Batteries are an excellent source of portable power, and are literally everywhere. Since their invention during the 1970's, lithium-ion batteries have become a leader when used in certain applications. Their ability to provide a higher current, plus being able to store higher amounts of energy at a time, makes them more desirable for energy hungry applications. But, there are downsides.
Shapes and sizes
Just like humans, lithium-ion batteries are made in many different shapes and sizes too. Your cell phone uses the flat variety. Your cordless phone uses the soft pack variety. Many digital cameras use them too (including the model I own). Other devices fine these batteries useful as well, including power tools, electric shavers and a massive variety of handheld LED flashlights. Laptop computers are perhaps one of the more well known consumer items that utilize lithium batteries. Aside from a camera, about the only device in this list where a consumer actually €handles€ the bare cell, or needs to charge it manually, is the flashlight. More on that process coming up.
The Advantage of Li-ions
As spoken about in the last paragraph, their varied shapes allow greater versatility.
They have no €memory effect€ unlike other rechargeable chemistry. This means that they're not bound by any particular charging rituals, and can be charged more frequently without the cell always depleting at the same interval. As an example; think about the number of times your cell phone will be charged, and at the different stages of €charge€ the phone will have at the time.
They're actual lighter in weight than other chemistry.
When compared to other rechargeable types, such as nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion batteries have a much slower self-discharge rate. They'll typically only lose about 5 - 10% per month. As a side note though€¦some NiMH cells are specifically labeled as €low self-discharge' - actually discharging at a lower percentage than the lithium cells!
Are There Any Disadvantages?
Yes. The short answer, as with ANY battery, they wear out. To explain further, the inevitable charging cycles leaves internal deposits, which over time diminish the cell's effectiveness, and its ability to hold a full charge. Temperature plays a part as well. Charging in extreme heat, will shorten its life. Although unlike standard non-rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion cells are not typically affected, as much, by extreme cold. Most handheld electronics will use a Li-ion made of cobalt oxide, which mentioned above, will deteriorate faster if charging in a hotter environment with low ventilation.
Are Lithium-ion Batteries Dangerous in Any Way?
Yes. BUT, ONLY in specific situations. First of all, this (mainly) applies to the devices where you'll manually charge the battery. Mishandling of a lithium cell includes, using a device where more than one cell is required. Owning several pairs is fine, but mixing them so that they're not EQUALLY paired, is not. Charging two or more cells together, where the charging status in one, may differ significantly from another, can actually cause the batteries to catch fire and explode! In other words, don't short circuit the cell! Horror stories of actual events like this can be found with an internet search. In €normal€ handling, while taking common sense precautions, a fire is highly unlikely. Knowledge when using lithium-ion is key!
Other precautions include - never to over-charge or over DIS-charge a lithium cell. Fortunately, many of those which require manual handling will already have a built-in protection circuit. This mean the battery itself, will shut down when the voltage gets too low. It will also protect it from charging over its current threshold as well. Just look for the term €protected€ when purchasing lithium batteries.
Shapes and sizes
Just like humans, lithium-ion batteries are made in many different shapes and sizes too. Your cell phone uses the flat variety. Your cordless phone uses the soft pack variety. Many digital cameras use them too (including the model I own). Other devices fine these batteries useful as well, including power tools, electric shavers and a massive variety of handheld LED flashlights. Laptop computers are perhaps one of the more well known consumer items that utilize lithium batteries. Aside from a camera, about the only device in this list where a consumer actually €handles€ the bare cell, or needs to charge it manually, is the flashlight. More on that process coming up.
The Advantage of Li-ions
As spoken about in the last paragraph, their varied shapes allow greater versatility.
They have no €memory effect€ unlike other rechargeable chemistry. This means that they're not bound by any particular charging rituals, and can be charged more frequently without the cell always depleting at the same interval. As an example; think about the number of times your cell phone will be charged, and at the different stages of €charge€ the phone will have at the time.
They're actual lighter in weight than other chemistry.
When compared to other rechargeable types, such as nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion batteries have a much slower self-discharge rate. They'll typically only lose about 5 - 10% per month. As a side note though€¦some NiMH cells are specifically labeled as €low self-discharge' - actually discharging at a lower percentage than the lithium cells!
Are There Any Disadvantages?
Yes. The short answer, as with ANY battery, they wear out. To explain further, the inevitable charging cycles leaves internal deposits, which over time diminish the cell's effectiveness, and its ability to hold a full charge. Temperature plays a part as well. Charging in extreme heat, will shorten its life. Although unlike standard non-rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion cells are not typically affected, as much, by extreme cold. Most handheld electronics will use a Li-ion made of cobalt oxide, which mentioned above, will deteriorate faster if charging in a hotter environment with low ventilation.
Are Lithium-ion Batteries Dangerous in Any Way?
Yes. BUT, ONLY in specific situations. First of all, this (mainly) applies to the devices where you'll manually charge the battery. Mishandling of a lithium cell includes, using a device where more than one cell is required. Owning several pairs is fine, but mixing them so that they're not EQUALLY paired, is not. Charging two or more cells together, where the charging status in one, may differ significantly from another, can actually cause the batteries to catch fire and explode! In other words, don't short circuit the cell! Horror stories of actual events like this can be found with an internet search. In €normal€ handling, while taking common sense precautions, a fire is highly unlikely. Knowledge when using lithium-ion is key!
Other precautions include - never to over-charge or over DIS-charge a lithium cell. Fortunately, many of those which require manual handling will already have a built-in protection circuit. This mean the battery itself, will shut down when the voltage gets too low. It will also protect it from charging over its current threshold as well. Just look for the term €protected€ when purchasing lithium batteries.
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