Elektor Lab Talk: Batteries, Projects and Updates

Curious about how to get the most out of your batteries? Watch this episode of Elektor Lab Talk, where we take a detailed look at a few battery technologies, all the way from lead-acid to a few variants of lithium-based chemistries. Thomas Scherer joins Jens Nickel and Brian Tristam Williams to discuss the realities of using and maintaining various battery types, with insights drawn from real-world use and lab testing.

We all assume there’s lithium in lithium batteries, but do you know what else is inside? Nickel, Manganese, and Cobalt (NMC) are common, as well as iron phosphate (FePO₄). The video highlights the differences between LiNMC and LiFePO₄, comparing performance, safety, energy density, thermal and chemical stability, etc. What about maintenance and storage? A few strategies are discussed, such as topping-up lead-acid batteries every 3 months, best charge levels for long-term storage of lithium cells, internal resistance measurements to assess battery health, and more. More exotic use cases such as sodium-based and solid-state batteries for stationary applications are also mentioned.

Thomas, Jens, and Brian also consider the viability of reviving “dead” lithium packs, choosing and using battery management systems (BMS), and DIY battery builds. Of course, the episode closes with our traditional Q/A session with the audience. This episode is packed with practical advice, watch the video below.

Explore More Batteries and Electronics

Want to learn more about batteries, circuits, or electronics in general? Check out all the educational videos and tap into the knowledge of experts on our Elektor YouTube channel and our Elektor Industry YouTube channel. Subscribe to Elektor's weekly newsletter to receive a regular flow of expert tech knowledge and insights.