindrical cells, prismatic cells types, these are widely used in energy storage system, solar home energy station, UPS and Uninterruptible power station, communication base station. EVE, CALB, CATL, Lishen are the leading manufacturer in the industry.
4. Which products are more suitable for using 3.2V LiFePo4 Lithium iron phosphate battery as power and why?
Suitable for Solar power system, RV, Caravan, Marine, Boat, Backup power supply.
The benefits over the more traditional cobalt-based Li-Ion batteries are increased power output, faster charging, reduced weight and longer lifetime. LiFePo4 batteries also have better safety characteristics and do not explode under extreme conditions. It also eliminate the concerns of cobolt entering the environment through improper disposal once they have expired.
5. How to choose Lithium ion Battery or LiFePo4 battery for your products?
So first, we can explain what‘s the difference between LiFePO4 and lithium ion battery:
1) Lithium ion battery have higher energy density for unite weight and unite volume, it can supply higher power for equipment in same weight and space.
2) The life of lithium iron phosphate battery is longer than lithium ion battery, LiFePO4 battery’s cycle life is more than 2000 times at the same conditions 100% DOD. But lithium ion battery just have 800-1000 times cycle life.
3) Lithium iron phosphate batteries can withstand high temperatures, and the hot air value of lithium iron phosphate batteries can reach 350°C to 500°C.
4) Lithium iron phosphate cannot be fired or exploded by puncturing, and will not fire or explode when overcharged to 100%, But Lithium battery charging will reach the specified value, it will swell and even explode.
5) Lithium ion battery have better performance on high rate charging and discharging, can be used some product, require higher working efficiency.
So how to choose suitable battery for our product?
1) Choose the battery type according to your application environment. Lithium ion battery is more resistant to low temperature, lithium iron phosphate battery is more resistant to high temperature.
2) Choose battery type according to application field.
The application range of LiFePO4 lithium iron phosphate battery including:
Heavy electric vehicles: electric car, Truck, bus, tourist attractions and hybrid vehicles, etc;
Other lighter electric vehicles: golf carts, small flat battery cars, forklifts, cleaning vehicles, electric wheelchairs, etc;
Remote control cars, boats, airplanes and other toys;
Energy storage equipment for solar and wind power generation;
Small medical equipment and portable instruments;
Transportation power supply;
Mobile communication power supply;
Power storage, New energy storage power;
Aerospace military power supply.
The application range of Lithium-ion Batteries:
Lithium-ion batteries today are more commonly found in the form of a slab, block or battery-pack rather than in the cylindrical shape of AAA, AA, C or D.
They are used extensively in smartphones, digital cameras, computers and other consumer electronics. Such as: Notebook computers, smartphones, GPS sport watches, portable power devices;
Light electric vehicles: electric bicycles, electric scooter, electric surfboard;
Electric tools: electric drill, electric saw, lawn mower, etc;
6. The Maintenance Precautions of Lithium ion Battery?
1) Overview
Do not leave batteries unused for extended periods of time, either in the product or in storage. When a battery has been unused for 6 months, check the charge status and charge or dispose of the battery as appropriate.
The typical estimated life of a Lithium-Ion battery is about two to three years or 300 to 500 charge cycles, whichever occurs first. One charge cycle is a period of use from fully charged, to fully discharged, and fully recharged again. Use a two to three year life expectancy for batteries that do not run through complete charge cycles.
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries have a limited life and will gradually lose their capacity to hold a charge. This loss of capacity (aging) is irreversible. As the battery loses capacity, the length of time it will power the product (run time) decreases.Lithium-Ion batteries continue to slowly discharge (self-discharge) when not in use or while in storage. Routinely check the battery’s charge status.
2) Battery Maintenance
A. Observe and note the run time that a new fully-charged battery provides for powering your product. Use this new battery run time as a basis to compare run times for older batteries. The run time of your battery will vary depending on the product’s configuration and the application that you run.
B. Routinely check the battery’s charge status, carefully monitor batteries that are approaching the end of their estimated life.
C. Consider replacing the battery with a new one if you note either of the following conditions:
The battery run time drops below about 80% of the original run time.
The battery charge time increases significantly.
D. If a battery is stored or otherwise unused for an extended period, be sure to follow the storage instructions in this document. If you do not follow the instructions, and the battery has no charge remaining when you check it, consider it to be damaged. Do not attempt to recharge it or to use it. Replace it with a new battery.
3) Handling Precautions
Do not disassemble, crush, or puncture a battery.
Do not short the external contacts on a battery.
Do not dispose of a battery in fire or water.
Do not expose a battery to temperatures above 60 °C (140 °F).
Keep the battery away from children.
Avoid exposing the battery to excessive shock or vibration.
Do not use a damaged battery.
If a battery pack has leaking fluids, do not touch any fluids. Dispose of a leaking battery pack (see Disposal and Recycling in this document).
In case of eye contact with fluid, do not rub eyes. Immediately flush eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower lids, until no evidence of the fluid remains. Seek medical attention.
7. The Maintenance Precautions of LiFePo4(Lithium iron phosphate) Battery?
From a safety perspective, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are more stable than other types. They can withstand higher temperatures, short circuits, and overcharging without combustion. This is important for any kind of battery.
Except the precautions of Lithium ion battery we mentioned above, according to the features of LiFePo4 battery, we need take care of below points.
1) Stay Out of the Heat
Batteries operate best in temperatures that are also comfortable for people, around 20°C (68°F). You’ll still have plenty of lithium power at higher temperatures, but once you get past 40°C (104°F), the electrodes may start to degrade.
The exact temperature differs based on the type of battery. Lithium iron phosphate batteries can operate safely at 60°C (140°F), but even they will suffer problems after that.
If you’re using a device, such as a phone, with a lithium-ion battery, you won’t have much trouble keeping it out of those high temperatures.
For a vehicle or renewable energy system, though, it becomes difficult, which is why it’s important to have a battery management system (BMS). The BMS protects the cells from getting damaged --most commonly from over or under-voltage, over-current, high temperature, or external short-circuiting. The BMS will shut off the battery to protect the cells from unsafe operating conditions.
2) Avoid Sub-Freezing Temperatures
On the other extreme, operating and charging lithium batteries in cold weather also presents some challenge.
Batteries in temperatures below freezing (0°C or 32°F) don’t operate as well. If the temperature gets down to -4°C (-20°F), most batteries are only operating at 50% of their usual performance.
This is an important safety consideration if you’re driving an electric vehicle in cold temperature since you don’t want to assume you can go your usual range. You’ll need to stop and recharge more often.
Charging batteries in cold weather, though, can also be problematic. When charging below freezing, plating forms on the anode of a lithium battery, and that plating can’t be removed. If this type of charging is done more than once, the battery will be more likely to fail if it suffers an impact.
For the best battery maintenance, wait to charge your battery until the temperatures are warm enough to avoid damage.
3) Safe Storage
If you need to store or ship lithium batteries, the biggest concern is avoiding overheating, or what’s called thermal runaways. When this happens, the flammable electrolytes vaporize, and the reaction pressurizes the battery cells. If the case fails, the gases in the cells are released, leading to fire and possible explosion.
This is less likely with lithium iron phosphate batteries.
From a storage perspective, overheating is still the main concern. You should discharge the battery to about 50% before long-term storage, and keep it within a comfortable temperature range, between 4°C and 27°C (40°F and 80°F).
You should also wear protective clothing when handling the batteries, in case they’re damaged. To help keep them stable, make sure they’re stored in a dry, well-ventilated place, and in a way that they won’t be knocked over.
8. What is our Warranty time and detail Warranty Policy for Lithium ion battery and LiFePo4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery?
The service life of Lithium ion 18650, 21700, 26650 battery is 2 years or 500-800 times cycle.
The service life of Lithium ion prismatic battery is 3-5 years or 2000 times cycle.
The service life of Lithium iron phosphate prismatic battery for electric vehicles application is 8-10 years or 2000-4000 times cycle.
The service life of Lithium iron phosphate prismatic battery for energy storage application is 10-15 years or 3000-5000 times cycle.
According to these, Our warranty time is differ from battery types and applications:
For Lithium ion and LiFePo4 cell, we supply one year warranty, make sure its voltage, internal resistance and capacity in promised range. Supply compensation or return for qualified one.
For Lithium ion battery pack, we supply one year warranty. If have cells broken in warranty time, we supply replace new one. If BMS not work normally, we supply replace BMS, parts and technology support for maintenance.
For LiFePo4 battery pack of EV application, supply three years warranty. If cells or BMS not normally in warranty time, we supply replace new one and technology support for maintenance.
For LiFePo4 ESS (Energy storage system) battery module, we supply five years warranty for new developed ESS battery module to let our customer be assured for our quality. And supply three years warranty for proven ESS battery module.
9. As dangerous products, What is the shipment ways you can choice for Lithium Batteries?
From fast to slow delivery time, there are 4 channels for Lithium battery shipment:
1) By UPS or DHL express service to door, the fastest way, need 5-10 days, to door but don’t include Tax and custom fee, customer need pay it himself.
2) By Air to door, this shipment is not cheap than by express to door service, need 10 days around. but it is DDP service, customer no need pay Tax and custom fee. Above two ways are suitable for sample or urgent orders.
3) By sea to door or by train to door, this is cheapest door to door service, need 40-45 working days. The cost just 1/3 of UPS or DHL with DDP service.
4) By sea to port, customer need arrange clearance and picking up goods for this shipment way, also the cheapest. It is suitable for batch order or full container shipment.
For shipment way 1) 2) 3), no need any special documents for clearance in China, can ship via HongKong. For shipment way 4), need MSDS, UN38.3 and dangerous goods package certificate to book container.
