Both lithium and lithium ion batteries are very popular these days. So, if you have to make a selection between these two, it will be really tough. But don’t worry. I will help you pick the right battery for your application. In this article, I will show you how different a lithium battery is from a lithium ion battery. This comparison will help you decide which of these batteries is best for your device. We will compare it based on different factors.
Let us get started.
1. The Type of Cell
It is essential to understand the type of cell used in lithium and lithium ion cell. Even though both these batteries are made of lithium, there are some differences in the type of cell used inside the battery. If the cell inside is a primary one, then the battery will be a non-rechargeable one. This statement is true in the case of lithium batteries. If the cell inside is a secondary one, then the battery will be a rechargeable one. This statement is true in the case of lithium ion batteries. So you can reuse the lithium ion battery again and again.
2. Cost
Cost is an important factor that you must consider while choosing a battery for your device. The process of manufacturing a lithium ion battery is slightly costly. Thus, the lithium ion batteries are costly. It is due to the fact that they are easy to manufacture.
But you must also take other types of costs associated with the battery into account. It includes the operational costs and the maintenance costs. When you use a lithium battery in your device, you need to throw it out once the charge is over. You cannot recharge and use the battery again. Lithium ion battery can be recharged after the discharge. Thus, you can use it multiple times. This rechargeability will help to save lots of your battery related costs.
3. Energy Holding Capacity
For many applications, you will be looking for batteries that can hold more energy. If you are also looking for the same, you need to go with the lithium ones. They are known to possess more energy holding capacity when compared to other battery type.
4. The Maintenance Factor
When you select a battery, you need to consider the maintenance part also. The maintenance is comparatively less for the lithium ion batteries. If you want to reduce maintenance, go for lithium ion batteries in your application.
5. Shelf Life
Another important factor that you must consider while choosing a battery for any application its shelf life. Shelf life is the time that the battery can be stored without any usage. You can get more than 2 years of shelf life with lithium ion battery. But the shelf life of a lithium battery can go up to 12 years.
6. Applications
There are places where the lithium battery is a better fit than the other one. This statement holds true for the lithium ion battery also. So, it is essential to identify the types of applications that suits each of these batteries. It is because of the fact that the lithium batteries are non-rechargeable batteries. Remote controller, hearing aids, and calculators are some of the common devices that make use of lithium cells.
If the application demands higher current values, go for the lithium ion batteries. It is due to the fact that they are rechargeable batteries. So, you can charge it, again and again, every time when the battery drains out. You can use it in applications like UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supplies), electric cars, etc.
7. Safety Aspects
All types of battery need to be handled according to the instructions given by the battery manufacturer. When you consider the safety aspects of lithium and lithium ion battery, both are safe to use if you use them as per the instructions. Lithium batteries are slightly hazardous than the lithium ion ones.
8. Impact on the Environment
You must also ensure that the battery that you use in your device does not cause too much pollution. The impact on the environment is very less for the lithium ion battery. It is because you can use it for a long time before disposing of it. You need to dispose of the lithium batteries once it is fully discharged. So, the impact is more on the environment for the lithium batteries. Choose wisely.
9. Extreme Temperature Performance
There are applications that need to work in hot climatic conditions. Like that, there are applications that need to work in hot climatic condition. When you select batteries for such devices, you need to ensure that the battery is able to provide enough energy at these extreme conditions. Even though both these types of batteries work well in cold and hot conditions, one of these battery is extremely good in extreme temperatures. This one battery is none other than the lithium battery.
10. Output Voltage Levels
Certain applications demand high voltage levels. When you compare the output voltage levels of lithium with lithium ion batteries, the voltage is high for the lithium batteries. So, you can easily use it in applications that demand higher voltage. But the voltage levels will be lower for the lithium ion ones. Both the lithium and lithium ion batteries can be kept in a series arrangement to increase the voltage levels if needed. They also support parallel arrangement if there is more current requirement.
11. Efficiency
You must always ensure that the battery that you use in your device runs at the best possible efficiency. It will help to avoid energy wastage. The lithium ion batteries are more efficient. The efficiency of lithium ion batteries is more than 95 percent.
12. Weight and Size of the Battery
If you are planning to use the battery in a portable device, you must consider the size and weight of the battery. The size and weight is less for the lithium batteries.
13. Thermal Stability
Some applications demand high level of thermal stability. The thermal stability of lithium is comparatively less when you make the comparison. So, the chances of catching fire or overheating are less for the lithium ion battery.
Final Thoughts
Both lithium and lithium batteries have got its advantages as well as disadvantages. Before you pick any of these batteries, you need to have a good understanding of the current and voltage requirement of your device, operating temperature of the device, environmental and safety requirements. Once you have all these requirements in place, you just need to compare it with two of these batteries. It will help you to select the right battery for your device.