LITHIUM ION (LiI) BATTERY
Primary or secondary lithium batteries come to the world almost 100 years ago. Since safety of using lithium metal cannot be solved so well, this leads lithium batteries cannot be put in practical or commercialize. As the invention of using lithium ion as energy carrier comes, it has greatly improved the safety issue of lithium battery. In addition, the specific energy density of lithium ion battery is much higher than NiMH battery and other batteries. This is the main reason why lithium ion batteries becoming the major power sources for handy electronic equipment and some industrial applications.
However, protection from over voltage / over current and under voltage during charging and discharging is required for lithium ion batteries. PCM is needed for this purpose and hence extra cost is required.
Lithium ion batteries are used as power for MP3/MP4 players, smart phones, laptop computer, tablet computers, flashlights, remote control aeroplanes / helicopters, drones, power tools, electric bicycles, EV, etc..
LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE ( LiFePO4 ) BATTERY
Actually, LiFePO4 battery is belongs to lithium ion batteries. It is more safer than lithium ion batteries. Its ability to withstand over voltage charge is much better. But the nominal voltage, 3.2V, is a bit lower than lithium ion battery and the specific energy density is almost lower. However, the cycle life is higher. Cycle life of 1000~2000 cycles can be attained under 1C rate discharge. Battery is applied as power for EV and electric bus in most countries.
LiFePO4 battery has a wide operation temperature range, -20℃ to 60℃ . 70% capacity can be discharge even under ambient temperature of -20℃.
Most of its applications rely on industrial fields such as solar energy storage systems, power for EV and electric vehicles, etc..
LITHIUM TITANATE(LTO) BATTERY
The principle advantages of lithium titanate (LTO) battery are its safe in applications, able to use under extremely low temperature and very long cycle life. LTO battery can operate under -30℃, ~70% capacity can be discharged under such low temperature. However, since there is nearly no dimensional change during its charge and discharge operations, it attains >10,000 cycles even under 1C discharge rate. LTO battery is used in industrial applications in most condition. These include the applications to EV, HEV, electric public bus, forklift, railway device, energy storage system for solar & wind energy, etc..
NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE ( NiMH ) BATTERY
The applications of power for cordless equipment grow rapidly as well as their necessity of high capacity. NiMH battery is the most suitable choice for these applications. It’s capacity is 1.5~2.0 times higher than NiCd battery. In addition, NiMH battery is environmental friendly but NiCd battery is not.
NiMH battery can be used as power for cordless telephones, FRS, walkie-talkies, DC, electric shaver, flashlights, LED lamps, measuring instrument, vacuum cleaners, electrical appliances, power tools, etc..
The latest developed “Good Charge Retention” commercial NiMH batteries (CapKeep Battery) can even replace some applications of alkaline batteries.
NICKEL CADMIUM ( NiCd ) BATTERY
NiCd battery is one of the earliest commercial rechargeable battery in the world. It is cheap and has a board range of applications. These applications include the power for handy commercial electronic equipment, flashlights, emergency lamps, standby power, UPS, security products, electrical appliances, fire fighting equipment, etc..
Since cadmium is a harmful material to human body and environment. Most countries especially EU countries prohibit from using NiCd battery except its applications as standby power and the power for power tools.
PRIMARY BATTERIES
Primary battery refers to primitive battery which is non-rechargeable. There are different chemical systems of primary batteries.
The most popular types that we can find are namely as:
manganese dry battery (-),
alkaline manganese battery (L),
lithium manganese dioxide battery (C),
silver oxide battery (S),
lithium iron disulfide battery (F),
zinc air battery (P),
lithium thionyl chloride battery (E), etc..
Most of these batteries are constructed as button types and cylindrical types.
Manganese dry batteries, alkaline batteries and zinc air batteries can be found in commercial market. Those other batteries such as CR / ER batteries are used in industrial fields in principle.