Keheng is a Chinese lithium battery factory established in 2008 that produces various lithium-ion batteries and provides battery production services for different industries (engineering, IT, telecommunications, energy storage, etc.).
With our 16 years of production and sales experience, we utilize modern technical solutions to engineer and IT infrastructure to create and maintain facilities in succession to business partnerships. Our lithium battery products are of high quality and competitive prices, and we strive for high-quality delivery, warranty, service support, and maintenance.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn
- Precautions
- Different types of lithium-ion batteries
With this guide, you will know precisely how to choose the correct battery!
Ready, let’s go!
Things to consider when choosing lithium batteries for system integration
Capacity
Capacity is an important variable when assessing the system compatibility of lithium batteries. Capacity, measured in ampere-hours (Ah) or watt-hours (Wh), determines the energy a battery can store and supply. For engineering and IT infrastructures, it is necessary to match the battery capacity to the system’s power requirements. Overestimating capacity can lead to unnecessary expenditure, while underestimating capacity can lead to power shortages.
Service life
The service life of lithium batteries is another important performance indicator. It is usually measured in terms of the number of charge and discharge cycles, i.e., the number of times a battery can be fully charged and discharged before its performance significantly deteriorates. For system integrators, the longer the service life, the lower the maintenance and replacement costs. Factors such as depth of discharge (DoD), operating temperature, and charging price affect the battery’s service life.
Requirements
When selecting a lithium-ion battery for system integration, it is first essential to understand your specific requirements. This includes examining the requirements of both the engineering and IT facilities, including power requirements, cargo, and ecological issues. For example, data facilities may have different power requirements compared to telecommunications configurations.
Performance indicators
Examining the performance of a lithium-ion battery involves analyzing capacity, lifespan and efficiency. Capacity is measured in ampere-hours (Ah) and indicates the amount of charge that can be stored in the battery. Lifespan is the number of charge and discharge cycles the battery can undergo before performance significantly decreases.
Efficiency is the ratio of output power to input power and is usually expressed as a percentage.
Safety features of lithium batteries
Battery management system (BMS): The BMS checks the status of the battery and ensures optimal efficiency and safety by balancing costs, controlling temperature levels, and preventing over- and under-voltage.
Thermal management: An effective thermal management system is essential to prevent overheating, which can lead to thermal runaway. Sophisticated cooling strategies and products help maintain safe operating temperature levels.
Overcharge and over-discharge protection: These functions prevent the battery from being charged or discharged beyond safe limits, extending battery life and preventing damage.
Short circuit protection: This function automatically disconnects the battery during a short circuit, preventing fires or surges.
Compliance with standards
Ensuring lithium batteries comply with market requirements and regulations is crucial for system integrators. Compliance with these standards provides safety, high quality, and reliability. The main compliance standards include UL 1642, IEC 62133, UN 38.3, RoHS, and CE.
Compatibility
Voltage matching: The battery voltage should match the voltage requirements of the system to ensure optimal efficiency. A voltage mismatch may result in invalid programs or damage.
Current requirements: The battery needs to supply the necessary current without overheating or performance degradation.
Discharge rate compatibility: The battery’s discharge rate, usually expressed as a C rate, must match the system requirements. A mismatch can lead to insufficient power distribution or excessive stress on the battery.
Interface matching: Proper interface matching is critical to seamlessly integrating lithium batteries into a system, ensuring that the battery’s adapters, interaction programs, and other user interface elements are compatible with the system design. Mismatched interfaces can cause communication errors and connection problems, affecting the system’s performance.
Power efficiency and operating costs
Lithium batteries generally offer higher power density and better charge and discharge efficiency, which reduces operating costs. For system integrators, this means less power lost in billing and release cycles, providing a more efficient and cost-effective power solution for the design and IT infrastructure.
Charging speed
Charging speed is another critical factor, especially for applications that require fast turnaround. It is necessary to consider the cost of the battery that can be safely tolerated without affecting its durability.
Temperature tolerance
Lithium batteries can operate within a specific temperature range. The temperature tolerance of the battery should match the ecological conditions in which the system operates. Extreme temperatures can adversely affect the efficiency and safety of the battery.
Area and weight restrictions
System integrators often face space and weight restrictions in their designs. The physical dimensions and weight of the battery need to be considered to ensure that it can fit into the designated space without adding excessive bulk or weight to the system.
Different types of lithium batteries in system integration
Battery Type | Energy Density (Wh/kg) | Cycle Life (cycles) | Thermal Stability | Charging Speed | Cost | Typical Applications |
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) | 90-160 | 2,000-7,000 | High (very stable) | Moderate | Moderate | Electric vehicles, stationary energy storage, power tools |
Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) | 150-220 | 1,000-2,000 | Moderate | High | High | Electric vehicles, consumer electronics, power tools |
Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO) | 150-240 | 500-1,000 | Low (less stable) | Moderate | High | Smartphones, laptops, digital cameras |
Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) | 100-150 | 500-1,500 | Moderate | High | Moderate | Power tools, medical devices, electric bicycles |
Lithium Titanate (LTO) | 70-110 | 4,000-10,000 | Very High (extremely stable) | Very High | Very High | Grid storage, electric buses, military applications |
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4)
batteries are known for their high thermal stability, long cycle life, and enhanced safety features. Compared to other lithium batteries, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries typically have a longer lifespan, making them a cost-effective choice for long-term operation. In addition, their lower power thickness is stabilized by their toughness and reliability, which is essential for infrastructure applications.
Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) batteries
Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) batteries are another common choice, prized for their high energy density and versatility. These batteries are often used in applications requiring a balance between efficiency and cost. NMC batteries offer a good balance between capacity, power output, and lifespan. They are particularly suitable for IT installations that require high performance and reliability.
Lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) batteries
Lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) batteries are known for their high energy density, making them ideal for applications with limited space. However, they have a shorter lifespan and lower thermal safety than other lithium battery types. Due to these characteristics, lithium cobalt oxide batteries are not commonly used in large-scale engineering and IT facilities but are suitable for small, high-energy applications.
Lithium manganese oxide (LMO) batteries
Lithium manganese oxide (LMO) batteries offer an excellent balance of safety, efficiency, and cost. They are known for their high thermal safety and moderate energy density. LMO batteries are commonly used in applications where safety is a significant concern, such as environments with a high risk of manipulation. Their moderate lifespan and performance make them a practical alternative for many engineering and IT infrastructure needs.
Lithium titanate (LTO) batteries
Lithium titanate (LTO) batteries are known for their excellent safety, fast charging capabilities, and long cycle life. They are very durable and can operate effectively in harsh temperature conditions. Although they have a lower energy density than other lithium batteries, their robustness and fast charging/discharging capabilities make them ideal for critical infrastructure where reliability is high and response times are quick.
Lithium-ion batteries in integrated systems Individual options
Customized dimensions
One of the main factors for system integrators to consider is the physical dimensions of the lithium-ion battery. Space is at a premium in many applications, and the battery must fit within specific dimensions. Customized battery dimensions can optimize space utilization and ensure the battery can be perfectly integrated into the system without compromising efficiency or safety. This modification is critical in medical tools, mobile electronic devices, and specialized industrial equipment applications.
Modular design
Modular layout is another important aspect of custom lithium batteries. Modular technology allows for a more flexible battery arrangement that can be easily scaled up or down depending on the system’s power requirements. This is particularly beneficial in applications where power requirements change over time, or redundancy is required for reliability. The modular layout also simplifies maintenance and replacement, as dedicated modules can be replaced without disrupting the system.
Protective functions
Integrating advanced protection features is essential for risk-free and reliable operation of lithium batteries in integrated systems. These safety features include
- Overcharge protection
- Over-discharge protection
- Short-circuit protection
- Thermal management
These features help to avoid common battery problems such as overheating, overload and short-circuiting, which can lead to battery failure and even danger. By customizing the protection features, integrators can ensure that the battery meets the specific safety needs of their application.
Conclusion
As a mature and professional lithium battery manufacturer since 2008, we work with system integrators to provide services for creating and maintaining engineering and T infrastructure using modern technology solutions. Our lithium battery products are of high quality and competitive price. High-quality delivery, warranty, service support, and maintenance are our pursuits.
