Vrla battery vs lithium-ion battery - difference comparison and which is better
When it comes to energy storage, the type of battery you choose can greatly impact the efficiency and longevity of your device. In the realm of batteries, two types often come into focus: Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries and Lithium-Ion batteries.
Today, we will explore an in-depth comparison between VRLA and Lithium-Ion batteries, examining their pros, cons, and which is better suited for specific uses like UPS systems.
Are vrla battery vs lithium-ion battery the same?
Vrla battery vs lithium-ion battery is quite different from each other. Vrla battery stands for valve-regulated lead-acid battery. It is fully sealed and not leak acid. Vrla batteries have a limited amount of electrolytes, which are absorbed in a separate plate or formed in gel.
motorcycle battery, golf cart batteries and so on, consumer battery and energy storage battery like solar battery, portable power station, etc.
What is the lithium ion battery?
The lithium-ion battery is an advanced technology that uses lithium-ion as a component. Li+ element has high activity and strong electrical conductivity. Li-ion batteries primarily rely on the movement of lithium ions between cathode and anode to function. During the charging and discharging process, Li+ intercalates and deintercalates back and forth between the two electrodes.
What is vrla battery?
Vrla battery is a type of lead-acid battery. Lead-acid batteries come in different shapes and sizes, and the most common type available is vrla battery. Vrla battery consists of a plating system in which electrolytes are absorbed, or it can be in the form of a gel. There is a proportioning of negative and positive plates so that oxygen reunited inside the cell.
Difference between vrla battery vs lithium-ion battery
Specifications
Vrla battery vs lithium-ion battery specifications is different from each other.
| Vrla battery | Lithium-ion battery | |
|---|---|---|
| Cell voltage | 2 V | 3.6 V |
| Cycle life | 400 cycles | More than 2000 cycles |
| Energy density | 50 – 70 Wh/g | Lithium iron phosphate battery is below 200Wh/kg, and ternary lithium battery is between 200-300Wh/kg |
| Lifespan | 1 – 2 years | 5 – 8 years |
| Charge efficiency | 60% | 95% |
| Operating temperature range | 15℃ -35 ℃ | -20℃ – 60℃ |
Performance
The internal chemistry and composition of lithium-ion battery and vrla battery are very different, which can lead to different performance of the two types of batteries. Vrla batteries performance is a maximum of 500 cycles for the ups system. However, in general, battery life is only 3-5 years depending on the usage of the batteries.
In comparison with the vrla battery vs lithium-ion battery, li-ion battery has higher energy density and longer cycle life than vrla battery. Apart from this, li-ion battery cells can provide up to 3.7 volts, three times more than other technologies such as NI-Cd or Ni-Me. Li-ion batteries are safer and more stable than vrla batteries. In addition, lithium-ion batteries do not contain pollutants and will not cause secondary pollution to the environment.
Maintenance
Timely maintenance of vrla batteries is much needed to avoid premature failure. For the knowing of the capacity of the battery’s actual status, its performance would have been looked at regularly so that maintenance would have been on time.
The life of vrla batteries will be closer to their designed life only when strict measures had taken according to the manufacturer’s requirements. However, lithium-ion batteries are maintenance-free. The operating temperature range of lithium-ion batteries is wider than that of VRLA batteries. Lithium-ion batteries can work normally at -20°C – 60°C without maintenance.
Applications
Vrla batteries as one of the traditional lead-acid batteries, it can be applied in many power equipment. If we compare the vrla battery vs lithium-ion battery, lithium-ion batteries have a wider range of applications and can be used in energy storage devices and systems of different sizes, digital devices, and electric vehicles of different specifications because of their higher energy density and better performance.
Vrla battery vs lithium-ion battery which is better for a UPS battery?
By comparing vrla battery vs lithium-ion battery, lithium batteries have more capacity, and their charging capabilities are faster than any vrla battery. Lithium-ion batteries are smaller, lighter, and have a long cycle life, while vrla batteries are bulky, inefficient, and require regular maintenance. For the past few years, many UPS centers have been working on lithium-ion batteries because their cost prices have decreased.
Pros and cons of lithium ion battery
Lithium-ion has more energy potential than cadmium. Its charging capabilities are more convenient than other batteries. Vrla battery vs lithium-ion battery, li-ion battery requires no maintenance with low self-discharge rate, and lithium-ion batteries of different types and sizes are also available.
The main major disadvantage of lithium-ion batteries is that they require BMS protection from overcharging and being fully discharged and their price rates are 40% higher than vrla batteries.
Pros and cons of vrla battery
Vrla batteries had used for economic purposes. The great advantage of vrla batteries, which makes them useful for indoor use, is that they have low demand for ventilation. The major disadvantage of this battery is that it has overcharges and the water inside it becomes dry due to high operating temperature.
Can I replace vrla battery with lithium ion?
The answer is yes. At present, for all kinds of power equipment, an obvious trend is to replace lead with lithium. However, attention must be paid to the specification matching between the equipment and the battery, and the charge and discharge current and voltage must be consistent.
Can I charge a lithium ion battery with vrla charger?
The vrla battery charger cannot be used to charge the lithium ion battery. We need to use a specific battery charger to charge the lithium ion battery.
What to consider when buying vrla and lithium ion batteries?
When choosing a battery, whether it is a lithium -ion battery or a VRLA battery, first depends on whether the battery specifications conform to the product specifications. The power, density, charging time, price and life of the battery should be considered, and then compare the characteristics of the battery.
If you are buying batteries for indoor use, such as wheelchairs, ATVs, and ups systems, you can both consider vrla and lithium ion battery. Must consider lithium-ion batteries for electronic vehicles and portable consumer electronics. Because lithium batteries quickly boost the performance of any device by its recharge quality.
