Technical Articles

Low Temperature Battery

Author: Nichicon

9/1/2023

There is an increasing demand for batteries that can operate in harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, without leaks or ruptures.  The LTO batteries from Nichicon are low temperature batteries that can continue to operate in temperatures as low as -30 ℃ with a very low risk of ignition or explosion.

What is a low temperature battery?

A low temperature battery is a battery with low temperature characteristics that allow it to continue to operate in temperatures below 0 ℃.  For standard lithium-ion batteries, their resistance increases when the temperature drops to about 0 °C which limits the energy storage of the battery and extends its charging time and decreases its capacity. The lithium-titanium-oxide (LTO) batteries made by Nichicon hold around 50% of their charge and discharge capacity at temperatures as low as -30 °C.

The reason standard lithium-ion batteries have difficulty operating and charging at temperatures below 0 °C is because the lithium ions are less likely to be absorbed by the graphite anode and condense as lithium metal.  When lithium metal condenses, dendrites form that can penetrate the separator between the cathode and anode which leads to an internal short circuit. When an internal short circuit occurs, a high current passes through the short circuit which generates heat that causes decomposition within the electrolyte.  The cathode, anode, and electrolyte react to the heat, resulting in sparks and the release of oxygen which creates an oxygen combustion reaction.  This can set off a chain of exothermic reactions that cause thermal runaway and fire.

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What are the advantages of Nichicon low temperature batteries?

The LTO batteries from Nichicon avoid The charging capacity at -30°C may decrease to about 52% and the discharge capacity can decrease to about 46%.  The resistance in standard lithium-ion batteries can cause   Nichicon’s LTO batteries can operate safely in cold temperatures.

What are the advantages of Nichicon low temperature batteries?

Nichicon low temperature batteries can remain operational in extremely low temperatures and only lose about half of their charge/ discharge capacity in temperatures as low as -30 °C.  They are also much safer to use in low temperatures than standard lithium-ion batteries because the titanium anode is not easily subject to

The following are the key advantages of Nichicon’s LTO batteries:

  • Rapid charging: Our LTO battery boasts a rechargeable design with an enhanced charging current, allowing for faster and safer charging compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
  • Micro size: Our micro LTO battery has a lightweight construction and occupies minimal space, rendering it perfect for applications with limited space constraints.
  • Extended lifespan: These batteries offer an extensive life cycle, exhibiting negligible capacity deterioration in charge/discharge cycle tests. The utilization of lithium titanate in the anode promotes longevity by reducing the likelihood of consumption by the electrolyte during SEI formation.
  • Maintenance free: Our LTO batteries require virtually no maintenance, rarely necessitating replacement.
  • Sustainable: These batteries are designed to be environmentally Responsible and adhere to international standards such as RoHS regulations, meeting stringent standards for operation.
  • High power density: These high-power discharge batteries possess an input/output density that approaches that of super capacitors.
  • Enhanced safety: Our LTO batteries surpass typical lithium-ion batteries in terms of safety and reliability.
  • Low temperature: These batteries can function in temperatures as low as -30 ℃, exhibiting an extremely low risk of explosion or ignition.
  • High energy density: Our LTO batteries exhibit a higher energy density comparable to supercapacitors.
  • High power discharge: These batteries excel in high discharge scenarios, allowing for rapid and complete discharge.
  • UL 1642 & IEC 62133-2 certified
  • ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certified

What are the application areas of Nichicon low temperature batteries?

Our LTO batteries deliver exceptional performance across various applications. They can be utilized as an independent power solution or in conjunction with other batteries or power sources. These versatile LTO batteries are well-suited for a wide range of applications, including consumer devices, handheld scanners, data centers, military deployments, smart metering systems, measurement equipment, and other scenarios where compact size, elevated voltage, and increased energy capacity are crucial factors.

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Some examples of applications where our LTO batteries can be used include but are not limited to:

  • IIoT and IoT applications
  • Wireless sensors
  • Asset tracking applications
  • Energy harvesting applications using intermittent ambient energy sources
  • Space constrained applications
new-product-44.jpg
SLB03070LR35*
0.35mAh
φ3×7L
new-product-39.jpg
SLB03090LR80*
0.8mAh
φ3.3×9L
new-product-42-jpg.png
SLB04255L040*
4mAh
φ4×25.5L
new-product-41.jpg
SLB08115L140*
14mAh
φ8×11.5L
new-product-40.jpg
SLB12400L151*
150mAh
φ12.5×40L

*The above part numbers are without lead processing, and a 3-digit code will be added to the actual part number

How Nichicon is different

Nichicon stands apart with over 70 years of unrivaled commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. We draw on our deep technological expertise to develop components that meet demanding performance and durability requirements across industries. Nichicon is a partner you can count on.

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