What Are Lithium Batteries? How Do Lithium Batteries Work?
Lithium batteries can be roughly categorised into lithium-metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Typically, these batteries can store large amounts of power, far more than traditional lead-acid batteries. They are also much lighter in their material design and can be quickly recharged. This is why they are the popular choice for most everyday devices, including our smartphones, electric vehicles, iPads and laptops, wireless headphones, smartwatches, and even our power storage systems.
Basically, they utilise Li or Li metal oxide material as the cathode. As for the anode, it is usually the carbon material. Take lithium-ion batteries as an example. When they are in use, the anode releases lithium ions to the cathode, generating an electrical current in return. The opposite happens when the battery is recharging, i.e., the ions flow from the cathode and are received by the anode. Energy is stored and released when the lithium ions travel within the battery.
Types of Lithium Batteries
To better understand lithium battery applications, you should understand its common types:
- Lithium Metal Batteries
Lithium-metal batteries are the first type. They are primary batteries that use lithium metal as an anode. These lithium batteries cannot be recharged but are discarded once they are used up.
Lithium-metal batteries are popular due to their ability to hold lots of energy in a small, lightweight package. Their high energy density and lightweight material design make them suitable for portable devices.
Furthermore, these batteries maintain their efficiency and functionality within a wide temperature range. Perhaps the biggest drawback of these batteries is that you must discard them after use, as they cannot be recharged once they are used.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries
Different from lithium metal batteries, lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that can endure hundreds or even thousands of charging and discharging cycles. Some common lithium materials utilised are lithium manganese oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, and lithium iron phosphate (which we will cover in the following part).
These batteries are famous for advantages like high energy density, low self-discharge, and extended cycle life. But there are risks when they are not handled properly, and that's why leading lithium power stations always come with safety guarantee features to ensure safe charging and discharging.
- LiFePO4 Batteries
The final type we will discuss in detail is the LiFePO4 battery type or lithium iron phosphate battery. These batteries mainly differ from other lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries in their chemical composition. They have the typical advantages of lithium-ion batteries and, further, are considered a safe battery option with stable chemical properties.
Typically, LiFePO4 batteries are less prone to overheating, exploding, or catching fire. They discharge relatively more slowly, which results in longer life and less susceptibility to early degradation. As such, they are ideal for applications where safety, especially in long-term use, is a priority. For example, they are the best choice for solar power systems, electric vehicles, and commercial equipment.
The drawback to LiFePO4 batteries is that they tend to be slightly heavier than the other variants because they have a slightly lower energy density compared to other lithium batteries.
Jackery's Lithium Power Station Models
Due to the features discussed above, lithium-ion batteries are widely used in power stations, typically portable power stations. At Jackery, we develop diverse lithium power stations capable of supporting diverse energy needs. Here, let's have 4 models that utilise safe and energy-efficient lithium battery packs for a better understanding.
- Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station features a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery that stores 288 Wh of power. Its multiple charging ports also support simultaneous device charging.
The battery system can endure up to 3000 charge cycles before showing signs of degradation. You can trust its smooth function for 10 years with proper care. It has further been integrated with Jackery's ChargeShield technology, which offers 52 forms of protection.
The best part of the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station is its lightweight design. Weighing just around 3.75 kg, it can easily fit into your backpack and support all your short-term off-road trips.
- Jackery Explorer 600 Plus Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is the best portable power option. It can power many outdoor devices, from GPS devices to camping lights, with its 800W output and 632Wh capacity. The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is your go-to power station for all your activities because it is strong, durable, and light. It makes charging fun things to do outside easy.
The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus can meet all of your outdoor entertainment needs. A lot of different outdoor gadgets can connect to it. Its dual PD fast charging can go up to 100W, so your devices will be charged quickly. The Explorer 600 Plus can give you long-lasting power, a backup in an emergency, or quiet charging that won't bother anyone.
The LFP battery in the Jackery 600 Plus boasts a remarkable 4000-cycle lifespan, rendering it resilient for daily utilisation spanning a decade.
- Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station features a much more expansive 1002 Wh lithium-ion battery. Like other models, it comes equipped with leading BMS technology. The charging algorithm ensures it withholds a minimal 80% battery capacity even after undergoing 1000 charging cycles. You could use it as a portable lithium battery pack for camping every week for 10 years before seeing a drop in its battery capacity!
Furthermore, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro Portable Power Station is also capable of powering up to 93% of all daily appliances, from coffee machines and smartphones to space heaters, toasters, and kettles, making it perfect for use as a backup power supply during a power outage or your next camping expedition.
- Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station features an expansive battery capacity of 2 kWh. The unique part of this power station is that you can add additional LiFePO4 battery packs to it to expand the total capacity up to 12 kWh. This portable power station is ideal for those homeowners who wish to make a switch to a greener source of power. You can start off with the basic battery capacity and build it over time.
The battery itself can withstand up to 4000 charge cycles before reaching a minimal capacity of 70%. This durable battery should last you for at least 10 years, even if you use it once a day.
Why Choose Jackery's Lithium Power Stations
With more models to explore, here we would like to summarise the reasons that make our lithium power station models so popular.
- High-Quality Battery
Each of Jackery's lithium power stations is equipped with a high-quality lithium battery featuring high energy and power densities. It's not just the specifications, but the build and material design that render it a long lifespan. This means they can store more power, are durable, and will last you for years to come. They also feature quick charging capabilities, so you can make use of power whenever and wherever you need it.
- Comprehensive Safety Guarantee
Beyond the make and model, all Jackery lithium power station models incorporate safety guarantee features, like smart Battery Management Systems (BMSs) or ChargeShield technologies that protect the battery while charging. These features ensure that they can charge more efficiently and undergo thousands of charge cycles before showing signs of degradation.
- Renewable Energy Integration
Lithium batteries are much more eco-friendly than traditional lead-acid batteries. To fully utilise clean and green energy, you can patch the lithium power station with our Jackery SolarSaga solar panels to get solar energy. Solar energy does not burn fuel, does not lead to the release of harmful affluents, and is far more cost-efficient.
- Smart APP Control
For those who prefer modern intelligence, Jackery lithium power station models offer integration with the Smart App control on your smartphones. A simple button tap allows you to monitor your battery usage, battery level, charging time, and other relevant parameters. You can even use it to power on or switch off your power station or set a battery charge limit.
- Wide Application Scenarios
The Jackery lithium power station models are suitable for different application scenarios, from camping to home power backup. The best part is that you can recharge the batteries with solar panels, your car port, or even a wall outlet. Jackery further has a large variety of power stations with varying capacities you can choose from. If needed, you can even expand by adding battery packs to your system.
Applications Of Jackery's Lithium Power Stations
Here are the many applications you can explore with Jackery's lithium power station.
- RV Trips
Equip the RV with our solar lithium power stations and power nearly all your caravan or RV essentials when you are on the road. The best advantage is that these batteries last much longer and require less maintenance, making them perfect for long trips on your RV.
- Outdoor Activities
You can use our portable lithium power station models for just about any outdoor activity. Whether camping, hiking, picnics, or even quick trips to the park, a Jackery lithium power station can ensure your fun by satisfying your diverse power needs.
- Remote Work and Study
Working or studying in remote areas is possible and challenging because the grid power may not be accessible. Whether you work on a construction site or study geographic knowledge through on-site studies, Jackery's portable power stations can help power essential devices like your laptops and tablets.
- Marine Activities
Our lithium power stations can also do a good job on vessels and ships. Different from traditional nonrenewable sources, solar power won't spew exhaust into the ocean or leak oil into the water, harming our precious marine life.
- Emergency Backup Power Supply
In addition to small-capacity power stations, Jackery offers large-capacity battery power stations that are ideal for home use as a complete backup power supply. If the electricity supply in your living area is not stable, you can keep our power stations at home to serve as a backup power supply.
- Disaster Relief
Disasters can be unexpected without any hints. Savvy homeowners know of this and will take preventative measures by stocking up on the basic necessities and keeping a power supply at hand. You can rely on Jackery's lithium portable power pack for reliable power for disaster relief. Plus, if you find yourself detached from the grid, you can switch to solar power and continue using power until the connection is restored.
Final Thoughts
A lithium power station is one of the top choices for power solutions. Not only do they offer a reliable stream of power, but they are eco-friendly, safer, and will last you much longer.
Jackery offers a wide variety of lithium power station devices that will serve your different needs. With multiple output options, you can even power multiple devices at once. You can use them at home, outdoors, on the road, or just about anywhere you need to access power! For more versatile power solutions, visit Jackery today!
