HL18650T
3.6V | 2000mAh

HL18650V
3.6V | 2900mAh

HL18650Y
3.6V | 3200mAh

HL18650F
3.6V | 3000mAh

HL14500R
3.6V | 750mAh

HL14500S
3.2V | 500mAh

HL18650G
3.2V | 1600mAh

HL32140L
3.2V | 15000mAh

Wide Temperature Battery Cell Specifications

Charging Temperature vs. Discharging Temperature

One important point when selecting a wide temperature lithium battery is that charging temperature and discharging temperature are not necessarily the same.

A battery cell may be able to discharge at very low temperatures while having a more limited allowable charging temperature range. Charging a lithium-ion battery outside its specified temperature range can negatively affect battery performance and safety.

Therefore, battery designers should evaluate the following temperature conditions separately:

• Charging temperature: the allowable ambient or cell temperature range during charging.
• Discharging temperature: the allowable temperature range while the battery is supplying power.
• Storage temperature: the temperature range recommended when the battery is stored without charging or discharging.

How Temperature Affects Lithium Battery Performance

Low Temperature

At low temperatures, electrolyte conductivity decreases and internal resistance generally increases. As a result, the available capacity and power output of a lithium battery may decrease.

For applications operating in cold environments, selecting a cell designed for low-temperature operation can help improve system reliability.

High Temperature

High temperatures can increase the rate of chemical reactions inside a battery cell and accelerate aging. Long-term exposure to elevated temperatures can therefore affect cycle life and battery reliability.

A wide temperature battery solution should therefore consider not only the cell chemistry but also thermal management, charging strategy and BMS temperature protection.

Key Specifications to Consider When Selecting a Wide Temperature Cell

1. Nominal Voltage

The nominal voltage represents the typical operating voltage of a battery cell. The Li-ion models in this portfolio use a nominal voltage of 3.6V, while the LiFePO4 models use 3.2V.

2. Capacity

Capacity is normally expressed in Ah or mAh. A higher-capacity cell can provide longer runtime under the same load, but actual runtime also depends on operating current, temperature, cut-off voltage and application conditions.

3. Continuous Discharge Current

Continuous discharge current indicates how much current the cell can provide continuously under specified test conditions. It should not be confused with short-duration peak or pulse discharge current.

4. Charging Current

Charging current must be selected according to the cell's specifications. The charging current, charging temperature and charging voltage should all be considered when designing the charger and BMS.

5. Operating Temperature

For wide-temperature applications, both charging and discharging temperature ranges should be evaluated. A battery system may require additional temperature monitoring and charging protection to prevent charging outside the permitted temperature range.

How to Choose the Right Wide Temperature Battery Cell

The correct cell depends on the application's temperature, current, capacity, size and lifetime requirements.

Applications of Wide Temperature Lithium Batteries

Wide temperature battery cells are particularly useful for equipment operating in environments where temperature cannot always be controlled.

• Industrial IoT: remote sensors, gateways and monitoring equipment
• GPS Tracking: vehicle, asset and fleet tracking devices
• Outdoor Electronics: remote monitoring and communication equipment
• Automotive Electronics: vehicle-mounted electronic systems
• Oil & Gas Instrumentation: remote instruments and field monitoring systems
• Security Systems: outdoor cameras, alarms and monitoring equipment
• Industrial Instruments: measurement and control equipment
• Backup Power: compact backup and emergency power systems

From Wide Temperature Cell to Customized Battery Pack

Individual cells can be connected in series and parallel configurations to create a customized battery pack with the required voltage, capacity and current.

Depending on the application, a complete battery pack may include a PCM or BMS, temperature sensors, connectors, wiring and communication interfaces.

For smart battery applications, communication interfaces such as CAN, SMBus, RS485 or Bluetooth can also be considered, depending on the system requirements.

Important Design Considerations

Frequently Asked Questions About Wide Temperature Batteries

What is a wide temperature lithium battery?

A wide temperature lithium battery is designed to operate across a broader temperature range than standard lithium battery cells. It is commonly used in outdoor, industrial, automotive and remote applications.

Can a lithium battery charge at the same temperature at which it can discharge?

Not necessarily. Charging and discharging temperature ranges are different battery specifications. A cell may support very low-temperature discharge while having a narrower allowable charging temperature range.

Which Topwell cell has the highest continuous discharge current?

Among the eight models listed in this article, the HL32140L has the highest listed maximum continuous discharge current at up to 45A under specified conditions.

Which wide temperature cell is suitable for high-current applications?

The HL18650F is designed for applications requiring higher continuous discharge current, with a listed maximum continuous discharge capability of up to 30A under specified conditions.

What is the difference between Li-ion and LiFePO4 cells?

Li-ion and LiFePO4 use different cathode chemistries and have different voltage characteristics, energy density, thermal behavior and cycle-life characteristics. The appropriate chemistry depends on the requirements of the application.

Can these cells be used for customized battery packs?

Yes. The cells can be configured in series and parallel combinations to achieve the required voltage and capacity. The complete battery design should also consider BMS/PCM protection, charging requirements, temperature monitoring, connectors and mechanical dimensions.