The popular energy storage unit known as a lithium-ion battery is actually an accumulator. As opposed to batteries, accumulators can be recharged by connecting them to a power source. The lithium-ion accumulator, or Li-ion battery in short, is one of the most widespread accumulators. This is due to the fact that it is very light and exhibits a very high energy density and performance in comparison with other accumulators.
Nearly every mobile phone and laptop contains a Li-ion accumulator. They are available in various sizes and shapes, which makes them suitable for a wide range of applications. The energy storage units in MAN electric vehicles are also Li-ion battery systems, just a lot larger and with much higher output than a mobile phone battery.
A chemical process that generates a current
The smallest unit in a Li-ion battery is a cell in which a chemical process occurs whereby chemical energy is converted into electrical energy. This cell contains a positively and a negatively charged electrode, between which lithium-ions move back and forth in an electrolyte solution, transporting electrons in the process. This exchange of electrons causes chemical energy to be converted into electrical energy, generating a current.
