The lithium polymer battery is a lithium-ion rechargeable battery; wherein, the lithium ions transmit from the positive to the negative electrode on the power supply and reverse the motion when discharged.
While the functionality is the same, a significant difference between lithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries is that the former uses liquid electrolyte and the latter uses solid electrolyte.
These batteries are ideal for radio-controlled aircraft, mobile devices, and electric vehicles. The li-ion rechargeable batteries are flexible and have a robust structure. They offer an excellent cycle count and have lightweight materials in their composition.
How Does a Lithium Polymer Battery Work?
A lithium polymer battery has different cell compartments. Each lithium cell has positive and negative electrodes. Lithium ions are released from the positive electrodes when the battery charges up and passes to the negative electrode.
The battery stores the energy produced from the action. When the lithium-ion solar battery discharges, the lithium ions move back to the positive electrolytes. The electrons pass in the opposite direction of the ions.
Note: Since the movement of ions and electrons is co-dependent, the electrons will stop if the ions stop moving in the lithium-ion cell. On unplugging the device from the charger, the passing of ions to the positive electrode will continue at a slow pace.
How is a Lithium Polymer Battery Made?
Lithium polymer batteries are made with advanced techniques. The steps involved in their making are as follows:
- The anodes and cathodes are prepared in separate rooms. The anodes are covered with aluminum foil. The cathodes are covered with carbon foil and compressed to make thin sheets.
- Using a rotating tool, active dry materials and solvent are combined in a mixer to make a slurry for electrodes.
- The slurry is applied to the anode and cathode foil and dried in the drying chamber.
- The foil is then compressed in the rollers and taped multiple times.
- After compression, the housing covers the foil.
- The li-ion 18650 battery circuits are connected with the foil and inserted into a steel casing.
Why Do We Need A Lithium Polymer Battery?
With multiple lithium battery types available, lithium polymer batteries are lightweight and more robust than lithium-ion batteries. They have a gel-like feature due to silicon graphene material in their composition; hence, the components do not leak.
Although modern smartphones have li-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries are used in laptops and power banks. It is old technology and has flexible traits.
Besides, it is compact and fits in a limited space; therefore, convenient to carry while travelling. With all these features, lithium polymer batteries are a must for charging electronic devices and are essential to carry while travelling.
Prices Of a Lithium Polymer Battery
The lithium battery price varies between Rs. 2250 to Rs. 1.5 lakhs. The cost of the battery can differ depending on the utility, environmental sustainability, charge-discharge rate, efficiency, and other features. The more the features are, the more expensive the battery will be.
Generally, the lithium polymer battery cost is higher than the lithium-ion batteries as the processing cost and the materials used in the manufacturing are considered during price fixation.
Manganese, nickel, cobalt, and lithium are used in the making; thereby, it has an increased lithium-ion cell price. Another factor contributing to its price inflation is its high-scale use in energy storage products and consumer electronics.
Uses Of Lithium Polymer Battery
Manufacturers have constructed the lithium polymer batteries to operate in many devices. These lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and useful in day-to-day activities. Their vital uses are as follows:
- They work in radio-controlled aircraft and drones.
- Useful in charging power banks and portable media players.
- Operates laptops, computers, and mobile devices.
- Applicable in scooters and hoverboards.
- Charges wireless earphones and other related devices.
- Operates the ECG heart monitor.
- Useful in flashlight and fire detectors.
- Applicable for solar power storage.
Advantages Of Using Lithium Polymer Battery
In contrast to li-ion batteries, using lithium polymer batteries has many benefits:
- These batteries have thin and sleek bodies.
- They have a high energy storage capacity.
- They are customisable as they don’t come in a standard shape.
- The lithium battery includes solid electrolytes in its composition, so it has low resistance and can extend the application’s standby time.
- Takes one or two hours for 100% charging.
- They have high voltage power.
- They can perform 1500 cycles at 95 amps.
- They have non-toxic components in their making and are, thus, durable and eco-friendly.
- They do not have a memory effect like lithium-ion batteries.
- They have a long service life.
Disadvantages Of Using Lithium Battery
Although it has multiple utilities, the batteries can degrade over time. With every cycle, a lithium-ion battery cell gets older, and its lifespan reduces.
One can notice the following drawbacks after several years of usage or improper maintenance:
- It has a thin cover. Therefore, protection is required.
- The battery wears away quickly.
- The production cost is higher than the standard li-ion battery price.
- It needs special care during charging.
- The lithium battery can explode if it comes in contact with fire.
- It cannot tolerate overcharging.
- It can catch fire at high temperatures.
Conclusion
The Lithium-ion battery rechargeable cell has gained fame over the years due to its high functionality, multiple utilities, and excellent features.
Although it has its drawbacks, the advantages outweigh them; therefore, this particular battery has gained the trust of many customers.
Due to its strategic construction with advanced technologies, the lithium-ion battery pack delivers excellent performance and flexibility in every use.
FAQs
1. Does a lithium polymer battery have memory?
No, a lithium polymer battery does not have a memory. However, you can maximise its lifespan by charging the lithium-ion battery cell before it runs out.
2. What will happen if the lithium solar batteries are overcharged?
If the lithium solar batteries charge beyond their capacity, it can lead to high pressure and thermal runaway. Besides, the protection circuit might break.
3. Is it safe to charge lithium polymer batteries overnight?
No, you should never keep your li-ion cell batteries on charge overnight. It takes only 2-3 hours to charge the batteries. They can explode if you keep them charging for over 3 hours.