The evolution of battery technology has brought significant advancements, with 36V lithium battery packs standing out as a preferred choice in various applications. These batteries are widely recognized for their high energy density, longevity, and efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how long a 36V lithium battery lasts, how many 18650 cells it takes to make a 36V pack, the feasibility of using these batteries in a 36V golf cart, and whether you can replace a 36V battery with a 48V battery.
How Long Does a 36V Lithium Battery Last?
The lifespan of a 36V lithium battery is influenced by several factors, including the quality of the cells, charging practices, and usage patterns. On average, a well-maintained 36V lithium battery can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years. The longevity is largely determined by the battery’s cycle life, which is the number of complete charge and discharge cycles it can undergo before its capacity drops below 80% of its original value.
Factors Affecting Battery Lifespan:
- Cycle Life: Most lithium batteries are rated for 500 to 1,500 cycles. With moderate use, this could translate to several years of service. For example, using the battery for light applications might see it last closer to the 10-year mark, while heavy use could reduce its lifespan to 3-5 years.
- Depth of Discharge (DoD): The depth to which a battery is discharged also impacts its longevity. A lower DoD (e.g., 20% of the total capacity) generally means a longer lifespan than higher DoD (e.g., 80% of the total capacity).
- Temperature: Operating the battery at optimal temperatures (usually around 20-25°C) helps extend its life. Extreme temperatures, either too hot or too cold, can significantly reduce battery lifespan.
- Charge and Discharge Rates: Consistently charging the battery at the correct rate and avoiding deep discharges can prolong its life. High discharge rates can cause rapid wear on the battery cells, while slow, steady discharges are ideal.
Real-World Application Example:
In practical use, such as in electric bikes or power tools, a 36V lithium battery might last about 4-6 years with regular use. For a lightly used electric bike, where the battery is charged a few times a week, it might last closer to 7-8 years.
How Many 18650 Batteries Does It Take to Make 36V?
Creating a 36V lithium battery pack from 18650 cells requires a specific configuration to achieve the desired voltage and capacity. The 18650 cell is a standard lithium-ion battery cell commonly used in creating custom battery packs due to its reliability and availability.
Understanding 18650 Cells:
- Nominal Voltage: Each 18650 cell typically has a nominal voltage of 3.6V or 3.7V.
- Capacity: The capacity of 18650 cells can vary, but a common capacity is around 2500mAh to 3500mAh per cell.
Series Configuration for 36V:
To achieve a 36V battery pack, you need to connect multiple 18650 cells in series. The formula is straightforward:
Number of cells in series=36V3.6V (per cell)=10 cells in series\text{Number of cells in series} = \frac{36V}{3.6V \text{ (per cell)}} = 10 \text{ cells in series}
This means you would need 10 cells connected in series to reach the 36V nominal voltage.
Parallel Configuration for Capacity:
To increase the capacity of the battery pack, additional strings of 10 cells can be connected in parallel. For instance:
- One parallel string: 10 cells (36V, with the capacity of one 18650 cell).
- Two parallel strings: 20 cells (36V, with double the capacity).
- Three parallel strings: 30 cells (36V, with triple the capacity).
Thus, the total number of 18650 cells needed to make a 36V battery pack depends on the desired capacity. For example, a common configuration might involve 30 cells (10 in series, 3 in parallel), resulting in a 36V pack with a 7500mAh capacity (assuming each cell is 2500mAh).
Can You Put Lithium Batteries in a 36V Golf Cart?
Yes, lithium batteries can be used in a 36V golf cart, and in fact, they are an excellent upgrade over traditional lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries offer numerous advantages, including longer lifespan, lighter weight, faster charging, and consistent power output.
Benefits of Switching to Lithium Batteries:
- Reduced Weight: Lithium batteries are significantly lighter than lead-acid batteries, reducing the overall weight of the golf cart, which can lead to improved performance and reduced wear on the motor.
- Maintenance-Free: Unlike lead-acid batteries that require regular maintenance, such as checking water levels and cleaning terminals, lithium batteries are maintenance-free.
- Longer Lifespan: Lithium batteries typically last much longer than lead-acid batteries. While lead-acid batteries may last around 3-5 years, lithium batteries can last 8-10 years or more with proper care.
- Faster Charging: Lithium batteries can be charged much faster than lead-acid batteries, often in a few hours compared to 8-10 hours for lead-acid.
- Consistent Performance: Lithium batteries maintain a consistent voltage throughout the discharge cycle, meaning your golf cart will experience less of the sluggish performance that lead-acid batteries exhibit as they deplete.
Compatibility Considerations:
When switching to lithium batteries in a golf cart, it’s important to ensure compatibility with the existing system:
- Battery Management System (BMS): The lithium battery pack should have a BMS to manage charging and discharging safely.
- Charger: The charger must be compatible with lithium batteries. A charger designed for lead-acid batteries may not work correctly with lithium batteries, potentially damaging them.
- Space and Fit: Ensure that the lithium batteries fit within the existing battery compartment. Since lithium batteries are often smaller, you might need to secure them properly to prevent movement.
Can I Replace a 36V Battery with a 48V Battery?
Replacing a 36V battery with a 48V battery is a common question, especially among users looking to upgrade their systems for more power. However, this is not a straightforward swap and requires careful consideration.
Voltage Compatibility:
- Motor and Controller: The primary concern when considering an upgrade from 36V to 48V is the compatibility of the motor and controller. Most motors and controllers are designed to work within a specific voltage range. Upgrading to a 48V battery will increase the power output, but if the motor and controller are not rated for 48V, you risk damaging them.
- Speed Increase: If the system is compatible, upgrading to a 48V battery can result in a noticeable increase in speed and torque, which can be beneficial for certain applications like e-bikes or electric scooters.
Considerations for the Upgrade:
- Battery Management System (BMS): Ensure the 48V battery comes with a BMS to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, and overheating.
- Charger Compatibility: You will need a charger designed specifically for a 48V battery. Using a 36V charger on a 48V battery will not work and could damage the battery.
- Physical Size and Weight: The 48V battery pack might be larger and heavier than the 36V battery, so it’s important to check if your device can accommodate the new battery.
When to Consider the Upgrade:
Upgrading to a 48V battery makes sense if:
- Your motor and controller are rated for 48V.
- You want more power and speed from your system.
- You have the appropriate charger and space for the new battery.
If your current setup is not designed for 48V, upgrading could result in damage to your system. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult with a professional before making the switch.
Redway Battery: A Trusted Supplier for 36V and 48V LiFePO4 Solutions
As a leading LiFePO4 battery factory and wholesaler, Redway Battery specializes in providing custom battery solutions tailored to your needs. With extensive experience in 36V and 48V LiFePO4 battery packs, Redway Battery offers quick and reliable solutions for B2B and OEM clients worldwide.
Why Choose Redway Battery?
- Customization: Redway Battery can tailor battery solutions to meet the specific requirements of your application, whether it’s for a golf cart, electric bike, or industrial equipment.
- Quality and Reliability: With a commitment to high-quality manufacturing standards, Redway Battery ensures that each battery pack is built to last and perform optimally under various conditions.
- Expert Support: The team at Redway Battery offers expert guidance and support, helping clients choose the right battery configuration for their needs.
For a quick quote and to discuss your specific battery requirements, contact Redway Battery today.