Primary batteries (one-time using)

We present here a brief overview of primary batteries.

Consumer 1.5V cells are 3 types: Salt (extra Heavy duty), Alkaline, Lithium (Li-FeS2). Short comparison is in Figure.

Consumer batteries

Lifetime on small load (<30mA)

Alkaline/Lithium lifetime is twice than Salt

Lifetime on middle load (200-400mA)

SAURIS: Salt (extra Heavy duty), Alkaline, Lithium (Li-FeS2) 1.5V batteries

Alkaline/Lithium lifetime is four times more than Salt

Lifetime on large load (>1A)

Salt doesn’t work
Lithium lifetime is three times more than alkaline

Cost

Alkaline/Lithium lifetime is four times more than Salt

Alkaline type is most versatile. Shelf life of modern alkaline batteries reach 10 years. Of course, these batteries are used in industrial applications too.

There are several types of industrial primary batteries. Two of them are most widely used: Li-MnO2 (lithium manganese dioxide) and Li-SOCl2 (lithium thionyl chloride)

Li-MnO2 (lithium manganese dioxide)

Parameter	Value	Comment
Nominal voltage	3 V	OCV 3,10– 3,35 V
Energy density	~250-300Wh/kg
Temperature range	-20….+60 ºС -40….+85 ºС	Typical for coin type Typical for cylinder type
Continuous discharge current (cell not bigger than D-size)	Up to 10mА Up to 100mA Up to 5A	Coin type Cylinder bobbin type Cylinder spiral type
Self-discharge (% of capacity loss a year)	~1-4% atRT (depends on model and manufacturer)	Exponent growth with temperature 30 ºС – RT2 40 ºС – RT4 50 ºС – RT*8

Li-MnO2 batteries are widely used

for small current application, most well-spread model is coin type CR2032
for budget large power applications, most well-spread model is cylinder type CR123A

These two models (CR2032 and CR123A) are acceptable in retail shops too.

Li-SOCl2 (lithium thionyl chloride)

Parameter	Value	Comment
Nominal voltage	3,6 V	OCV3,67 V
Energy density (highest among existing)	Up to 700 Wh/kg Up to 500 Wh/kg	Bobbin type Spiral type
Temperature range	-55….+85 ºС Up to +165 ℃	Standard Special for karotazh
Continuous discharge current (cell not bigger than D-size)	230 mA 2A	Bobbin type Spiral type
Self-discharge (% of capacity loss a year)	~1% atRT ~3% at RT	Bobbin type Spiral type Weak growth with temperature

Li-SOCl2 batteries have the best energy density, extended temperature range and low self-discharge. This type has some specific, which must be taken into account for correct usage.

We make preliminary lifetime calculation based on current profile, temperature profile and cut-off voltage.

SAURIS – battery solution provider