Long-Life Lithium Batteries

A long-life lithium battery is a primary cell chosen for service measured in years, not months. Across Pkcell's lines, stated shelf life is more than 10 years for LiSOCl2 and more than 5 years for button cells, with LiMnO2 and LiFeS2 stated up to 10 years, all at category level. Self-discharge is stated at less than 1 percent per year for LiSOCl2 and for LiMnO2 at 20 degrees Celsius. Those two figures — shelf life and self-discharge — are what make a primary cell practical for meters, sensors, trackers, alarm systems and backup equipment that cannot be serviced every year.

Long life is not a single specification. It depends on the cell chemistry, the current the device draws, the temperature at the installation site, and whether the device draws steady current or pulse current. A cell that lasts 10 years in a low-drain meter may last far less in a device that transmits frequently, which is why hybrid pulse capacitor packs exist: the capacitor handles pulses so the cell's energy lasts longer. The honest way to specify a long-life battery is therefore to state the device's real load profile and confirm the expected service life against the datasheet, rather than quoting a category shelf-life figure as a guarantee.

Before ordering, confirm the model, the capacity variant, the load profile, the operating temperature range and the final datasheet. Minimum order value is USD $500, according to the company FAQ, and samples are available. Lead time is confirmed per order. Certificates are available upon request.

Related pages: LiSOCl2 Batteries, LiMnO2 Batteries, Batteries for IoT Devices, Batteries for Water Meters.