Different lithium-ion forklift truck battery types from material handling equipment battery manufacturers and suppliers
Different lithium-ion forklift truck battery types from material handling equipment battery manufacturers and suppliers
Why lithium batteries are common for use with forklifts, it also has other applications. The versatility of lithium batteries is because of the different available types. Each type of lithium battery has its specific advantage. These types of batteries can be used to power various devices.
They can be found in all types of devices like power trucks, electric vehicles, laptop computers, and cell phones. Lithium batteries come in all types of sizes and shapes. This means that there are various types of the battery. But before we examine the different battery types, we will need to understand what a lithium battery is.
Lithium-ion forklift battery vs lead-acid
What is a lithium battery?
A lithium battery is the type of battery that depends on lithium ions for storing energy. It stores energy by creating a potential difference (P.D) between the battery’s positive and negative poles. This battery usually has a separator, which is a layer of insulation. This layer ensures that both sides of the lithium battery are constantly separated. This insulation layer works by blocking the electrons from flowing. But it allows the lithium ions to flow throughout the cell.
During the charging process of the battery, the lithium ions flow from the positive side of this battery over to the negative area. This is done via the separator. During battery discharge, the ions in the battery flow in the other direction.
As the lithium ions are under constant movement, this leads to the creation of an electrical potential difference. This P.D that is created is known as the “voltage.” Whenever the lithium battery is connected to a device, the electrons get blocked by the separator. These electrons are then forced to flow throughout the device. This way, the device becomes powered and stays on.
Lithium batteries: What are the most common types?
The lithium-ion forklift truck battery comes in various types and shapes. Since there are various lithium batteries, they all depend on various materials to make them work. Each one of these batteries has its merits and demerits. These lithium batteries are powered by different active materials. This is where they get their names from.
Types of lithium batteries
1. Lithium Iron Phosphate
Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are also known as LFP batteries. They are powered by using phosphate in the cathode area. They use carbon graphite as their anodes. LFP batteries are known for their long cycle lives. They are also known for their good electrochemical performance and thermal stability. Lithium Iron phosphate batteries are commonly used to power forklift trucks. These types of batteries are known for their safety, long life cycles, and durability. Many LFP batteries are rated for 2,000 or more cycles.
2. Lithium Cobalt Oxide
Lithium Cobalt batteries are another type of lithium battery. They are also known as LCO batteries. They have low specific powers and high specific energies. This means that they are not suitable for applications that require high loading. However, they are suitable for power generation over a long period. These types of batteries were previously applied in cameras, laptops, tablets, and phones. They however have shorter life spans and have between 500 and 1,000 cycles.
3. Lithium Manganese Oxide
These are other types of lithium batteries. They can also be referred to as LMO. These types of lithium batteries have lithium manganese oxide as their cathode material. This leads to a chemical process that produces a three-dimensional lattice system that supports the flow of ions. This then lowers the internal resistance of the battery while increasing the current it handles. This type of battery is known for its safety benefits and improved thermal stability. LMO batteries are good for use as forklift truck batteries. They can also be used for electric and hybrid vehicles, medical instruments, and portable power tools. LMO batteries are known for their fast charging function. They also have high specific powers.
4. Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide
This is another popular type of lithium battery. The lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries are also called NMC batteries. These are powerful lithium batteries because they possess the benefits of all three elements contained in the battery. These elements cobalt, manganese, and nickel make up the cathode of this battery. Nickel is unstable but comes with high specific energy. Manganese is highly stable and does not have enough specific energy. A combination of all the benefits of these elements produces a battery that produces high specific energy and more stable chemistry. NMC batteries are very similar to LMO batteries in terms of application. They are usually applied in power tools, forklift trucks, and powertrains for scooters, electric vehicles, and electronic bikes.
5. Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide
This is another common type of lithium battery. The lithium nickel cobalt aluminium oxide is also known as NCA batteries. They are known for their high specific energies. They also have long life cycles and high specific energies. These types of batteries are known for delivering a very high amount of current. They are also known for generating the current for a very long time. Since NCA batteries can handle high loads, they are popularly applied in the market for electric vehicles. Electric vehicle producing giants, Tesla, have chosen Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum oxide (NCA) batteries as their preferred power device. NCA can also be used as forklift truck batteries for improved productivity. The biggest advantage of NCA batteries is that they have a remarkable lifespan and generate high energy.
6. Lithium Titanate
All the previously mentioned types of lithium batteries have a unique cathode material. However, in the case of lithium Titanate batteries (LTO), the graphite which is the anode gets replaced. The anode, in this case, is the lithium Titanate. While the cathode is NMC or LMO. This then creates an extremely safe battery. The battery has a longer lifespan and is known to charge very fast. This fast charging process of the Lithium titanate battery is not present in any other type of lithium battery. LTO batteries are used in different applications. They are usually applied as forklift truck batteries. Apart from that, they can be used as charging stations for electric vehicles. They are also used as batteries in electric vehicles They are also used in military and aerospace equipment. Other applications of the LTO include solar street lighting systems, solar and wind energy storage, and uninterrupted power supply systems.
Industrial electric lithium ion forklift battery
For more about different lithium-ion forklift truck battery types from material handling equipment battery manufacturers and suppliers,you can pay a visit to JB Battery China at https://www.forkliftbatterymanufacturer.com/correct-voltage-for-forklift-battery/ for more info.
