ABOUT LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

 

Lithium-ion batteries have some great advantages over other types of energy storage. One of those advantages is safety. Lithium-ion batteries are very safe compared to many other methods of energy storage, despite the media’s occasional exploitation of consumer unfamiliarity with the technology.

 

LITHIUM-ION ADVANTAGES

 

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have a number of advantages over other forms of energy storage. Here are some of the key advantages they offer:

• 3-5 times the life of lead acid batteries
• 1/3 the weight and size of lead acid batteries.
• Safer energy storage than gasoline tanks or compressed natural gas cylinders.
• Not harmful to the environment.
• Quiet, unlike combustion engines.

LITHIUM-ION SAFETY

 

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, when appropriately used with a BMS, are safer than many other forms of energy storage. Many people are unaware that:

 

• Lithium-ion batteries are not the same, and are more stable than lithium metal batteries.
• Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are much more stable than single-use lithium-ion batteries.
• Consumer-level lithium-ion batteries are much more likely to have problems than those used in commercial and industrial applications (such as electric vehicles) because of the numerous safety precautions provided by BMSs.
• There are different types of lithium-ion batteries, with different chemistries and properties:
  1. The older, more unstable formulas are no longer used.
  2. Higher power but more volatile lithium-cobalt formulas are not generally used for vehicles or other applications where their volatility is a safety concern.
  3. Lower power but more stable formulas are generally used for everyday appliances and vehicles.