High Temperature LTO Batteries

Nichicon is an industry leading manufacturer of lithium titanate-oxide (LTO) batteries that combine the best qualities of electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) and lithium-ion batteries. Our LTO batteries use lithium titanate oxide as the negative electrode material which gives these batteries certain advantages such as rapid charging/discharging and longer lifespan. We have recently introduced our new line of LTO batteries for high temperature applications that can operate at higher temperatures with a much larger charge/discharge lifecycle compared to our current LTO batteries.

Our new high temperature batteries are small and sustainable with a long lifecycle, high energy density, and rapid charge/discharge capabilities like our current LTO batteries. The main difference is that our new high temperature LTO battery has high temperature capability and can operate safely and effectively between -30 ℃ to 80 ℃. The typical operating temperature range for conventional lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries is; Charging: 0°C to 45°C, Discharging: -20°C to 60°C

This newly developed product has successfully increased the number of charge/discharge cycles to 19,200 cycles before the capacity retention rate reaches 80% in a charge/discharge cycle test (20C rate, 100% DOD (Depth of discharge) in an 80°C environment. These new high temperature batteries also have 13 times the charge/discharge cycle of our current LTO batteries at the same conditions.

High Temperature Battery Features

Our high temperature LTO battery features 2.1V nominal voltage and 2.5V-1.5V voltage range. We offer these batteries in different energy densities and sizes to suit a range of high temperature applications.

The following are the main benefits of our high temperature LTO batteries:

Long life: Our high temperature LTO batteries have a lifespan of 19,200 charge-discharge cycles in an 80°C environment, which is 13 times longer than our current LTO batteries.
High power density: The ability of these batteries to rapidly charge and discharge results in high power density.
Temperature range: These high temperature batteries can operate efficiently within a wide temperature range of -30°C to 80°C which is an extended upper limit compared to the limit of 60°C of our current LTO batteries.
Safe: Our high temperature batteries have been tested for overvoltage, over discharge, short circuit, and puncture and they have undergone heating and flame testing to ensure high reliability and safety at extreme temperatures with no fire or explosion.
Energy harvesting: These batteries are the preferred choice for energy harvesting as they can collect, convert, and store solar energy, thermal energy, kinetic energy, and radio frequency (RF) energy.

Our LTO batteries for high temperature environments are ideal for use in the following applications:

IoT devices
Asset trackers
Smart meters
Smart locks
Automotive applications
Power tools
Hand-held measuring instruments
Environmental sensors
BBQ temperature sensor (Meat thermometer)
Backup batteries for home appliances and industrial machinery

Heating and Flame Test

We put our high temperature LTO batteries through heating and flame testing to ensure that they can operate in high temperature environments.

Heating test: For this test, fully charged batteries are placed in a gravity or circulating air-convection oven and left in a 25°C environment for one hour. The chamber was then heated to 130°C and left at this temperature for two hours. The appearance of the battery did not change with no expansion or change in height occurring, and there was no fire or explosion, confirming the safety of these batteries in a 130°C environment.
Flame test: For the flame test, the batteries are heated with the flame of an alcohol lamp. Under these conditions, the rubber expanded and burst, but no explosions or combustion occurred.

Why is it important to use special high-temperature batteries for high temperature applications?

It is important to use specialized high-temperature batteries for high temperature applications because batteries that do not have high-temp capabilities may fail to operate or degrade under these conditions. Exposure to high temperatures can impact the performance of certain batteries and shorten their lifecycle. They may also experience thermal runaway that can lead to overheating, leaks, fires, and explosions.

Specialized high temperature batteries have enhanced thermal stability which prevents overheating and allows them to operate efficiently in high temperatures.

What are the advantages of Nichicon high-temp batteries?

The following are the main advantages of Nichicon high-temp batteries:

Extended lifespan: Our advanced high-temperature LTO batteries boast an impressive lifespan of 19,200 charge and discharge cycles in an 80°C environment, delivering durability that is 13 times greater than our existing LTO batteries.
Exceptional power density: These batteries are designed for rapid charging and discharging, ensuring remarkable power density for high-performance applications.
Wide operational temperature range: Optimized for extreme conditions, these high-temperature batteries function effectively between -30°C to 80°C, a significant improvement over the 60°C maximum of our current LTO batteries.
Uncompromised safety features: Thoroughly tested for overcharging, deep discharge, short circuits, punctures, heat, and flames, these batteries offer superior reliability and safety in extreme conditions without risks of fire or explosion.

How do high temperatures affect battery performance?

High temperatures can negatively affect battery performance in the following ways:

Chemical reactions: Chemical reactions within the battery accelerate which discharges the battery faster and reduces the capacity of the battery.
Shorter lifespan: The accelerated reactions cause degradation of the battery which can significantly shorten its lifespan.
Increased internal resistance: Increased internal resistance caused by high temperatures impacts the ability of the battery to efficiently conduct current.
Thermal runaway: High temperatures may cause thermal runaway and overheating that could lead to fires or explosions.
Voltage and charging: High temperatures may cause the voltage to increase which can lead to overheating and overcharging that compromise the integrity of the battery.
Nichicon’s high temperature LTO batteries can operate safely and effectively under high temperature conditions and offer a longer lifespan and larger number of charge/discharge cycles than alternatives.

What are the alternatives to lithium-ion batteries in temperature conditions above +40C?

The most common alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for high temperature applications include sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries, solid-state batteries, zinc-ion batteries, and sodium-sulfur (NaS) batteries. Nichicon’s high temp LTO batteries are also an excellent alternative as they have many of the same qualities as lithium-ion batteries but can operate more effectively over a much longer period of time in high temperature applications.