Description of Lithium Batteries

Lithium Batteries

The following provides the characteristics and general guidelines for selection of the lithium batteries.
Some advantages of lithium batteriesr operating voltage and flatter discharge curve than other battery types.
Longer service than other battery types, especially in moderate to heavy drain applications. Greater service advantage over other battery types at low temperatures: will work at temperatures at which other types will not. Much better leakage resistance than other types. Performs well even after 10 years storage. Much lighter weight - .3 less than alkaline batteries of similar volume. Good service maintenance after high temperature storage.

Limitations

Maximum storage and operating temperatures are limited by jacket shrinkage: no problems at 60°C, can tolerate 71°C for at least 1 week without exposing the bare cell.

Battery Engineering Data

The discharge characteristics of batteries can vary, depending upon whether they are discharged at a constant resistance, constant current or constant power. Very few devices discharge batteries at a constant resistance. More often, they discharge batteries at closer to a constant current or constant power. However, because the test equipment for constant current and constant power testing is more complicated and expensive, constant resistance testing is frequently used where it will give a reasonably accurate estimate of duration. Because of the significant differences in discharge characteristics for lithium batteries compared to alkaline batteries on constant resistance loads, constant resistance testing cannot be universally used to approximate relative lithium and alkaline battery durations, especially on heavier drains. On constant resistance discharge, lithium batteries generally maintains a higher operating voltage during discharge. This removes capacity (amp-hours or watt-hours) at a faster rate for lithium than for alkaline batteries. This can result in understating the lithium duration for constant current and constant power applications. To determine the battery duration for a particular application, it is most reliable to test the batteries in devices. When this is not practical, simulation testing can be done. If possible, determine whether the device is closest to a constant resistance, constant current or constant power load, and use the type of testing that best approximates the device.

Storage

Lithium batteries can be stored satisfactorily at room temperature and are stable at high temperatures. The maximum storage and operating temperatures are limited by jacket shrinkage. There are no problems at 60° C (140° F), and the batteries can tolerate 71° C (160° F) for at least 1 week.Containment
Avoid potting or encapsulation as this obstructs the pressure relief vent, on the batteries that have the devices. This vent is required to prevent excessive pressure buildup if the battery is exposed to very high temperatures.

Charging

The lithiuum batteries are primary batteries and NOT designed to be recharged.

Connections

Use the same battery pressure contacts you would use for alkaline cells. Solder connections are not recommended, and if welded connections are needed, they should be made to the nickel-plated positive cap and the nickel-plated cell bottom using a capacitor discharge welder (normal alkaline cell welding procedures).

Safety Warning

Fire, explosion, burn hazard. Do not open battery, dispose of in fire, heat above 100° C (212° F), expose contents to water, recharge, put in backwards, mix with used or other battery types - may explode or leak and cause personal injury.

Disposal

For small quantities, use the same procedures used for other battery products.

Technical Information

Surrounding air temperature. Thermal insulating properties of the battery container. Heat generated by equipment components. Cumulative heating effects of many batteries. Discharge rate(s) and duration(s). Because of the number of other variables involved, it is difficult to predict in advance whether the lithium battery can operate under certain load conditions. The most reliable method to determine this is to test the batteries in the device of interest under normal worst case conditions. While the PTC does impose some limitations on applications for which the lithium battery is suitable, it is a critical element in ensuring that the battery is safe, protecting the battery, the equipment and the user.

Transportation Guidelines

Large majority of lithium batteries meet the requirements of the US transportation regulations {49 CFR 173.185(b) - December 29, 1994}, the corresponding requirements of Special Provision A45 of the international air transportation regulations (IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations) and the corresponding requirements of Page 9033 of the international maritime regulations (International Maritime Organization IMDG Code. Each cell is hermetically sealed, it contains less than a gram of lithium, the battery jacket provides effective insulation to prevent external short circuits during normal transportation.
Each battery contains no more than 1 gram of lithium. {49 CFR 173.185(b)(5)} Most lithium batteries, including those installed in electronic devices, are therefore excepted from all other requirements to be transported as hazardous material if they are packed in strong packagings (except when installed in electronic devices). If a battery contains two or more lithium cells permanently connected together (e.g., welded), it constitutes a new type of battery with respect to transportation regulations. Batteries containing cells or series of cells connected in parallel, must be equipped with diodes to prevent reverse current flow {49 CFR 173.185(e)(5)}. Batteries containing two or more lithium cells must pass certain testing requirements, as referenced in the regulations, before they may be transported. It is strongly recommended that persons interested in transporting batteries containing two or more lithium cells consult the applicable regulations. It may also be necessary to consult regulations of the countries of origin and destination and any countries traversed in transportation. When transported for disposal to a permitted storage facility or disposal site, lithium cells are considered non-dangerous in transportation within the US, if they meet the conditions set forth in paragraph above.Current Transportation Rules and Regulations can be found at The Office of Hazardous Materials Safety <http://hazmat.dot.gov/rules.htm> web page under 49 CFR 173.185. Advice is available from your manufacturer representative.