The prismatic cells are the power source category that comes with stacked-column compartments. Their energy is saved through chemical potential and electric power conversion.
Moreover, prismatic-type cells are designed with rectangular shapes, having a high power density. These cells can work well even in cold weather and withstand vibration impacts. However, manufacturing them consumes more expense.
Utilized Production Methods
Battery cell production uses disclosed techniques, sealing prismatic cases internally. Their electrode structure components include anode, cathode, and separators. The processes are:
Bending & Welding the metal-made plates. Before doing the process, the prismatic body’s thickness is determined. Then they are formed into shapes with open top and bottom parts.
The top and bottom sections are manufactured with sealing members, depending on prismatic body forms. After that, the bottom body section and sealing member are attached and welded.
Sealed battery cases inserted with electrode structure are produced as of the previous method. Finally, attach and weld the top battery case parts into the top-sealed members.
Features of Prismatic Lithium Cells
Prismatic lithium cells come with advantageous features. That includes the following:
- Great capacity and consistent discharge voltage
- Prolonged lifespan with excellent performance
- Comes with a lighter weight
- Overloading and high-temperature resistance
- Environmentally friendly
- 100% rechargeable battery
- Protected from circuit explosion
Potentials of Prismatic Cells
Prismatic cells are expected to play a significant role in the future, given their many benefits and qualities. Even at present, they are already making progress by setting into manufacturing industries. Additionally, they have a lot of already-observed potentialities.
Starting with the manufacturing process. Prismatic cells require fewer productions procedure, which lessens costs.
Also, their format is suitable for LFP chemistry (lithium-iron-phosphate). It’s a combination of less expensive and accessible materials. This a convenient option since the chemistry for LFP has an available resource.
Suitable Applications
- Solar energy
- Medical equipment
- Street lights
- UPS power supply
- Body scanner
- Communication
- E-bikes
- Elevators
- Motor thruster
- Wind power
Prismatic vs. Cylindrical Cells
Size. Compared to cylindrical cells, prismatic is way bigger. Since they have more energy, it is reasonable. To determine such an amount, a ratio of 1:100 is an example. One prismatic cell has the equivalent power of 100 cylindrical cells. Also, a larger size means its wide range of capacity for various uses.
Power. Although cylindrical cells contain less energy yet more powerful. Other than that, they discharge way faster. That reason is due to cylindrical cells having more connection to Ah. It ables them to perform at high efficiency.
Connection. Prismatic cells produce such power with a less cell amount. Only a few electrical connections will be welded. And that makes the batteries more advantageous. Also, this helps lessen manufacturing defects.
Prismatic and Pouch Batteries Differences
As mentioned above, prismatic cells are rechargeable power sources with improved energy density. They also have extended cycle life compared to other batteries.
On the contrary, pouch cells come with over two flat cells. These cells are laminated and folded to achieve pouch form.
They are designed with great power density, suitable for some usages in replacement with cylindrical cells. Compared to prismatic ones, pouch batteries have lesser cycle life.
Also, pouch-type cells are more affordable than prismatic cells.
The prismatic ones have solid cases, enabling efficient cell stacks and excellent airflow. That fulfills cooler performance and prolonged service life.
Additionally, pouch batteries utilize versatile plastic cells, while prismatic ones use rigid shell cells. Pouch cells are suitable for shock-exposed starter batteries since they can endure vibration impacts.
Prismatic Lithium Cell Composition
The prismatic lithium cells are composed of an anode, separator, and cathode. Cell compositions are placed in the middle and added with liquid electrolytes.
Cathode – has nickel, cobalt, and aluminum oxide elements
Anode – composed of a graphite
Separators – designed from polypropylene materials
Electrolyte – produced from combined Dimethoxyethane and propylene carbonate
These compositions are working together, provide energy, and achieve stable power during operation.
Standard Dimension of Prismatic-Type Cells
Properties | Values |
Working area measurement | 6mm x 145mm x 255mm |
Heat capacity | 745 J/kg K |
Thermal Conductivity | 27 through surface & – 0.8 thickness |
Density | 2335 kg/m3 |
LifeP04 Prismatic Cells
The Lithium Ion Phosphate prismatic-type cell is the suitable answer for connection-less energy storage. They provide unparalleled security, capacity, and stable solution in different applications. That includes marine, solar energy, caravans, and more applications.
All the lifeP04 prismatic cells have quality control approvals, ensuring their capacity, sizes, and voltage compatibility. You can purchase them in a wide capacity range, including
- 105Ah
- 230Ah
- 280Ah
- 304Ah
Protective Instructions for Using Prismatic Li-Ion Battery
It is recommended to use Li-ion batteries with BMS. They are watched and mechanically secured from over-charged and discharge states. When batteries experienced such issues, they can cause constant damage and form an unsecured working setup.
Contactors and fuses also need to work with BMS to prevent over-current, over-temperature, short-circuits, and low-temperature.
Always use the provided and accurate chargers.
It is also important to read first the utilization and charging specifications. Then charge and discharge them according to the required capacity and temperature range.
Secure accessories and control electronics from moisture, rain, or splashes.
Never let the battery cells have short circuits. That can cause prismatic battery cell problems and unsafe working operation.
Keep the bus bars and terminals dry and not dirty. Before operating the batteries, ensure the terminal screw tightness. Loose screw tightness will provide extreme contact resistance, produces heat, and cause a possible fire.
Ensure the handled exact sizes and current capacity of cables, bus bars, and connectors. Insufficient measurements can overheat and produce fire. Circuit breakers are effective to use to control or limiting the current.
Prismatic Lithium Cell Thickness Range
Here are some standard specifications of prismatic Li cells.
Capacity | Voltage | Dimension (Thickness x Width x Length) |
30mah | 3.7V | 3.7mm x 10.5mm x 18.5mm |
50mah | 3.7V | 4.5mm x 13mm x 19.5mm |
70mah | 3.7V | 5.2mm x 12mm x 28.5mm |
105mah | 3.7V | 4.7mm x 13mm x 30.5mm |
110mah | 3.7V | 4.2mm x 13mm x 34.5mm |
205mah | 3.7V | 4.2mm x 19mm x 35.5mm |
180mah | 3.7V | 4.2mm x 23mm x 27.5mm |
470mah | 3.7V | 4.6mm x 29mm x 40.5mm |
950mah | 3.7V | 4.9mm x 42mm x 48.5mm |
How Long Does Prismatic Lithium Battery Cell Last?
The estimated lifespan of prismatic Li batteries is 2 to 3 years with about 300-500 cycles of charging.
Which Cars Utilize Prismatic Cells?
Specifically, Volkswagen and BMW prefer to utilize prismatic-type cells. They indeed benefit from the cell’s compact design, quick cooling, and affordable manufacturing cost.
However, the prismatic cells offer low energy density and charge & discharge cycle rate issues.