[2023] Full Comparison of Prismatic vs Pouch Cells
, by Lynn Wen, 11 min reading time
, by Lynn Wen, 11 min reading time
Today, as technology advances, the use of rechargeable batteries is becoming more prevalent in our everyday lives. Among the various types of rechargeable batteries available, prismatic and pouch cells have gained significant popularity.
In this article, we will provide a full comparison of prismatic vs pouch cells to help you understand their characteristics.
Prismatic cells are a type of lithium-ion battery characterized by their rectangular or square shape. They are typically made of metal casings and are commonly used in laptops, tablets, and power banks. Prismatic lithium-ion batteries use aluminum alloy or stainless steel for their rigid casing. The internal structure of the battery can be either wound or laminated, providing enhanced protection for the battery cell compared to the flexible packaging of pouch cells.
Power Queen 12.8V 100Ah Prismatic Cell---HOBOTECH Tear Down Review
Prismatic cells have several distinct features that set them apart:
Pouch LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries are a type of lithium-ion battery that uses LiFePO4 as the cathode material. The soft aluminum coating makes the battery lighter and, depending on its purpose, allows for adjustable size and available space. This enables flexible units to easily adapt to the available space of a given product. In terms of space optimization, this means achieving 90%-95% packaging efficiency and higher energy density.
By adopting a more convenient design, soft-pack batteries have the potential to match next-generation high-performance batteries, thereby accelerating the electrification demands of electric vehicles and consumer electronics products.
Power Queen 12.8v 100ah MINI pouch cell-- Roll2 Videos
The Power Queen 12V 100Ah Mini battery is highly sought after in the market due to its compactness and light weight, tipping the scales at just 19.77lbs. Being only 3/5 the size of other batteries with the same capacity, it stands out among its competitors. The utilization of pouch cell technology plays a significant role in enabling such a small and lightweight design for this battery.
One common concern with pouch cells, including the LiFePO4 pouch cells, is the potential for swelling. Swelling can occur due to a variety of factors, such as improper charging or discharging, overcharging, or exposure to extreme temperatures.
However, it's important to note that LiFePO4 pouch cells are generally considered safer than other lithium-ion chemistries, such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) or lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC). This is mainly due to the inherent stability of the LiFePO4 chemistry, which is less prone to thermal runaway or "thermal runaway".
LiFePO4 pouch cells have a higher thermal stability and lower energy density compared to other lithium-ion chemistries. This means they have a reduced risk of overheating and lower likelihood of thermal runaway, making them a safer option for certain applications.
Additionally, LiFePO4 pouch cells typically incorporate a range of safety features, such as a pressure relief valve and thermal protection measures. These safety mechanisms help mitigate the risk of swelling, overcharging, or thermal runaway.
Furthermore, the flexible design of pouch cells allows for more effective heat dissipation, preventing excessive temperature build-up and reducing the risk of swelling. Pouch cells also have a lower internal resistance compared to prismatic cells, which helps minimize heat generation during charging and discharging.
It is worth mentioning that ensuring proper charging and discharging practices, as well as observing the recommended temperature range, are crucial for maintaining the safety and longevity of any lithium-ion battery, including LiFePO4 pouch cells.
In summary, while swelling can be a potential concern for pouch cells, LiFePO4 pouch cells are generally considered safer than other lithium-ion chemistries due to their inherent stability and the incorporation of safety features. By following proper care and maintenance guidelines, the risk of swelling and other safety issues can be minimized, making LiFePO4 pouch cells a reliable and safe choice for various applications.
To ensure compliance with regulatory standards such as UL, CE, and RoHS, it is crucial to ensure that LiFePO4 pouch cells have obtained the necessary safety certifications. These certifications indicate that the batteries meet stringent safety and environmental requirements, having undergone thorough testing and quality control procedures.
Power Queen’s batteries have the highest level of safety, as confirmed by UL Test Reports.
Prismatic cells have a rigid rectangular shape, while pouch cells have a flexible, flat design. Prismatic cells are typically larger and bulkier, while pouch cells offer greater design flexibility and can be made in various shapes and sizes.
Prismatic cells generally have a metal casing, which provides better durability and thermal management. Pouch cells, on the other hand, use a flexible pouch made of laminated materials like aluminum and polymer, making them lightweight and allowing for more efficient use of space.
Prismatic cells tend to be larger and thicker due to their rigid rectangular shape. Pouch cells are generally thinner and more compact, making them suitable for devices with space constraints.
Prismatic cells are typically heavier due to the rigid metal casing. Pouch cells, being lightweight and using flexible packaging, are lighter in weight.
Both prismatic and pouch cells can have varying voltage and capacity depending on the specific chemistry and design. Typically, they provide similar voltage ranges, but capacity may differ based on their design and size.
Prismatic cells, with their metal casing, offer better durability and resistance to external stress compared to pouch cells. Pouch cells are more susceptible to damage due to their flexible nature and may require additional safety measures.
Prismatic cells are generally more expensive to produce due to their specialized metal casing design. Pouch cells, being simpler in construction with flexible packaging, are often less expensive to manufacture.
Prismatic cells have higher energy density and are suitable for high-energy applications where durability and thermal management are crucial, such as electric vehicles. Pouch cells, with their lightweight and flexible design, offer higher power density, making them suitable for devices requiring quick bursts of power, like smartphones and tablets.
Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized the way we power our electronic devices, from smartphones to electric vehicles. Among the various types of lithium-ion batteries available, prismatic and pouch cells are widely used due to their unique characteristics.
Prismatic cells, with their rectangular or square shape, are known for their durability and robustness. They find extensive use in applications that demand high performance and structural stability. Some notable applications include:
Pouch cells, on the other hand, offer a more lightweight and flexible design, making them ideal for portable electronic devices and space-constrained applications. Let's dive into some prominent areas where pouch cells shine:
While each cell type has its specific applications, both prismatic and pouch cells offer certain advantages:
1. Why compress LiFePO4 cells?
Compressing LiFePO4 cells improves contact between components, increases energy density, enhances safety, and extends longevity, making them more efficient and reliable energy storage solutions. It offers benefits such as improved performance, compactness, and mitigating risks like internal short circuits and gas release.
2. How to charge prismatic or pouch LiFePO4 batteries?
You can charge LiFePO4 batteries by generators, solar panels and LiFePO4 battery chargers. Read on how to charge LiFePO4 batteries to learn more.
In conclusion, both prismatic and pouch cells are safe to use. And each type has its own advantages. Choosing reliable brands like Power Queen that have passed safety certifications such as UL testing is definitely important when deciding on which batteries to use.
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