What Are Lithium Batteries Used For?
Lithium or lithium-ion batteries are superior-quality rechargeable batteries used for running nearly all types of electric devices. Compared to ordinary batteries, lithium batteries have high energy density with minimal maintenance demands.
What are lithium batteries used for? Lithium batteries are super versatile, from the medical field to the transport industry and entertainment. They have a wide range of applications. Keep on reading to learn in detail about some of the applications of lithium batteries.
What is a Lithium Battery?
Lithium batteries are also known as Lithium-ion batteries. They are rechargeable and use the Lithium metal element as the key constituent of its electrochemistry.
They are popular batteries and you can access them in almost all battery dealers worldwide. Lithium batteries are lightweight and have higher energy density.
Lithium batteries have four major elements:
1. The Cathode
It’s the material used on the positive electrode. It determines the capacity and the voltage of the lithium battery. Additionally, it generates the lithium ions. In lithium batteries, the cathode is made of lithium iron phosphate material.
2. The Anode
The anode is the opposite of the cathode and it’s the negative electrode on the battery. The anode enables the flow of the electric current from the external circuit. The lithium ions are deposited in the anode.
3. The Electrolyte
The electrolyte comprises solvents, salts, and additives. It is the medium between the anode and the cathode. It facilitates the movement of ions.
4. The Separator
The separator divides the anode and cathode.
Lithium Battery: 15 Popular Uses and Applications
What are lithium batteries used for? The following are the most obvious day-to-day uses of lithium batteries.
1. Smartphones and Laptops
Have you wondered about the type of battery your smartphone or laptop runs on? The most common applications for lithium batteries in the modern world are laptops and smartphones. The reason why lithium batteries are preferred for laptops and smartphones is because they are:
- Durable
- Have high energy densities thus capable of storing high amounts of power, up to 150 watt-hours in one kilogram of battery
- Lightweight compared to other battery types
- Fast and easy charging. You do not have the battery to discharge at 100%
- Lithium batteries are low-maintenance and eco-friendly
2. Digital Cameras
Digital cameras such as Nikon and Canon rely heavily on lithium-ion batteries. They require a high-energy and robust power source to perform effectively and longer.
Lithium batteries for digital cameras are lightweight and compact-sized, with a large power capacity. Major camera brands are consistent in specific lithium batteries. Therefore, when a photographer upgrades their camera, they can still use the old lithium battery.
3. Smart Watches and Wearable Devices
Lithium batteries for watches are small and lightweight. Although they are small, usually, they have a 3 Volt capacity which lasts a decade longer compared to the low-drain watches.
4. Electric Wheelchair
Lithium batteries are lightweight, safe, and rechargeable making them safe to use on wheelchairs. Once fully charged, lithium batteries can last long, which is necessary for wheelchairs. Additionally, they are fast charging, so the user doesn’t have to wait longer. It allows the user to use the wheelchair for extended travel distances with minimal mechanical wear and tear of the battery.
5. Pacemakers
Lithium batteries have contributed immensely to modernize the medical field. One of the common uses of lithium batteries is in pacemakers. They are preferred in pacemakers because they have low drain current, long life, favorable voltage characteristics, and high energy density.
The pacemaker lithium batteries last approximately seven to eight years and weigh around 30 grams. Over a span of five years, lithium batteries experience only 10% capacity loss.
6. Portable Power Banks
Due to their lightweight and high power capacity nature, lithium batteries are suitable for powering portable power banks. Additionally, power banks that utilize lithium batteries are capable of withstanding frequent movements and temperature changes in different locations.
An additional advantage of lithium batteries for power banks is the capability to charge quickly. Also, with the custom lithium batteries, you can change to the latest modern and long-lasting batteries.
7. Electric Vehicles
Over the past few years, the use of lithium batteries in Electric Vehicles (EVs) has experienced explosive progress. Common electric vehicles like Tesla, Nissan Leaf, and Chevy Bolt largely rely on lithium batteries to power their vehicles.
Owing to the intensifying environmental concerns, lithium batteries are better favored because they are sustainable and last longer.
Lithium batteries are lightweight with a minimal self-discharge rate. Consequently, the expenses of manufacturing lithium batteries have considerably dropped, thus making the use of EVs more realistic.
8. Solar Energy Storage
The world continues to embrace solar energy as an alternative green energy source. For a comprehensive and efficient solar system, you must have batteries for storing superfluous power for later use. Lithium batteries are the best choice for conserving surplus solar energy.
During cloudy days, you can still access solar power, thanks to lithium batteries. They are companionable with solar panels and they charge quickly, making them suitable for solar energy storage.
9. RV Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries offer a dependable source of power for RVs. The power stored in lithium batteries is used to run appliances in the RV. It allows adventurers to explore remote places without fear of running out of power. Due to the limited storage in RVs, lithium batteries are better preferred because they are relatively light-weight and do not take up much space. Also, they are not dangerous to use in limited and enclosed spaces.
10. Golf Carts Lithium Battery
For the longest time, golf carts have been running on lead-acid batteries. But, over the years, due to their sustainability, efficiency, and durability, golf cart producers have shifted their attention to lithium batteries.
Moreover, you can easily swap the lead acid battery for a lithium battery as long as the golf cart has a similar energy connector. Your lithium battery will last for over ten years, depending on how frequently you play golf.
11. Marine Vehicles
Not all batteries are suitable for marine vehicles. However, lithium batteries, especially the Iron Phosphate Lithium Batteries are best suited for use on boats and yachts. Lithium batteries are well-built and not easily destroyed by water. You can have fun without worrying about your marine battery problems.
12. Surveillance and Alarm Systems
You no longer need to rely on an electricity connection for the remote surveillance of your home or property. Lithium batteries allow you to remotely use the surveillance and alarm systems in areas where there is no electricity access.
Lithium batteries are better preferred for surveillance and alarm systems due to their long life, fast charging capabilities, and compact size. In addition, they have a lower self-discharge rate compared to lead-acid batteries.
13. UPS or Emergency Power Backup
Despite the technological advancements in our modern world, power instability and outages still exist. Lithium batteries are used as a solution for curbing these power inconsistencies.
The batteries are used in uninterrupted power supply (ups) and emergency power backup systems. Unlike conventional generators, lithium batteries on UPS ensure instant power, which is important for running crucial equipment such as medical machines.
14. Medical Devices
Lithium batteries are easily rechargeable, small-sized, and safe. Therefore, they are best suited for use on medical devices. The medical devices manufacturers are now able to design and produce convenient and portable medical devices.
Thanks to the lithium technology, patients can easily use these devices without compromising their well-being or safety. Some of the medical devices that use lithium batteries consist of defibrillators, pacemakers, blood pressure monitors, and pulse oximeters among others.
15. Remote Control Devices
Handheld power devices such as remote controls function better with lithium batteries. As mentioned above, lithium batteries are lightweight and last longer. Also, due to their enhanced safety features, lithium batteries such as anti-leaking, are safe for handheld remote control device
Conclusion
Lithium batteries are over 50 years old and are continuously being improved. Scientists are constantly formulating and testing new methods of refining lithium batteries. So, what are lithium batteries used for? As discussed above, lithium batteries are versatile and used across numerous industries. They are stable, safe, and highly efficient compared to other battery types.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I store lithium batteries when not in use for an extended period?
Always store the lithium battery at room temperature. Do not expose it to extreme hot and cold temperatures for extended time as it can cause damage to the battery.
2. What is the life expectancy of lithium batteries?
Several aspects impact the durability of lithium batteries. For personal and smaller electronics, their life expectancy is roughly 300 to 500 charging cycles or 2 to 3 years.
If you are dealing with larger lithium batteries, the average lifespan is approximately 8 to 10 years. Other factors that majorly affect the long life of the battery are usage and the environment of use.
3. What actions should I take to make my battery last longer?
Avoid exposing it to hot or cold temperatures. Also, do not discharge the battery fully. Do not keep the battery on full charge for long. Use your devices regularly to ensure their software is updated for optimal management of the battery.