Primary lithium manganese dioxide pouch cells boast high energy density

Ultralife Corporation, a global battery specialist, has strengthened its Thin Cell range of primary (non-rechargeable) lithium manganese dioxide (Li-MnO2) pouch-cell batteries. The higher energy density and slim form factor of Ultralife’s Thin Cell technology makes it ideal for use in the next generation of internet-connected and wearable devices in sectors including medical, banking, highways, logistics, warehousing and security.

Operating at a nominal voltage of 3.0V, the Thin Cell range of pouch-cell batteries from Ultralife offers an energy density up to 500Wh/l and 400Wh/kg. This is a much higher rating than the best lithium coin-cells available on the market, which offer an energy density of only 300Wh/l and 260Wh/kg allowing devices to deliver longer runtimes at the same size. Because the Thin Cell can be manufactured as thin as just 0.4mm, device manufacturers can make their devices smaller without compromising run time.

As well as providing more energy in a smaller package, the Thin Cell also outperforms coin cells when delivering high discharge rates. This is thanks to optimized current collectors and means that the battery meets the demands of devices that need high bursts of energy, such as those with radio frequency (RF) transmitters.

“Design engineers have reached the limit of what traditional lithium coin-cells can deliver,” explained Dr. Xulong Zhang, VP of China Sales and Operational Liaison, at Ultralife Corporation. “The next generation of connected devices will have even more features packed into even more compact designs. To keep up with customer demand, device manufacturers need batteries that allow them to innovate and that is what Ultralife is offering with this Thin Cell battery.

“To meet the needs of demanding applications, we’ve designed the Thin Cells to operate safely and effectively from -20 degrees to +60 degrees Celsius, which means they continue to work long after other batteries have frozen. The Thin Cell also retains over 98 per cent of its capacity after a year of storage at room temperature, so it does not suffer from the passivation that affects many other lithium chemistries. So, regardless of how customers store their battery, it will always be ready to use.”

The Thin Cell batteries from Ultralife are tested to the stringent requirements of UL1642 for safety, as well as UN testing for transportation. Combine this with the fact that the Thin Cells are terminated with nickel and stainless steel tabs so they can be soldered onto PCBs quickly, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can readily integrate the batteries into their devices for use in applications around the world.

The Thin Cell batteries are available off-the-shelf in standard sizes and can also be customised for specific customer requirements.