Lithium VS Lead Acid Batteries
Everyone wants to set up a power backup system to maintain a continuous supply of power for their homes. With time, many different types of batteries have been invented for human comfort and there are various options available in the market and one should read about the specifications of different types of batteries for a better experience. Here, In this article, we will discuss some important points about how lithium batteries differ from lead-acid batteries and why they are more reliable for use.
Lithium Battery
Lithium battery is a type of rechargeable battery in which lithium ions move from negatively charged electrode called anode to positively charged electrode called cathode through an electrolytic solution. Lithium batteries are divided into three types depending on the manufacturing and reactions taking place in them. These types are
- Lithium-Ion Batteries
- Lithium Phosphate Batteries
- Lithium Polymer Batteries
Lithium iron phosphate or LiFePO4 batteries also called LFP batteries are the most advanced batteries among other lithium batteries.
Lead-Acid Battery
Lead-acid battery is a type of rechargeable battery that contains plates of lead and lead oxide in sulphuric acid solution. The lead is porous to allow the formation and dissolution of lead. There are two types of lead-acid batteries
- Sealed Batteries
- Gel Batteries
Lithium VS Lead-Acid
The major difference between these two batteries are:
- Lithium batteries through their dischargeable cycle can provide the same amount of energy while lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, cannot provide a continuous power supply as their energy decreases gradually.
- Lithium batteries are 55% lighter in weight than lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries have an efficiency of more than 95% while lead-acid batteries have only 80% efficiency.
- LiFePO4 battery capacity is independent of the discharge rate and also they have a longer life cycle than lead-acid batteries. The cycle life of lead-acid batteries is 10 times less than the cycle life of lithium iron phosphate batteries.
- The charging capacity of LiFePO4 batteries is four times more than that of lead-acid batteries. Therefore, they take less time to charge and have more time for usage.
- LiFePO4 batteries can tolerate temperature variations while lead-acid batteries cannot tolerate temperature variations. Lead-acid batteries cannot work properly in high temperatures but LiFePO4 batteries perform well even at high or low temperatures.
- LiFePO4 batteries have no chances of leakage, therefore, can be operated in any position while lead-acid batteries have more chances of leakage. The self-discharge rate of LiFePO4 batteries is lower than lead-acid batteries.
- The sustainability of LiFePO4 batteries is more than lead-acid batteries. Different batteries can be connected and they stand for months without running out of the battery solution.
- The power density of LiFePO4 batteries is more than lead-acid batteries and therefore it can power more appliances.
- LiFePO4 batteries require no or very low maintenance as compared to lead-acid batteries after being operated.
- Lead can spread through the air and can be a big problem for the environment. LiFePO4 battery on the other hand is environmentally friendly as non-toxic and non-polluting materials are used in them.
Final Words
We can conclude from the above discussion that lithium batteries are better than lead-acid batteries in various aspects. Lithium batteries are preferable for home use as they are environment friendly and do not release any hazardous chemical that can affect human life. The price of lithium batteries is a bit high but the characteristics like sustainability, no maintenance, lightweight, fast charging, climate resistance, and efficiency make it worthy for investing in these batteries. The output of these batteries is high and can operate many appliances at once. Most of the appliances that we see in daily life use lithium batteries. It is a one-time investment and the benefits are long-lasting.