1st Period

How lithium-ion batteries works?

What is a lithium-ion battery? What features does it have?

A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that is charged and discharged by lithium ions moving between the negative (anode) and positive (cathode) electrodes. (Generally, batteries that can be charged and discharged repeatedly are called secondary batteries, whereas disposable batteries are called primary batteries.)
Because lithium-ion batteries are suitable for storing high-capacity power, they are used in a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics such as smartphones and PCs, industrial robots, production equipment and automobiles.

Oh, really? Smartphone batteries! Lithium-ion batteries are used
in familiar products, aren't they? Incidentally, what is lithium?

Lithium is a metal found in the natural
environment. Do you remember the
periodic table of elements like a mantra?


Do all lithium-ion batteries have the same performance?

Lithium-ion batteries are divided into various kinds according to size, form, the material used for the positive and negative electrodes, and so on.
Toshiba's SCiB™ industrial lithium-ion battery uses lithium titanium oxide on the negative electrode, and provides a long life, rapid charging, high input/output power performance, excellent low-temperature operation, and a wide effective SOC range.

Every lithium-ion battery is different!
Make sure you get the right one for your needs.


How do lithium-ion batteries store energy?

lithium-ion battery is composed of 1) the anode and the cathode; 2) a separator between the two electrodes; and 3) an electrolyte that fills the remaining space of the battery. The anode and cathode are capable of storing lithium ions. Energy is stored and released as lithium ions travel between these electrodes through the electrolyte.

When storing energy (i.e., during charging)

  1.  The charger passes current to the battery.
  2.  Lithium ions move from the cathode to the anode through the electrolyte.
  3. The battery is charged by a potential difference between the two electrodes.

When using energy (i.e., during discharging)

  1. A discharge circuit is formed between the anode and the cathode.
  2. Lithium ions stored in the anode move to the cathode.
  3. Energy is used.

The battery can be charged and discharged
many times through the movement of lithium ions.

Mr. Lithium is a hard worker, shuttling back and forth!
He needs work-style innovation!


How do lithium-ion batteries compare with lead-acid ones?

Generally, lithium-ion batteries are lighter and can be charged more rapidly than lead-acid batteries.
And lithium-ion batteries are more environmentally friendly since they don't contain any substance with a high environmental load.

My lead-acid battery is convenient, too...
Besides, lead-acid batteries are less costly. I've been using them for decades.

Right. It's difficult to say which one is better. It all depends on your
application, the environment, material, and so on.
That's why you need to study and choose the right battery for you.

The right battery for me...How romantic!
Now, I want to know more about lithium-ion batteries.

Good! In the 2nd period, I will teach you how to
choose the right one for you. Stay tuned!



About lithium-ion batteries

Smile


Feature AGV with Toshiba industrial lithium-ion battery SCiB™


Special skill  Working briskly with rapid charging


Goal To let everyone know about the advantages of lithium-ion batteries!


AGV: Automated guided vehicle designed to run on factory floors

Retro


Feature AGV with a lead-acid battery


Special skill  Sleeping deeply


Goal To live peacefully, valuing my work-life balance!


Curriculum

For inquiries about SCiB™ Industrial Pack series, click here.