Battery Power Source Options for Mission-Critical Applications

Lithium Cells

There are several types of primary lithium batteries to consider, including the readily available thionyl chloride, manganese dioxide, and sulfuryl chloride. In general, these chemistry systems offer superior energy density, longer shelf life, lower self-discharge rates, and lower weight than all other battery types. These chemistries are available in a large variety of form factors and many manufacturers offer customizable cell and battery designs to further optimize packaged energy density.

Specific lithium primary cell types have been developed for applications where severe environmental conditions exist. This includes cells designed for operation at temperature extremes (-50ºC to 200ºC) and high shock and vibration (> 2000 G), conditions commonly found in the oil drilling business and some aerospace applications. The very high energy density offered by lithium primary chemistries is by far its most attractive feature, allowing engineers and designers to pack a lot of power into small spaces. As a comparison, primary lithium batteries provide three times the energy density of alkalines, allowing for three times the service life or a significant space savings (~1/3 the size) in a given application or device. Considerations in terms of transport must be considered when using this chemistry, as lithium batteries must be shipped and handled according to certain criteria.

These are just a few of the many battery options engineers working on mission- critical applications have available to them today. Finding the right battery system necessitates the comparison of all of the advantages and disadvantages each system offers as no one solution will fit all applications. Diligent research and a performance and cost analysis should present the most appropriate power solution to help ensure your critical mission is a success.

This article was written by Robert Yetman, Customer Applications Manager at Electrochem Commercial Power, Clarence, NY. For more information, visit http://info.hotims.com/10972-121.