Flexible, powerful, rechargeable — Battery systems with rechargeable batteries

Lithium-ion cells (Li-ion) are powerful, rechargeable secondary cells and have become key energy sources in e-mobility, industrial applications, and consumer products. Their high energy density, compact design, and low self-discharge make them the preferred choice for demanding applications.

Technical advantages at a glance:

• Very high energy density (up to 4× higher than lead-acid)
• High cell voltage: 3.6–3.7 V (charge cutoff: 4.2 V)
• Low self-discharge: < 2% per month
• Can replace up to three NiCd or NiMH cells

Typical applications: e-mobility, medical technology, portable devices, industrial equipment

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Rechargeable lithium cells with alternative chemistries complement conventional Li-ion and Li-poly systems wherever compact size, long-term stability, or wide temperature tolerance are essential. Often used in coin cell formats, these cells are based on specialized electrochemical systems such as Li-MnO₂, Li-V₂O₅, or Li-TiS₂. They are known for high reliability, low self-discharge, and long service life in low-power applications.

Your advantages with rechargeable lithium cells (special chemistries):

• Rechargeable and durable – up to 1,000 charge cycles
• Temperature-stable – ideal for industrial use
• Low self-discharge for long deployment times
• Compact coin cell formats available
• Alternative voltage ranges (1.5 V / 2.3 V / 3.0 V)

Technical specifications:

• Nominal voltage: 1.5 V / 2.3 V / 3.0 V
• Chemistries: e.g. Li-MnO₂, Li-V₂O₅, Li-TiS₂
• Cell format: mainly coin cells, some special formats
• Temperature range: –20 °C to +70 °C
• Cycle life: 300–1,000 charge cycles
• Self-discharge: < 2% per month

Typical applications: Storage modules, RTC buffering, wearables, medical devices, measurement technology, and energy-autonomous electronic systems with low power consumption.

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Lithium polymer cells (Li-poly) are rechargeable secondary cells known for their particularly flexible form factor and high energy density. They can be manufactured extremely flat and in variable shapes—ideal for compact devices and space-sensitive applications.

Technical advantages at a glance:

• Maximum design freedom: ultra-thin (< 1 mm possible)
• Up to 20% higher energy density than classic Li-Ion cells
• Cell voltage: 3.7–3.8 V (charge cutoff: 4.2 V)
• Low self-discharge: < 2% per month

Typical applications: smart cards, wearables, tablets, smartphones, medical technology

Note: Selecting appropriate electrode materials based on application and requirements is crucial—we support you in choosing the right cell chemistry.

Lithium iron phosphate cells (LiFePO₄ / LFP) are among the safest rechargeable cell technologies on the market. They offer high thermal and chemical stability—ideal for applications demanding long life, fast charging, and safety.

Advantages of lithium iron phosphate:

• High safety—no oxygen release in case of malfunction
• Long lifespan: 2,000 to 5,000 charge cycles
• Fast charging capable: high charge/discharge currents (up to 30C)
• Environmentally friendly and recyclable—free of toxic heavy metals

Technical data:

• Nominal voltage: 3.2 V
• Charge cutoff voltage: 3.6–3.7 V
• Temperature range: -40 °C to +85 °C
• Energy density: 150–170 Wh/kg
• Self-discharge: approx. 3% per month

Typical applications: e-mobility, stationary energy storage, industrial applications with high safety requirements

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Nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH) are reliable rechargeable batteries with a broad range of applications—especially where robustness, temperature tolerance, and environmental friendliness are required.

Advantages of nickel-metal hydride:

• High temperature resistance: -30 °C to +60 °C
• Resistant to deep discharge and overcharging
• More environmentally friendly than NiCd—free of toxic heavy metals
• Available as “Low Self Discharge” (LSD) version

Technical data:

• Nominal voltage: 1.2–1.3 V
• Charge cutoff voltage: up to 1.55 V
• Cycle life: 300–1,000 charge cycles
• Energy density: 50–70 Wh/kg
• Self-discharge: approx. 25% per month (LSD: approx. 15% per year)

Typical applications: medical technology, industrial electronics, mobile devices in harsh environmental conditions

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NiCd batteries are especially durable rechargeable cells with high cycle stability and excellent temperature tolerance. Today, they are mainly used in specialized applications—where other cell chemistries reach their limits.

Advantages of nickel-cadmium:

• Highly robust against deep discharge and overcharging
• Long service life: up to 1,500 cycles
• Extremely temperature-resistant: suitable from -40 °C to +60 °C
• Suitable for high charge and discharge currents

Technical data:

• Nominal voltage: 1.2 V
• Charge cutoff voltage: 1.4–1.65 V
• Discharge cutoff voltage: 0.8–1.0 V
• Charge current: 1C – 3C
• Energy density: 50–90 Wh/kg
• Power density: 130–220 W/kg
• Self-discharge: approx. 0.5% per day

Typical applications: emergency and alarm systems, medical equipment, military applications (in compliance with EU exemptions)

Important note:
Due to the presence of cadmium—a toxic heavy metal—the use of NiCd cells in consumer batteries is largely prohibited within the EU. This chemistry is therefore only permitted for specific applications (e.g., emergency lighting, military, medical technology).

Lead batteries (Pb, VRLA, AGM) are among the oldest and most proven rechargeable batteries. They consist of lead dioxide (positive electrode), lead (negative electrode), and diluted sulfuric acid as electrolyte. Classic applications range from emergency power supply to industrial uses.

Modern variants such as VRLA (Valve Regulated lead acid) batteries are maintenance-free and especially safe. They are distinguished by:

• AGM technology: Electrolyte absorbed in glass fiber mat
• Gel technology: Electrolyte immobilized in gel form

Advantages of lead batteries:

• Cost-effective and time-tested
• VRLA models are maintenance-free and leak-proof
• Easily recyclable with established take-back infrastructure
• High performance under heavy load

Technical data:

• Nominal voltage: 2.0 V per cell
• Charge cutoff voltage: 2.4 V per cell
• Discharge cutoff voltage: 1.4–1.75 V (depending on load)
• Nominal charge current: C/20
• Operating temperature: -20 °C to +60 °C
• Cycle life: up to 3,000 cycles
• Energy density: approx. 50 Wh/kg
• Power density: 250–500 W/kg
• Self-discharge: approx. 1–3% per month

Important note:
Lead is a heavy metal with potential health hazards. Batteries containing more than 0.004% lead must be labeled ("Pb") and must not be disposed of with household waste. Proper recycling is legally required.

Rechargeable capacitors—whether classic supercapacitors (EDLC) or lithium hybrid capacitors (LiC)—are specialized energy storage devices known for extremely fast charge/discharge capability and exceptional cycle life. They are ideal for applications with short-term energy demand, frequent load changes, or as a complement to conventional batteries.

Your advantages with rechargeable capacitors:

• Fast charging – fully recharged within seconds
• Extremely high cycle life – up to 1,000,000 charge cycles
• High power density – ideal for short energy bursts
• Maintenance-free and robust – long service life
• Battery-compatible – can be used for power boosting
   

Technical specifications:

• Nominal voltage: 2.7–3.8 V (depending on cell type)
• Capacity: from a few mF to >500 mAh (depending on format)
• Temperature range: –40 °C to +85 °C
• Energy density: 5–20 Wh/kg
• Power density: up to 10,000 W/kg
• Self-discharge: depending on type, < 3% per month (LiC) to >10% per day (EDLC)
   

Typical applications: IoT devices, smart metering, data loggers, industrial sensors, medical technology, communications, and backup systems with high current demand.

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