Lead-acid batteries are making big discussion while choosing the battery. The landscape of battery technology has witnessed a pronounced shift with the rise of lithium-ion batteries, even as lead-acid batteries have long held their ground. The global surge in lithium-ion battery demand has propelled the production of these batteries into overdrive. They've seamlessly integrated into a myriad of applications, from golf carts and RVs to homes and boats. But as with anything new and rapidly expanding, myths have arisen. This article aims to debunk the most common misconceptions surrounding lithium-ion batteries, especially when compared to the traditional lead-acid batteries.
Myth #1: Lithium Batteries Can’t Operate in Cold Conditions
While it's true that all batteries, including lithium and lead-acid types, are designed to operate within specific temperature thresholds, they react differently in cold conditions.
Lead-acid batteries, when exposed to temperatures below 32°F, witness a drop in their usable capacity and efficiency, retaining only 70-80% of their rated capacity. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries, at the same temperature, maintain an impressive 95-98% of their capacity. Even at a chilling 14°F, lithium batteries hold strong at 80% of their rated capacity.
While lead-acid batteries may struggle continuously in colder climates, lithium batteries self-warm during use, boosting voltage and reducing resistance – an advantage for efficient appliance operation.
It's noteworthy that while lithium batteries have a broader acceptable charging range than lead-acid counterparts, both require adherence to their specific temperature ranges, with slower charging always being optimal.
At Renewgy, our lithium batteries are engineered with an in-built monitoring and heating system, alongside a robust battery management system (BMS) to fend off damage from extreme temperatures.
Myth #2: Lithium Batteries Break the Bank Compared to Lead-acid Batteries
Yes, the initial investment in lithium batteries might be steeper, but their longevity, higher usable capacity, and durability render them cost-effective in the long run. Lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, demand frequent replacements and are prone to damage.
A lithium battery can offer up to 3,500 cycles if discharged to 80%, while a lead-acid battery provides merely 300-500 cycles for the same discharge level. In essence, daily cycling would mean a lithium battery serving you for an astonishing 14 years, in contrast to the less than two years from a lead-acid battery. Also, when you factor in the efficiency, fewer lithium batteries are needed to match the capacity of a more substantial number of lead-acid ones.
Myth #3: All Lithium Batteries are Potential Fire Hazards
The fear of lithium batteries erupting in flames is based on limited knowledge about their types and characteristics. Among the various categories of lithium batteries, such as LCO, NCA, LiFePO4, NMC, and LMO, it's the LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries that stand out for their safety.
LiFePO4 batteries are characterized by their minimal heat emission, a result of their stable chemical composition and architecture. These batteries are not prone to overheating or catching fire, given the resilient covalent bonding of phosphorus and oxygen atoms. Even in scenarios of overcharging, LiFePO4 batteries remain undamaged due to the stability of the phosphate-oxide bond. Hence, at Renewgy, our battery choice is based on the safe and efficient LiFePO4 chemistry.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right battery involves weighing factors such as cold weather performance, longevity, safety protocols, and depth of discharge. For expert advice and insights on the tangible benefits of transitioning to lithium batteries, reach out to the specialists at Renewgy.