What Is the Prismatic Battery?

By Gerald, Updated on May 23, 2024

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Have you ever wondered what powers your gadgets, electric vehicles, or large-scale energy storage systems? From your smartphone to electric vehicles, batteries play a crucial role in our daily lives. And one key player in the battery world is the prismatic battery. Let’s dive deep into what prismatic batteries are, their structure and types, and why they are so important.

Part 1. What is a prismatic battery?

A prismatic battery is a rechargeable battery with a rectangular or square shape. Unlike cylindrical batteries, which are round, prismatic batteries are designed to maximize the use of space within a device.

Prismatic battery cells satisfy the demand for thinner, flat geometries. Prismatic cells use space optimally by layering versus the traditional jelly roll style.

This shape allows for more efficient packing and better usage of the available volume. These batteries are commonly seen in applications where space optimization and energy density are critical, such as electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and large-scale energy storage systems.

High working voltage (3.7V)
High energy density
Long life cycle (more than 500 cycles)
Agile shape & dimension
No memory effect
Low self discharge
Environmental friendly

Part 2. Prismatic battery structure

Understanding the structure of a prismatic battery can help you appreciate its efficiency and functionality.

Here are the main components:

Anode: The negative electrode, usually made from graphite. It stores lithium ions during charging.
Cathode: The positive electrode, often made from lithium cobalt oxide or other lithium compounds. It releases lithium ions during discharging.
Electrolyte: A liquid or gel substance that facilitates the movement of lithium ions between the anode and cathode. This electrolyte is crucial for the battery’s operation.
Separator: A thin, porous membrane that keeps the anode and cathode apart while allowing ions to pass through. It prevents short circuits within the battery.
Casing: The outer shell, typically made from aluminum or steel, which provides protection and structural integrity. It ensures the components remain in place and safe from external damage.

Each of these components plays a critical role in the battery’s ability to store and deliver energy safely and efficiently.

Part 3. Prismatic battery types

Prismatic batteries can be classified based on the chemical materials used in their construction.

Here are some common types:

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4): Known for its stability and long cycle life, it is ideal for high-power applications.
Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2): Offers high energy density, commonly used in consumer electronics like laptops and smartphones.
Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4): Provides a good balance between cost, safety, and performance, suitable for power tools and electric bikes.
Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC): Known for excellent performance and energy density, it is widely used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA): Offers high energy density and a long lifespan and is often used in high-end electric vehicles.

Each prismatic battery has unique properties, making it suitable for different applications based on requirements such as energy density, cost, and safety.

Part 4. Prismatic battery sizes

Prismatic batteries come in various sizes tailored for specific applications.

Prismatic battery cells are predominantly found in mobile phones, tablets, and low-profile laptops. Of course, Prismatic cells are also available in large formats. Packaged in welded aluminum housings, they are primarily used in hybrid and electric vehicles.

With so many applications, there is no uniform standard size for prismatic batteries. Prismatic batteries can be designed in different sizes and for different applications. Therefore, the size of prismatic batteries mainly depends on the size and requirements of the electrical equipment.

Part 5. Prismatic battery advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

High Energy Density: Prismatic batteries can store a significant amount of energy in a compact space, making them ideal for applications where space is a premium.
Space Efficiency: Their rectangular shape allows for better utilization of available space within devices, leading to more compact designs.
Safety: Due to their robust casing and well-structured internal components, prismatic batteries are generally safer and less prone to issues like leakage or thermal runaway.
Long Cycle Life: Prismatic batteries are designed to endure many charge-discharge cycles, making them a durable choice for long-term use.
Thermal Management: The flat surfaces of prismatic batteries make it easier to implement cooling systems, which is crucial for maintaining performance and safety in high-power applications.

Disadvantages

Cost: Prismatic batteries are often more expensive to manufacture compared to other types, such as cylindrical batteries.
Weight: They tend to be heavier, which can be a disadvantage in applications where weight is a critical factor.
Manufacturing Complexity: Producing prismatic batteries can be more challenging, requiring precise engineering and quality control to ensure consistent performance.
Limited Flexibility: Their rigid shape offers less flexibility in terms of design modifications compared to pouch batteries, which can be more easily tailored to fit different device shapes.

Part 6. Prismatic battery vs. pouch Battery vs. cylindrical battery

To understand where prismatic batteries stand in comparison to other battery types, let’s take a closer look at their differences:

Feature	Prismatic Battery	Pouch Battery	Cylindrical Battery
Shape	Rectangular	Flexible pouch	Cylindrical
Energy Density	High	Very high	Moderate
Space Efficiency	High	Highest	Low
Safety	High	Moderate	High
Cost	High	Moderate	Low
Manufacturing Ease	Moderate	Difficult	Easy
Weight	Heavy	Light	Moderate
Structural Integrity	High	Low	High
Thermal Management	Easy	Difficult	Moderate
Common Applications	EVs, Laptops, ESS	Smartphones, Tablets, Wearables	Power tools, Flashlights, EVs

Part 7. Prismatic battery and LiFePO4 battery

Are All Prismatic Batteries LiFePO4?

Not all prismatic batteries use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry. Prismatic batteries can employ various chemistries such as NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide), NCA (Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide), and others, each tailored to specific performance requirements and applications.

Are All LiFePO4 Batteries Prismatic?

LiFePO4 batteries come in different shapes and sizes, including cylindrical and pouch formats. The choice of shape depends on the application and the design requirements of the device they will be used in.

Part 8. Conclusion

Prismatic batteries play a crucial role in modern technology, offering high energy density, space efficiency, and safety. Their unique rectangular shape makes them ideal for various applications, from electric vehicles to consumer electronics and large-scale energy storage systems. Understanding their structure, types, and advantages helps appreciate why they are preferred in many high-performance applications.

Whether you’re considering them for a new tech gadget or a large-scale energy solution, prismatic batteries offer a robust and efficient power source that continues to evolve with advancements in battery technology.

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