Lithium-Thionyl Chloride Battery Deficits and the Revolutionary SER Combination Solution
Lithium-Thionyl Chloride Battery Deficits and the Revolutionary SER Combination Solution
Lithium-thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl₂) batteries have long been a preferred choice for various applications requiring high energy density and long shelf life. However, despite their numerous advantages, these batteries are not without their share of drawbacks, which often limit their usage in critical and demanding environments. The most prominent issues associated with Li-SOCl₂ batteries are voltage hysteresis, safety concerns, and challenges with high-temperature discharge. In this article, we delve into these deficits and discuss how SER Company's innovative lithium-thionyl battery + supercapacitor combination solution and high-temperature lithium-thionyl battery have revolutionized the landscape.
I. Voltage delay in Lithium-Thionyl Chloride Batteries
Voltage hysteresis in Li-SOCl₂ batteries is a well-known phenomenon that often plagues users. When these batteries are stored for prolonged periods at room temperature or in slightly elevated temperatures, they tend to exhibit a sharp drop in voltage upon discharge with large current pulses. This drop in voltage can be significant, often leading to temporary underperformance of the battery-powered device. After the initial voltage drop, the battery's voltage gradually recovers to its normal operating range, but this hysteresis can be highly undesirable in applications where a consistent and reliable power supply is crucial.
The cause of voltage hysteresis in Li-SOCl₂ batteries is primarily attributed to the slow diffusion of lithium ions within the battery's electrolyte and solid electrolyte interface (SEI). Over time, the SEI accumulates impurities and by-products of electrochemical reactions, leading to increased resistance and reduced ion conductivity. When the battery is discharged with a large current, the ion flux through the SEI cannot keep up with the demand, resulting in a voltage drop.
II. Safety Concerns in Lithium-Thionyl Chloride Batteries
While Li-SOCl₂ batteries offer exceptional energy density and shelf life, their safety profile can be a concern. The battery's chemistry involves highly reactive components, and in certain conditions, such as overdischarge or prolonged storage in a discharged state, there is a risk of uncontrollable heat generation and potential explosion. Although manufacturers have implemented various safety measures, such as the use of robust battery cases and the integration of protective circuits, the inherent chemistry of Li-SOCl₂ batteries still poses a safety risk.
III. Challenges with High-Temperature Discharge in Lithium-Thionyl Chloride Batteries
Another limitation of Li-SOCl₂ batteries is their performance at elevated temperatures. While they can operate at temperatures significantly higher than traditional alkaline batteries, their performance and safety margin often degrade rapidly when exposed to temperatures exceeding 100°C. This limitation can be problematic in applications such as oil exploration, where batteries are exposed to high-temperature environments for extended periods.
IV. SER Company's Lithium-Thionyl Battery + Supercapacitor Combination Solution
To address the challenges associated with Li-SOCl₂ batteries, SER Company has developed an innovative combination solution that integrates lithium-thionyl batteries with supercapacitors. This combination offers numerous advantages that not only eliminate voltage hysteresis but also enhance safety and enable high-current discharge capabilities.
Firstly, the integration of supercapacitors effectively bridges the voltage gap during the initial voltage drop observed in Li-SOCl₂ batteries. Supercapacitors can provide instantaneous high-current pulses, compensating for the temporary voltage dip in the battery. This ensures a consistent and reliable power supply to the connected device, eliminating the effects of voltage hysteresis.
Secondly, the combination solution significantly enhances the safety profile of the battery system. Supercapacitors are inherently safer than chemical batteries, with a lower risk of thermal runaway or explosion. By integrating supercapacitors into the battery system, the overall safety margin is improved, reducing the chances of uncontrolled heat generation and potential explosions.
Furthermore, the combination of lithium-thionyl batteries and supercapacitors enables the system to handle high-current discharge demands with ease. Supercapacitors can provide the instantaneous high-current pulses required during peak power demands, while the lithium-thionyl battery provides sustained power over longer periods. This combination allows for superior performance in applications requiring both high energy density and high-current discharge capabilities.
V. SER Company's High-Temperature Lithium-Thionyl Battery
To address the challenges associated with high-temperature discharge in Li-SOCl₂ batteries, SER Company has also developed a specialized high-temperature lithium-thionyl battery. This battery is designed to operate safely and efficiently at temperatures up to 200°C, making it ideal for applications in extreme environments such as oil exploration and down
