Type of Lithium Battery Voltage

By John, Updated on January 27, 2024

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Lithium Battery Voltage is a crucial factor influencing a battery’s power output and suitability for various electronics. This article delves into the significance of voltage in lithium batteries and their types, highlighting nominal voltages across Li-ion, LiPo, LiFePO4, and 18650 batteries. Additionally, it covers charging and discharging parameters related to voltage, emphasizing device compatibility considerations based on voltage requirements.

Part 1. Nominal voltage of various lithium battery types

What is Nominal Voltage?

The nominal voltage of a battery refers to the average voltage that a battery cell is expected to operate within during its discharge cycle. It’s an approximate value used to characterize a battery’s voltage for general understanding and compatibility with electronic devices. For instance, a battery labeled as having a nominal voltage of 3.7 volts means that it typically operates around that voltage level during its discharge.

Li-ion Batteries Nominal Voltage

Li-ion (Lithium-Ion) batteries are prevalent in various electronics. The nominal voltage of a single Li-ion cell typically ranges between 3.6 to 3.7 volts. However, when these cells are connected in series, the overall voltage increases proportionally to the number of cells connected. For instance, a series connection of three Li-ion cells (each with a nominal voltage of 3.7 volts) results in an overall voltage of 11.1 volts (3.7V * 3 cells).

LiPo Batteries Nominal Voltage

LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries, similar to Li-ion, often have a nominal voltage of approximately 3.7 volts per cell. However, when connected in series, the overall voltage changes accordingly. For example, suppose two LiPo cells with a nominal voltage of 3.7 volts each are connected in series. In that case, the total voltage becomes 7.4 volts (3.7V * 2 cells).

LiFePO4 Batteries Nominal Voltage

LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries maintain a nominal voltage of around 3.2 volts per cell. When these cells are connected in series, the overall voltage output adjusts accordingly. For example, a series connection of four cells at 3.2 volts delivers a general 12.8 volts (3.2V * 4 cells).

18650 Batteries Nominal Voltage

18650 batteries, commonly associated with Li-ion chemistry, typically exhibit a nominal voltage range of 3.6 to 3.7 volts per cell. However, in specific instances, particularly with certain LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry variants, 18650 cells might have a nominal voltage of 3.2 volts per cell. When connected in series, these cells alter the overall voltage output accordingly—for instance, linking five cells with a nominal voltage of 3.2 volts, each resulting in 16 volts (3.2V * 5 cells).

Part 2. Charging and discharging parameters

Charge Voltage

Different types of lithium batteries have varying maximum charge voltages:

Li-ion Batteries: Typically have a max charge voltage between 4.2 to 4.3 volts per cell.

LiPo Batteries: Share a similar range with Li-ion batteries, ranging from 4.2 to 4.3 volts per cell.

LiFePO4 Batteries: Generally possess a lower max charge voltage, approximately 3.6 to 3.8 volts per cell.

For example, let’s consider a scenario of Li-ion and LiFePO4 batteries being used in a similar device. The Li-ion battery might have a maximum charge voltage of 4.2 volts per cell. The LiFePO4 battery would have a lower maximum charge voltage of 3.6 volts per cell.

Discharge Cutoff Voltage

Discharge cutoff voltages also vary across different lithium battery types:

Li-ion and LiPo Batteries: Typically have a discharge cutoff voltage of around 2.5 to 3.0 volts per cell.

LiFePO4 Batteries: Often possess a higher discharge cutoff voltage, approximately 2.8 to 3.2 volts per cell.

For instance, if we retake Li-ion and LiFePO4 batteries in a similar device setup, the Li-ion battery might have a discharge cutoff voltage of 2.5 volts per cell. In comparison, the LiFePO4 battery would have a higher discharge cutoff voltage of 2.8 volts per cell.

Part 3. Influence of lithium battery voltage

Lithium Battery Chemistry: Different lithium battery chemistries have distinct voltage characteristics. For instance, LiFePO4 batteries typically have a lower nominal voltage (around 3.2 volts per cell) than Li-ion batteries (about 3.6 to 3.7 volts per cell).

Voltage Range: Lithium batteries exhibit varying voltage ranges at different charge states. For instance, a fully charged battery may reach around 4.2 volts per cell, while a discharged battery might measure about 3.0 volts per cell.

Temperature Impact: Temperature plays a crucial role in lithium battery voltage. Elevated temperatures can elevate voltage readings, while colder temperatures might reduce voltage output.

Voltage Sag: Lithium batteries may experience voltage sag under heavy loads, causing a momentary voltage drop. This phenomenon occurs when the battery supplies a high current.

Internal Resistance: Increased internal resistance due to aging can lead to voltage drops during high-demand or rapid discharging, impacting overall battery performance.

Cell-to-Cell Variability: Even within the same batch, slight cell manufacturing variations might cause minor voltage output discrepancies among lithium batteries.

Part 4. Voltage considerations for device compatibility

Matching Voltage to Device Requirements

Matching a power source’s voltage to a device’s specific requirements is critical for seamless functionality and safety. Several examples illustrate this:

Consumer Electronics: Devices like smartphones and laptops often operate within specific voltage ranges. For instance, a smartphone might require a charging voltage of 5 volts, and using a charger with an incompatible voltage could potentially damage the device.

Automotive Applications: Electric vehicles and hybrid cars require specific voltage compatibility for battery systems to ensure safe and efficient operation. Deviating from the recommended voltage can affect performance and safety.

Industrial Machinery: Various industrial machines have stringent voltage requirements. For instance, CNC machines or robotics often operate within precise voltage parameters for stable and accurate functionality.

Voltage Adaptations for Specialized Applications

Voltage adaptations cater to specialized applications and industries that demand tailored voltage solutions. Several instances highlight this need:

Medical Devices: Equipment used in the medical field, such as MRI machines or pacemakers, necessitates precise and stable voltage delivery to ensure patient safety and device reliability.

Aerospace Technology: Avionics systems in aircraft require voltage stabilization to handle varying power conditions during flight and ensure uninterrupted operation.

Telecommunications: Networking equipment and telecommunications infrastructure demand specific voltage regulations to maintain data transmission reliability and network stability.

Renewable Energy Systems: Solar panels and wind turbines require voltage converters to regulate the variable output from these sources to match the grid or storage system’s voltage requirements.

Part 5. FAQs

Are all lithium batteries 3.7 volts?

No, not all lithium batteries have a voltage of 3.7 volts. Lithium batteries come in various voltages depending on their chemistry and configuration. For instance, lithium-ion batteries can have voltages ranging from 3.2V to 3.7V per cell. In contrast, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries typically operate around 3.2V per cell.
What voltage is high for a lithium battery?

A high voltage for a lithium battery depends on its chemistry and state of charge. For most lithium-ion batteries, a high voltage per cell is considered around 4.2V, which is the maximum recommended voltage during charging.
What voltage is 50% for a lithium battery?

50% capacity in a lithium battery often correlates to approximately 3.6V to 3.7V per cell for most lithium-ion batteries. This voltage range represents the mid-point of the battery’s discharge cycle.
What is the cutoff voltage for a 12V lithium-ion battery?

The cutoff voltage for a 12V lithium-ion battery pack depends on the number of cells connected in series. In a typical scenario with four cells, each having a nominal voltage of 3.7V, the cutoff voltage might be around 12V (3V per cell) to prevent over-discharge, safeguarding the battery’s health and longevity.