18650 Battery
we use to power some of that technology would advance as well.For a long time we have had the standar throw away nickel cadmium batteries that we use and then dispose of when they go dead, then there were the rechargeable and now is the 18650 battery or lithium ion rechargeable.
Lithium batteries
have long been desired as a battery of choice; they are extremely low maintenance and hold a charge longer than their predecessor holds.Lithium is the lightest of all metals and the first non-rechargeable ones were being used in the early 70’s. To make them truly cost efficient they would need to be rechargeable and there in lay the problem, this light metal was also highly unstable when charging and therefore the plans were shelved.
Later it was found that working with lithium ion was much safer and the idea for the predecessors to the 18650 battery was born. It hasa slightly lower energy density per weight than lithium, but still beats the nickel cadmium battery for performance.
The most economical lithium ion battery is the 18650 battery
. It is a cylindrical battery and the numbers correspond to the size, 18mm diameter by 650mm length. The 18650 battery is used in various portable devices such as mobile computers that do not require an ultra thin battery application.Features
- Internal PCB protection
- Higher energy to weight than standard rechargeable B
- Building portable power device needing high energy density and low weight
- Cycle Performance: 90% of initial capacity at 400 cycles, Cycle life: > 500 cycles
Of course, the first pro has already been touched upon above. The higher energy level per weight means you will have more power for your device without adding significant heft to it.
The 18650 battery does not require prolonged priming when new; a single charge is all you need to get started.
Specialty forms of the 18650 battery can deliver a high amount of current to things like cordless power tools. This is a distinct advantage that every do it yourselfer or even professional carpenter will appreciate.
Cons
Prone to aging problems even if the battery is not in use. This could be very frustrating, if you store away an 18650 battery expecting to have it in case of an emergency and pull it out only to find that it has degraded with the passage of time.
You must use specific precautions when charging the 18650 battery. Though problems like were found with lithium batteries have been eliminated to protect yourself and your surroundings it is important
you follow the recommended charging practices because they can explode if mishandled.Bottom Line
Lithium ion batteries are becoming more and more prevalent and will likely take over the battery market at some point, particularly if they can address the remaining safety issues.