Lithium ion batteries currently rule the rechargeable batteries market, thanks to their higher efficiency, capacity and better pricing compared to conventional batteries
By Samonway Duttagupta
A life without rechargeable batteries would be hard to imagine. Right from inverters to most handheld devices, rechargeable batteries are an important part of any manufacturing unit or business. The main function of a rechargeable battery is to accumulate energy, and store it to run the devices and machines used in the manufacturing process of any industry. Rechargeable batteries are usually made from a combination of chemicals including lead acid, nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion (Li-ion) and lithium ion polymer (Li-ion polymer). These compositions result in rechargeable batteries of various types, shapes and sizes.
Portability is the key
One of the primary factors driving the rechargeable batteries market is consumer interest in the smaller, portable batteries. The smaller and lighter the rechargeable battery, the greater its ease of use. The capacity of the battery, particularly in smaller-sized rechargeable varieties, is also important.
Key players in the market feel that the current trend is more towards the modern type of rechargeable batteries, particularly those made from lithium ion. Manoj Pawar, senior product manager, Evolute, says, “A lot of customers have shifted their focus from conventional rechargeable batteries like lead acid, NiCd or NiMH to lithium ion batteries for most of the portable devices. They are also looking at the latter as an option for some of the big power back-up applications.” He adds that the lithium battery family is known for its energy density as it is available in comparatively higher voltages and hence is capable of storing more energy than the conventional lead acid, NiCd or NiMH batteries.
Evolute has launched its latest rechargeable battery under the brand name Raion Energy. It is a smart lithium iron phosphate (Li-FePO4) battery pack for electric vehicles and other power back-up applications. The battery is light, has a compact size and a long lifespan of about 2000 cycles.
Kapil Sood, director, Amptek, voices a similar opinion, saying that since lithium ion batteries have a slow loss of charge and a considerably good back-up, they are also used in aerospace and military applications. Amptek’s latest range of rechargeable batteries are all of lithium ion and come in various shapes, sizes and capacities, offering consumers a wider choice to match their needs.
Eco-friendliness
Due to greater focus on preserving the environment, companies are now trying to reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible. To do this, they are looking at using rechargeable batteries that are more eco-friendly in nature. Lithium is found in briny underground ponds and, hence, doesn’t require strip mining or blowing the tops off mountains like other resources do. Besides, lithium ion batteries can be easily recycled, as even long after their usefulness comes to an end, they can be taken apart and every bit can be reused. A lot of companies, for instance, recycle the cooling fluid of the batteries, their wires and electronic components. What cannot be used is melted down, separated into metals and recycled.
S S Kandhari, managing director, Kandhari Photo Electronics Pvt Ltd, says, “The biggest factor that ought to drive the purchase decision of a rechargeable battery is its eco-friendliness.” The company has recently launched various batteries including the LiFePO4 batteries and high capacity FDK NiMH cells, among others. The batteries come with strong capacities, a good backup and a low cost.
The role pricing plays
Lithium ion batteries, in particular, are low priced, thanks to their recyclability. However, doubts have been raised regarding the quality of these batteries. At times, in order to reduce the costs, manufacturers allow quality to suffer.
Manoj Pawar of Evolute, for instance, stresses on the fact that the price ought not to be the primary deciding factor while buying a rechargeable battery. He says, “The important point that a customer should keep in mind while buying any type of rechargeable battery is that quality and price never go hand in hand. If you are looking out for a quality product that offers reliable backup power to your equipment, ensure price is not the primary or only factor influencing your purchase. The initial cost of a lithium ion battery may appear more but the benefits that you get, like compactness, lightness and its extended life cycle, nullify the extra cost that you are paying compared to the conventional battery.”
S S Kandhari, on the other hand, feels that the price should be one of the major factors determining the purchase decision, though one must be careful not to choose something that is of poor quality when focusing on a lower price.
To sum up, manufacturers of rechargeable batteries are gradually getting more aware of the demands from the market. What the buyers can expect in the future is a range of batteries that conform to the latest environmental standards and offer higher capacities at lower prices.
Boxes
6-DZM-20 battery by Amptek
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Capacity: <30Ah
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Voltage: 12V
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Production capacity: 120,000 pieces/day
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Low discharge rate
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Nominal capacity: 12Ah
LiFePO4 batteries by Evolute
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Long lifespan, about 2000 cycles
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Low self-discharge
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Good discharge performance at low temperatures
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Quick-charging capability
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No possibility of an explosion or fire
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Maintenance-free
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Perform well in high temperatures
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Eco-friendly
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Light in weight
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Small in size
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High charge retention
LiFePO4 batteries by Kandhari Photo Electronics Pvt Ltd
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Long life: from 1000-2000 charge/discharge cycles (while SLA batteries have only 300 cycles and NiMH batteries have 300-500 cycles)
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Lighter than SLA and NiMH batteries
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Safe and stable in high temperatures
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Suitable for applications like solar, power tools, etc
