A Quick Guide to Choosing the Right High Capacity Lithium Ion Battery
Lithium ion batteries have become the standard power source for just about everything these days. From small batteries for handhelds to high power/high capacity ones for vehicles, anything battery powered uses Li-ion batteries. However, when it comes to choosing the right battery for your application, there are many different factors to consider. Balancing out these factors to match the requirements of your equipment will help you find the right lithium ion battery you need.
Energy Density
Energy density is always an important factor to consider when choosing a battery. Energy density refers to the amount of energy stored in the battery compared to weight, and higher energy density means more energy packed into a smaller, lighter-weight package. If the battery that you buy doesn’t have the right energy density, you could end up dealing with an excessive need for recharging, space constraints, and insufficient runtime for your equipment.
Power Output
Power output is another important feature of any battery, being the amount of power a battery can supply at any given time and in different environmental conditions. This is another defining characteristic that will determine what battery you need. Even if the battery has a high energy density, it doesn’t matter if it can’t supply the needed power at the necessary levels.
Cycle Life
The cycle life of a battery refers to the number of times it can be charged and discharged before losing performance. The industry standard that is generally accepted is the number of cycles until a battery is at 80% of its original capacity. A battery with a short cycle life, even if it has a cheaper upfront cost, can end up being more and more expensive as it will need to be replaced far more often than a battery with a long life cycle.
Compatibility
Another major factor to consider is whether or not the battery you’re considering is even compatible with your equipment. Compatibility is critical for performance of both the battery and your equipment, as well as for ensuring long-lasting durability for both. Key metrics for compatibility would be things like voltage, current capability, form-factor, operating temperature range, and various others.
Safety Features
Another factor to consider is the safety features of the battery. Li-ion technology is powerful and must be controlled from abuse and unsafe conditions. The battery management system (BMS) is the mastermind of the battery and prevents things like discharging the battery too far, operating the battery in extreme heat or cold conditions, discharging or charging the battery too quickly, and charging the battery at the wrong voltage.
Environmental Impact
All batteries have an impact on the environment, especially when not disposed of properly, and Li-ion batteries are no different. Some manufacturers have turned to recycling old batteries to reuse the critical minerals required for these batteries, but you can reduce your own environmental impact as well, just by picking a good battery. If you buy a battery that meets the demands of your equipment, then you will be less likely to have to replace it early in its life-cycle, which will lead to less material and hazardous waste.
Weight and Size
Batteries can be heavy, and the more power or energy that you need, the larger and heavier the battery becomes. Make sure to balance the weight and size of the battery with the power demands of the device it will power, or find a custom battery manufacturer like Bren-Tronics, who can work with you to develop a better solution than the standard, off-the-shelf products.
Longevity and Cost
Cost is always an important factor to consider when buying a battery, but it’s important to consider how long you’ll need it for. Cheaper batteries often don’t last as long as more expensive ones, and can result in costing you more money in the long run.
Find High Capacity Lithium Ion Batteries at Bren-Tronics
Bren-Tronics Inc. is a one-stop power shop for military and industrial grade batteries, offering low cost reliable solutions and high power in small, lightweight packages. Check out our Product Directory to view all of our current products, or contact us at Sales@bren-tronics.com for more information.
