eric roberts

Lithium Batteries a Close Look

So, one of my new year resolutions is to learn more about Lithium batteries. It’s the old adage of an old dog learning new tricks. I only have to look around my home to see that most batteries fitted to household appliances are running from lithium batteries.

It’s true that, Lithium-Ion batteries are truly remarkable in their ability to power our everyday devices. Revolutionizing the energy landscape.

So, from the top of my head we have a cordless vacuum cleaner, lawn mower, hedge trimmer all run from a lithium battery. Also including, smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and renewable energy, Li-ion batteries have become an essential component of our lives.

My problem is that I have always been enthralled by the ever-present lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries have “slipped under the radar” as far as I am concerned.

I suppose the technology behind Li-ion batteries has been evolving for decades. with researchers constantly pushing the boundaries to improve their performance, safety, and sustainability. As a result, we have seen incredible advancements in battery technology, leading to longer-lasting devices, faster charging times, and more efficient energy storage.

In fact, we have just received a new wheelchair for my disabled wife. The chair came with 2 x 24 volt 15Ah batteries. Consequently, they are interchangeable after each charge. The batteries have also an image of an aircraft on them! Showing that they are accepted by airlines and safe to fly.

Solid State Li-ion batteries

Importantly, one of the most exciting areas of research for Li-ion batteries is solid-state batteries. These batteries use a solid electrolyte. Of course, which is safer and less likely to leakage or overheating than traditional Li-ion batteries. Solid-state batteries also have the potential to achieve higher energy densities, allowing for longer-lasting devices and electric vehicles.

Another important thing to know about Li-ion batteries is their sustainability. Today we have a much larger demand for energy storage, growing rapidly. University researchers are looking for ways to reduce the environmental impact of battery production. Especially in the field of battery disposal. This includes the development of new recycling technologies. Thus, extracting valuable metals and materials from used batteries. Of course this is common practice from lead acid batteries, which are 95% recyclable.

However still some safety concerns

Although advancements have been made there are still some safety concerns. Li-ion batteries can be prone to overheating and leakage if not handled properly. However, advances in technology have made them much safer in recent years, and ongoing research is focused on improving their safety even further.

Something to get my head round is that the future of Li-ion batteries does look incredibly bright. As the demand for energy storage continues to grow, Li-ion batteries will play an increasingly important role in shaping our energy landscape.

We only have to look at our household appliances to see that. With ongoing research focused on improving their performance, sustainability, and safety, we can expect even more incredible advancements in the years to come.

So, I hope that this article has helped you to understand more about Lithium-Ion batteries. The more I read and see more articles and therefore information then the more that I will also understand.

Finally two points

At the moment lithium batteries are much more expensive than the lead acid batteries.
In their favour lithium batteries are far lighter in weight and easier to carry. Very important in the mobility market for electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

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eric roberts

Managing Director at Pellon Tyre and Auto Centre trading as batteriesontheweb.co.uk

Eric has been the owner of his automotive business for over 40 years now. Running his fast fit and MOT centre in Halifax along with his wife Michelle. Later adding the online battery businesses. Batteriesontheweb,mobilitybatterystore and their Ebay store.

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eric roberts

Lithium Batteries a Close Look

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