Advantages of lithium batteries over lead-acid batteries
(1) Long lifespan
The service life of lithium batteries is generally 4 to 5 years, the service life of lead-acid batteries is generally 2 to 3 years, the life of lithium batteries is far more than lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries cycle times of 6,000 times than the lead-acid batteries 500 times several times higher.
(2) Environmental protection and energy saving
Lithium battery is a green power supply, lithium battery materials used in lithium iron phosphate, lithium cobalt, etc. Compared with lead-acid batteries in the materials used in lead and lead oxide is more environmentally friendly, recycling value is higher. And lithium batteries can be more efficient use of electricity, can avoid waste, to achieve the purpose of energy saving.
(3) Lithium batteries have high energy density.
Lithium batteries can store higher power for long time use, its energy density is about 6 to 7 times of lead-acid batteries, which is more efficient compared to lead-acid batteries.
(5) High power output
Lithium titanate battery can be charged quickly and can be fully energized in a short time. Lithium batteries generate less heat during the charging process, which is suitable for applications such as starting marine engines that require high power current to be delivered externally.
Disadvantages of lithium batteries
(1) lithium batteries are affected by the temperature is greater
In a high-temperature environment, the internal reaction of lithium batteries is accelerated, resulting in an increase in the internal pressure of the battery, affecting the safety of the battery.
High temperature may lead to overheating, increasing the risk of explosion and fire.
High temperature leads to decomposition of the electrolyte inside the battery, shortening its life.
Low temperatures increase the internal resistance of the battery, resulting in longer charging times and smaller discharge currents.
Low temperature affects the migration speed of lithium ions in the electrolyte, affecting the battery capacity.
(2) Lower safety performance
Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries are less safe. However, this problem is also being improved. Often in the lithium battery on the bms, so as to monitor and maintain the state of the battery, so as to ensure the safety of the battery.
The use of lithium batteries in the ship’s electrical system
They are used to start the generator and run various electronic devices. Boats often need to spend the night at a mooring or a dock without power, which requires a large capacity battery to maintain the energy supply, lithium batteries are undoubtedly a good choice.
Lithium iron phosphate in the marine starting widely used
Lithium iron batteries use lithium iron phosphate electrolyte, lithium iron phosphate electrolyte is stable and non-flammable, and can tolerate incorrect operation. Lithium iron batteries can be continuously discharged and recharged. Also lithium iron phosphate is suitable for installation on boats. In other fields, lithium iron phosphate also plays a role, and it has become one of the technologies for the development of the new energy industry.
The cost and value of lithium batteries
(1) Battery Cost
A piece of lithium battery produced by a company, which is a direct replacement for lead acid, is sold at a price of 1,250 U.S. dollars, which does seem high, but this lithium battery is said to last for 3,000 to 5,000 charging cycles, which can be many times longer than the typical life of a lead-acid battery. When you look at it that way, it still makes good economic sense.
(2) Battery Value
Lithium batteries are non-polluting to the environment, which is positive for protecting water and air, and they are clean for the user to store, transport, and use without unpleasant gasoline smells, oil, and exhaust fumes.
It is simple to construct, so the maintenance cost is relatively low and the economic benefits are high; nowadays, almost all boats are transformed into electric drive, so choosing a good battery for the boat is inevitable, and lithium batteries will become a big trend.
Is it time to use lithium batteries on boats?
The answer is yes. Experience has found that lithium batteries have great advantages both in terms of green energy saving, economic efficiency, and running operation. Of course, when installing Li-ion batteries, it is also important to design the solution according to the different requirements of the ship, so as to optimize the ship’s power system and improve energy efficiency.
For the difficulties faced by ships caused by load fluctuations, the method of adding energy storage units to the ship’s electric propulsion system has also been proposed. More and more problems are gradually optimized, and it is believed that lithium batteries will play a more important role in ships.
