A lithium-ion battery, often known as a Li-ion battery (LIB), is a collection of one or more electrochemical cells that are packaged in various application-dependent configurations. These cells are based on the conversion or intercalation of lithium chemistries.
LIBs can either be primary batteries that aren’t rechargeable or secondary batteries that can be recharged. You may have worked with or experimented with lithium-ion batteries by some top lithium battery company at some point in your life.
In fact, the electronic device you are most certainly using to read this post is most likely powered by one. However, their application is expanding across various sectors due to the extensive range of advantages they provide. Some of the top ones are a high energy density, low maintenance requirements, a long lifespan, and a low rate of self-discharge.
The following are a few examples of the most typical applications for lithium-ion batteries:
1. Mobility Equipment
Lithium-ion batteries not only make life easier for people who use electronic gadgets for work and leisure, but they also make life easier for people who have mobility limits or other health restrictions.
As an example, lithium-ion batteries are frequently used in electric wheelchairs, customized moulded furniture for handicaps, and stair lifts because they are lightweight, can be charged quickly, have a longer lifespan, and allow for longer run times. Because lithium-ion batteries are available in a wide range of sizes, they are an excellent option for tailoring apparatus to the specific requirements of individual users.
Even though the item that improves a person’s quality of life is not always visible, lithium-ion batteries are nevertheless employed in some of the equipment that makes it possible.
Lithium-ion batteries typically used in pacemakers and implanted defibrillators have a lifespan that can range anywhere from seven to fifteen years and in many instances, much longer.
2. Electronic Devices
The usage of lithium-ion batteries in portable power packs is one of the most prevalent applications for these batteries. Because they offer many advantages and are used to power devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers, manufacturers of electronic goods find them an appealing option.
These lithium-ion batteries have a low weight, can withstand being moved around and variations in temperature, and provide a steady supply of power when these electronic devices are being used.
Lithium-ion batteries can rapidly recharge whenever the battery’s capacity begins to decrease.
3. Material Handling
Lithium-ion batteries or lead-acid batteries are the primary power sources for electric forklifts. However, either type can be used. However, many warehouse businesses like various types of water valves manufacturers or machinery production are moving away from traditional batteries and instead opting to power their material handling fleets with lithium-ion batteries.
This is due to the fact that this more recent technology provides fleet managers with various perks that save them both time and money.
4. Electric Vehicles
Powering recreational vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs and RVs), and electric cars are lightweight lithium-ion batteries.
According to one source, sales of electric vehicles in the United States climbed by 81% in 2018, and at this point, lithium-ion batteries are regarded as the benchmark for modern batteries.
5. Operations On The Ground At An Airport
The use of lithium-ion batteries as a power source for airport ground operations is becoming increasingly common for many of the same reasons mentioned earlier. There are 2.6 million passengers that fly in and out of airports in the United States every single day.
It is absolutely necessary for airlines to utilize ground support equipment (GSE) that is dependable and effective in order to keep their timetables.
The use of lithium-ion technology gives ground support equipment operations a dependable method of keeping up with the ever-increasing demand of air travel around the world.
The transition to GSE technology that uses electric power makes sense when one considers the manner in which airport equipment is utilized: with frequent starts and stops, increased instances of idle time, and short needed ranges.
The advantages of lithium-ion batteries are currently being realized not just in ground support equipment like pushbacks, luggage tugs, and baggage carts, but also in aircraft.
Because regulatory authorities are putting pressure on airports to cut emissions, electric ground support equipment that uses lithium-ion batteries is an excellent choice because it allows airports to meet this requirement.
Other Types of Devices
In addition to the applications described above, lithium-ion batteries are utilized in a vast array of products, including but not limited to: hearing aids, watches, remote car locks, handheld gaming consoles, calculators, thermometers, power tools, digital cameras, and more.
Even the Mars Curiosity rover, which was designed to investigate a distant planet, made use of two lithium-ion batteries that could be recharged.
Conclusion
Lithium-ion batteries can be found in a wide variety of applications due to the extensive range of benefits they provide, including extended lifespans and improved safety features.
It is anticipated that this pattern will continue to develop as technology advances, thereby supplying many businesses with cleaner, safer, and more efficient energy.
