3.6V Lithium Battery: Types, Models, and Industrial Uses

Key Highlights

• 3.6V lithium batteries include lithium thionyl chloride, Li-ion, and other variants tailored for specific purposes.
• Popular examples like the 18650, ER26500, and AA variants cover diverse uses.
• They offer high energy density, making them ideal for compact yet powerful applications.
• They are suitable for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, medical, IoT, and military applications.
• Long lifespan and low self-discharge rates make these batteries reliable for critical operations.

Introduction: What are 3.6 Volt lithium Batteries？

A 3.6V lithium battery is small and easy to use for storing energy. It gives out reliable power and has high energy in a small size. These batteries use lithium, which gives them a long life and lets them keep power for a long time without draining fast. You will find them in different sizes and shapes, and they are used in many portable devices, industrial tools, and special measuring equipment. In some cases, they use lithium thionyl chloride to give even better results in very tough situations. This is why so many turn to them for power.

Types of 3.6V Lithium Batteries

There are many types of 3.6V lithium batteries made for different uses, and this shows how flexible they can be. The main groups are lithium-ion batteries, Lithium Iron Disulfide batteries and lithium thionyl chloride batteries.

• Lithium-ion batteries are known for their high energy and good energy density. Because of this, people often use them in things like phones and tablets.
• LiFeS₂ batteries are known for their lightweight, long shelf life, and excellent performance in extreme temperatures. They are often used in high-drain consumer devices like digital cameras and flashlights.
• Lithium thionyl chloride batteries last a long time when kept on the shelf and are very reliable. People use them for things that need a steady amount of power for many years.
  

  Battery Type	Size (mm)	Capacity (mAh)
  Lithium-ion	Varies	1000 – 5000
  LiFeS₂	26 x 32	1500 – 3000
  Lithium thionyl chloride	20 x 32	1200 – 3000

  

Key Features and Advantages

3.6V lithium batteries offer several key features and benefits that make them highly desirable for various applications. Here are some of their standout qualities:

• Exceptional Energy Density: These batteries can store a significant amount of energy in a compact size.
• Wide Voltage Range: Users can rely on stable and consistent power across many different needs.
• Long Charge Retention: They maintain their charge for extended periods, minimizing the need for frequent recharging.
• Ideal for Infrequent Use: Perfect for devices that are not charged daily, as they last longer without draining.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for both personal and industrial use, functioning effectively in a range of machines and tools.

This combination of versatility and high energy density makes lithium batteries a top choice for numerous uses.

Common Models and Comparison: LiSoCl2, Li-ion and More

3.6V AA Lithium Battery：

The 3.6V AA lithium battery is a common choice for industrial and IoT applications due to its compact size and reliable performance. Two of the most widely used AA-format models are:

• ER14505: Based on Li-SOCl₂ (Lithium Thionyl Chloride) chemistry, this battery offers high energy density, long shelf life (up to 10 years), and excellent performance in extreme temperatures. It is ideal for smart meters, wireless sensors, and medical tracking devices.
• LS14500: Manufactured by brands like Saft, this model is also a Li-SOCl₂ cell with similar specifications to the ER14505 but may differ slightly in discharge curve and internal resistance. It’s commonly used in remote monitoring systems and security equipment.

3.6V 18650 Lithium Battery：

The 18650 3.6V lithium battery is a rechargeable cell typically built on Li-ion (Lithium-Ion) chemistry. Known for its high energy density, stable performance, and rechargeability, it’s widely used in:

• Power tools
• E-bikes and electric vehicles
• Laptop battery packs
• Flashlights and torches

Compared to primary batteries like ER14505, 18650 cells are designed for repeated cycles, but not typically used in ultra-low power devices due to self-discharge rate.

Other Popular 3.6V Lithium Battery:

• ER26500: This is a C-size 3.6V lithium battery, also based on Li-SOCl₂ chemistry. With a large capacity (up to 8500mAh), it delivers long-lasting power for industrial sensors, asset tracking systems, and oil & gas monitoring devices. It’s built for low-drain, long-life applications.
• ER14250 (1/2AA): A smaller form factor Li-SOCl₂ cell, offering reliable power in tight spaces. It’s commonly used in medical devices, real-time clocks (RTCs), and compact security modules.

er14505 vs ls14500:

The ER14505 uses lithium thionyl chloride chemistry. It gives higher energy density and has a longer shelf life. This makes it a good choice for devices that do not use a lot of power but always need reliable power. On the other hand, the LS14500 is made with lithium manganese dioxide. It is a bit cheaper and gives strong power for things that need a bit more energy but not the most. People need to look at these points when picking a battery. This way, they can find the one that works best in their device. It helps them get the most out of their device using the right type of lithium battery.

Industrial Applications of 3.6V Lithium Batteries

AMR/AMI Smart Water & Gas Meters:

Smart water and gas meters use 3.6V lithium batteries to help change the way people manage utilities. These meters use high energy density cells. This gives them reliable power that helps advanced metering systems like AMI and AMR work better. They also allow for steady monitoring and data to be sent at all times. This means more accuracy and better use of time.

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN):

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) use 3.6V lithium batteries to give reliable power. These batteries have high energy, and their energy density lets the networks work for a long time, even in far-off places. Because the batteries use lithium thionyl chloride, they can handle changes in temperature and other tough things in the environment. It also helps WSN get better at collecting data.

GPS Trackers, Military, Oil & Gas, IoT:

Reliable power is very important for things like GPS trackers, the military, and the oil and gas industry. The high energy in 3.6V lithium batteries helps these devices keep working well, even when the conditions are tough. For IoT devices, these batteries give a steady energy supply, so the devices stay connected and send data with no trouble. Their high energy density and reliable power make them a must-have in many different fields.

Where to Buy High-Quality 3.6V Lithium Batteries？

Finding good 3.6V lithium batteries is very important if you want to have reliable power and the best results in many types of devices. PKCell is one supplier that people trust. It gives you a lot of choices and has batteries with strong energy density. You can find what you need at PKCell for your GPS trackers, sensors, and many other work uses. Our lithium thionyl chloride batteries are made to be good. If you still have questions or need help with selecting batteries, feel free to contact us and ask for a consultation!

Conclusion

To sum up, 3.6V lithium batteries are very important for many industrial uses. They stand out because of their strong performance and steady output. There is a wide range of choices, like the LiSoCl2 and Li-ion types. These include models such as the 18650 and er26500. Learning about these can help you choose what you need for your job. You will find these batteries used in smart water meters, GPS trackers, and other modern devices. They really make a big difference in today’s technology. When you look for batteries, make sure to pick good-quality ones so you get the best results. If you want to know more or want to buy lithium batteries, contact trusted suppliers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a 3.6V lithium battery typically last?

The lifespan of a 3.6V lithium battery depends on how you use it and how you care for it. Most of these lithium batteries last for about 300 to 500 charge cycles. If you store the lithium battery in the right way and follow charging tips, the battery will last longer. This helps you get reliable power for many years.

Can a 3.6V battery be replaced with a 3.7V or 3V battery?

In most cases, you can use a 3.7V or a 3V battery instead of a 3.6V battery. But make sure to check first if the battery is really right for your device. Some gadgets might not work well because of the different voltages. This could cause problems or even break the device. Always look at the device’s instructions or specs before you make a swap.

Are 3.6V lithium batteries rechargeable?

It depends on which battery you get. Some 3.6V lithium batteries, like Li-ion, can be charged and used again. These have good energy density. Others, like the lithium thionyl chloride type, are not made to be charged again, but these give steady power for a long time when you need it most. Always look at the product label to know more about what you are buying.

Are there any safety concerns associated with using a 3.6V lithium battery?

Yes, there are safety concerns with 3.6V lithium batteries. They can pose risks such as overheating, explosion, or fire if improperly handled. It’s crucial to use compatible chargers and avoid overcharging. Additionally, storing them in a cool, dry place helps prevent degradation and ensures safe usage. Always follow manufacturer guidelines.