Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are a rechargeable battery commonly used in consumer electronics. They are made of cells containing metallic lithium ions bonded to carbon. Lithium ions are released from the negative electrode when the battery charges and flows to the positive electrode. When discharging, the lithium ions flow reversely, providing electrical energy.
Li-ion batteries have a higher energy density than rechargeable batteries like nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride. This means they can store more energy in a smaller, lighter package. They also have low self-discharge rates, so they retain their charge when unused.
Li-ion batteries use an intercalated lithium compound as the electrode material. The most common type uses lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) as the positive electrode and graphite carbon as the negative electrode. Lithium atoms in the electrodes are ionized during discharge and travel from positive to negative across the electrolyte solution. The lithium ions travel in the opposite direction when charging, embedding into the LiCoO2.
The electrolyte allows lithium ions to move freely between electrodes while preventing electrical shorting. Common electrolytes include ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, and lithium salts. A porous plastic separator keeps the positive and negative electrodes apart to prevent electrical short circuits.
Hospitals, pediatric care facilities, nursing homes, primary care organizations, urgent care centers, and specialty care facilities can enhance patient care and satisfaction through lithium-ion battery advantages. Let’s explore how:
Li-ion batteries can withstand hundreds of charge cycles. The cycle life refers to the number of complete charge/discharge cycles a battery can perform before its capacity falls below 80% of its original capacity. Quality Li-ion batteries can achieve 500 cycles at 80% capacity or more.
Their low self-discharge rate also helps them retain charge when not in use. Li-ion batteries lose minimal charge capacity compared to other common types. This long battery life makes them ideal for medical devices and equipment meant for continual use.
One standout lithium-ion battery advantage is their high energy density, which delivers more power. They have energy densities of 100–250 Wh/kg compared to 30–50 Wh/kg for NiCad batteries. Their higher voltage output, around 3.6V, also enhances power delivery compared to the 1.2V of NiCad.
This efficiency allows Li-ion batteries to be smaller and lighter while providing enough power. Battery size and weight are reduced, making devices easier to use and transport.
Another lithium-ion battery advantage is their low internal resistance, which allows fast charging. They can charge in 1–2 hours compared to 3–4 hours for NiCad batteries. Fast charging makes them perfect for hospital equipment that needs quick turnaround.
Faster charging also offers more usage cycles between charges. Medical staff can attend to more patients before recharging a device’s battery, optimizing workflow.
Li-ion batteries require no scheduled cycling or total discharges to prolong service life. They have no memory effect or voltage depression. You can use and recharge them as needed for maximum uptime.
Their self-discharge rate is low as well. As with lead acid batteries, there is no need to top up the charge periodically. This minimal upkeep makes commercial lithium-ion batteries ideal for medical uses.
Li-ion batteries contain no hazardous metals like cadmium or mercury. They are safer and more environmentally friendly than older rechargeable batteries. Their lithium salt electrolytes are also less toxic and flammable than the caustic electrolytes of lead-acid batteries.
Built with electrical protection circuits, Li-ion batteries carry less risk of overheating or fire. Short circuit, overcharge, and overheating protections enhance safety.
Discover how Solutions for tomorrow’s X-tech cell lithium-ion battery is changing mobile X-ray services.
Lithium-ion batteries offer a wide range of uses. Let’s explore how you can take advantage of their safe, efficient, and long-lasting qualities:
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used to power medical devices and equipment in healthcare settings. This includes large equipment like MRI machines and smaller portable devices like mobile X-ray units, infusion pumps, defibrillators, and patient monitors.
Mobile X-ray equipment used at patient bedsides runs on lithium-ion battery power, allowing the equipment to be easily transported around a hospital or clinic.
This prevents the need to constantly move patients to centralized X-ray rooms. Industry-leading rechargeable commercial lithium batteries can power over 1,000 X-rays per charge with advanced battery management systems that track remaining usage.
Healthcare facilities rely on Li-ion batteries for backup to essential medical systems. This prevents critical patient care from being interrupted by power outages.
Li-ion battery backup systems quickly provide emergency power to life support devices, monitoring systems, emergency lighting, and medical refrigeration. This power lasts from minutes to hours depending on system requirements.
Some healthcare systems are constantly connected to Li-ion battery packs, while others automatically switch to battery power when the main electricity supply is disrupted.
Li-ion batteries provide portability, and onboard power storage supports critical emergency and remote healthcare services. Ambulances rely on Li-ion batteries to power lifesaving equipment like defibrillators during transport. Battery-powered medical devices can be brought to accident sites and disasters to treat patients.
Healthcare services in rural or underserved regions also benefit from battery-operated mobile clinics. These clinics can travel directly to patients and provide exams, testing, and minor procedures relying solely on Li-ion battery power.
The military also uses Li-ion batteries to create rugged, portable healthcare equipment that operates in extreme environments without external power sources.
Lithium-ion batteries have become essential in powering many modern healthcare systems. Their high energy density, rechargeability, compact size, and low costs will likely lead to expanded medical uses in the future.
Since 2016, Solutions for tomorrow has been developing revolutionary mobile imaging equipment. At the heart of our transformative products is our commercial lithium battery, known as the X-tech cell. Our lithium-ion battery’s advantages include a long-lasting battery operating time of up to 9 hours, quick charging capabilities, up to 1,200 exposures per charge, and no declining image quality as the battery power depletes.
Contact us today to schedule a free, in-person demonstration of our long-lasting battery and see how it can revolutionize patient care.
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