Are you wondering what size most batteries are? Click here for a rundown of the most common battery sizes to find out the size of most batteries.
Battery storage solutions are available in all different shapes and sizes. From households to entire cities, the right battery size can spell the difference between continuous energy flow and dark periods of disruption. These batteries are not only supporting individual homes and devices, but also contributing to city-wide energy resilience, and generating significant cost savings for governments who implement them effectively.
However, the pace of energy storage has not kept up with the pace of renewable deployments in the U.S. While we have installed over 385 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity and counting, we still only have 10 gigawatts of battery energy storage in operation. That’s a lot. But it’s not enough for the amount of renewable energy we produce.
As a counter-example, when companies and countries do invest in backup battery packs, it's been proven to save governments hundreds of millions of dollars. As reported by Popular Mechanics, Elon Musk's Tesla and Neoen ramped up their joint venture after the success of their Hornsdale Power Reserve in South Australia. Read to the end to learn more about this.
Below, we explore the role of different battery sizes in residential, commercial, and city-wide energy storage systems to help you understand how battery size impacts each.
Batteries are compact energy storage devices containing one or more electrochemical cells. When connected to an electrical circuit, these cells generate a current, providing power to various devices and systems. While the core principles of batteries have remained relatively constant over time, modern innovations have led to improvements in efficiency, energy density, and scalability and the development of different battery sizes to cater to various applications.
Battery technology has come a long way since Alessandro Volta's voltaic pile of the late 18th century. Whereas earlier batteries relied on zinc and silver discs separated by brine-soaked cloth, contemporary batteries have significantly improved in terms of unparalleled efficiency, power density, and (in certain cases, like sodium) environmental friendliness.
Batteries, at their essence, are compact energy storage units, housing one or more electrochemical cells. When plugged into a circuit, these cells churn out an electric current, fueling a diverse range of devices and systems. The foundational principles of batteries may hark back to the 1800s with Alessandro Volta's pioneering work, but their evolution has been remarkable.
Rechargeable batteries, a cornerstone of modern technology, trace their roots back to 1859 when the lead-acid chemistry—still the mainstay of car batteries for combustion engines—was introduced. Fast forward to the 1970s, and the research that paved the way for the modern lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, the de facto choice for many applications today, emerged.
The first commercial Li-ion cell was not introduced until 1991. For their pioneering contributions, John B. Goodenough, M. Stanley Whittingham, and Akira Yoshino were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019. Since their inception in the 1990s, the energy density of commercial Li-ion batteries has nearly tripled. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, modern Li-ion cells can store up to 250 watt-hours of electricity per kilogram, compared to just about 90 watt-hours in the early 1990s. Today, they are approaching 300 watt-hours per kilogram. Such improvements are a testament to the relentless research and innovation driving the battery industry.
Modern battery designs cater to a diverse suite of power applications, with sizes ranging from minuscule to massive. The battery industry has developed an array of battery types and sizes to suit different applications, from small devices like television remotes to large-scale energy storage systems for cities.
Among the most advanced and widely used batteries today are lithium-ion batteries, which offer high energy density, long cycle life, and relatively low environmental impact (compared to their predecessors). Their versatility allows them to be scaled up or down to meet the power requirements of various devices and systems, making them an ideal solution for a broad range of applications. This empowers a diversity of battery sizes for various purposes across different sectors. aluminum, and iron.
For everyday users, lithium-ion batteries dominate the scene, as they are adaptable for both small gadgets and large-scale storage systems. This is because of their high energy density and longevity. Lithium-ion batteries require more than just lithium, though. They also use cobalt, and manganese, which are central to these batteries.
At the micro-level, cylindrical cells, such as the AA and AAA, empower our remotes and flashlights. Pouch cells and prismatic batteries play crucial roles in larger-scale energy needs, such as lithium batteries for electric vehicles and home energy storage.
For cities, larger batteries, often packed into modular container systems, present solutions for commercial establishments and grid-wide storage. These mammoth systems often encompass capacities in the megawatt-hour range, catering to vast industrial and domestic energy needs.
Small-sized batteries include coin cells (with capacities around 30 mAh to 600 mAh) , cylindrical cells like the popular 18650 (with capacities around 1,800 mAh to 3,500 mAh), and pouch cells (with capacities typically ranging from 500 mAh to 6,000 mAh), are essential for portable electronic devices like smartwatches, smartphones, and laptops.
Moving up the size scale, AA and AAA batteries are small-sized cylindrical cells with energy capacities ranging from 1.87 watt-hours for AAA to 3.9 watt-hours for AA, these batteries can power a multitude of household electronics like remote controls, flashlights, and other low-consumption devices.
Mid-range solutions include the likes of the cylindrical 18650 batteries, a common pick for laptop batteries and electric vehicles. Their capacity can hover between 1,800 mAh to 3,500 mAh. Pouch cells, widely used in smartphones, range from 500 mAh to a robust 6,000 mAh.
Medium-sized batteries, such as prismatic cells (with capacities typically ranging from 20 Ah to 120 Ah) and larger pouch cells, are suitable for electric vehicles, residential solar energy storage systems, and backup power sources.
Mini UPS devices and mini power stations are examples of compact energy storage solutions for homes and portable use. These systems come in various sizes, with capacities ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 milliamp-hours for mini UPS devices and 150 watt-hours to over 500 watt-hours for mini power stations. They can provide backup power during outages or power electronic devices while on the go.
Home battery storage systems, such as solar power backups, are designed to store solar energy generated during the day for use at night. These battery packs typically have capacities of 12 kWh to 15 kWh and can be combined for increased capacity, ensuring continuous power for lights and appliances throughout the night.
On the other hand, large-scale batteries, such as containerized battery systems or battery energy storage stations with capacities measured in megawatt-hours (MWh), cater to the energy storage needs of commercial buildings, industries, and grid-scale energy storage solutions.
Commercial energy storage systems require larger battery packs to meet the energy demands of businesses. These packs can range from 15 kWh to over 30 kWh and are often connected together for a more reliable and cost-efficient solution.
Industrial energy storage systems for factories and industries involve even larger batteries, often dedicating an entire section of the property to house them. These systems can have capacities in the MWh range as well and may integrate on-site generators or solar panels to complement the energy storage capacity.
This segment truly showcases the strides made in battery tech. These are the powerhouses, often used for grid storage or large commercial installations. For instance, Tesla's Megapack, targeting utility-scale applications, boasts a whopping 3 MWh of storage capacity.
Cylindrical Li-ion cells come in an increasing array of sizes and capacities. Larger cell formats, superior construction techniques, and advancements in battery packs are paving the way for premium energy storage systems.
Cylindrical Li-ion batteries can be protected or unprotected. Commercial applications often prefer unprotected due to their higher capacity and cost-effectiveness. Protection elements in batteries can include:
Cylindrical cells use wound electrodes, often in a jelly roll format like the 18650 and 21700. A parameter named "dascs" determines the performance, being related to the thickness of cathode, anode, and separator.
As Jeff Shepard writes for Battery Power Tips, when it comes to energy density improvements, 21700 cells range from a 2% to 6% increase. The 21700 cell offers about 50% more capacity and energy density than the 18650 for specific discharge rates. And using larger cells like the 21700 can reduce the number of cells required in a pack, saving on costs and complexity. For instance, transitioning from 18650 to 21700 cells results in a 33% decrease in cells needed for the same energy storage.
As Jeff writes in another example, packs of 21700 cells designed for power tools have improved packaging, offering greater performance. For instance, a standard 18V battery with 18650 cells can produce up to 800 W power output, while 21700 cell packs can generate up to 1,440 W, a rise of 80%. This boost is attributed to enhanced packaging which involves welded cell connectors, better thermal management, and copper endplates.
The 4680 cell, developed by Tesla, is not just bigger, but introduces a new "tabless" electrode design for better heat dissipation. This design ensures more even temperature profiles within cells, promoting faster charging and discharging.
The term "battery groups" typically refers to the BCI (Battery Council International) "Group Size" which categorizes batteries by their physical dimensions. Group Size is a way to standardize and classify the sizes of batteries so that they can be made and sold to fit specific applications, especially in vehicles.
For instance, when someone says they need a "Group 24" battery for their car, it indicates a particular length, width, height, and terminal configuration, which should be consistent among different manufacturers. By knowing the BCI Group Size, a consumer, mechanic, or retailer can quickly determine if a specific battery will fit into a particular vehicle or application.
Picture this: if we used the same terminology for shoes, instead of asking for a size 12, you'd ask for a Group 12. Why does the battery industry not simply use the term "size" rather than "group"? Well, perhaps it's a penchant for intriguing industry jargon. This might be why a Group 34 battery is surprisingly smaller than a Group 27 but is larger than a Group 51. Confused yet?
When it comes to assigning these group sizes, various organizations have thrown their hat in the ring. The BCI has common group sizes like those mentioned above. Then there's the JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) with their groups like 32C24R and 46B24R. And then the Germans have DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung, or German Industrial Standard) with groups such as H6 and H7.
These BCI Group Sizes are especially prevalent in automotive and marine batteries. Each group size has been assigned to accommodate different types of vehicles, engine sizes, and other parameters.
So you might naturally assume that each region's automakers use their own regions battery group size. Actually, that's not the case. Luckily, for replacing car batteries, there's what's called a fitment guide. As long as you're If you're armed with your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size, there's likely a booklet at your local auto parts store or a handy online guide that will steer you to the right battery group (or sizes, given some vehicles have options).
That said, just knowing the group size isn’t enough. There are other factors to consider when choosing a battery, such as Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), reserve capacity, and Ampere-hours (Ah), among others. However, for the physical fit of the battery, the BCI Group Size is a good starting point.
Determining the correct BCI group size for a battery is essential when searching for a replacement. However, the BCI group size alone may not provide the full picture. Batteries vary based on:
Having a comprehensive understanding of these elements can greatly assist in selecting the appropriate battery replacement. The website Battery Equivalents has a handy guide that covers the most common battery group sizes, along with their dimensions, DIN/EIN codes, pictures of the batteries, and more.
Here's a snapshot of how different battery sizes seamlessly weave into our homes, businesses, and cities:
For metropolitan use-cases, the size of the battery is pivotal for maintaining grid stability, optimizing peak power use, and integrating renewable sources. These batteries offer flexibility, scalability, and support to burgeoning urban energy needs.
The versatility in battery sizes ensures that, whether you're charging a smartwatch or an entire city, there's a solution tailored for you.
Here are some common battery storage options for homes, businesses, and industries:
Battery sizes play a crucial role in determining system performance, efficiency, and adaptability. Let's dive into a more technical analysis of the role of different battery sizes in these applications.
Termed the Victorian Big Battery Megapack, this ambitious project located approximately 40 miles from Melbourne is poised to be twice as large as the already-expanded Hornsdale reserve. Upon its completion, it aimed to clinch the title of the world's largest facility of its kind.
Rewinding to 2016, South Australia grappled with a colossal blackout, brought on by a severe storm that rained down 80,000 lightning strikes accompanied by a couple of tornadoes. In the wake of a political outcry that linked the blackout to the region's pivot to renewables, Tesla threw down the gauntlet: promising a solution powered by its PowerPacks within 100 days. True to form, they delivered in just 60.
In its two-year lifespan, the Hornsdale Power Reserve, a Neoen asset filled to the brim with Tesla's PowerPacks, has surpassed expectations. By effectively storing up to 100 MW, it has mitigated grid disruptions, resulting in savings upwards of $100 million for South Australia. This not only translates to reduced outages for the populace but also eases the strain on enterprises that face substantial losses during these blackouts.
The battery farm is not just about storage but also about strategy. South Australia, with its strong foundation of renewable sources such as solar farms, identifies storage as a linchpin in bringing renewables to the forefront. Solar energy, with its inherent output variability, presents a pricing and predictability challenge. Musk and the South Australian government envisioned a renewable future—a mosaic of diverse energy sources, tailored for varying conditions, times, and environments. To pull that off? It will require battery energy storage of all shapes and sizes.
As our grid becomes upgraded and as a byproduct, increasingly smart, it may also become more decentralized than it is now. And when that happens, we will need smaller scale, modular, home energy storage units that can scale to the needs of the individual. When grouped together, these units can form a microgrid, exchanging power with one another based on demand. One such company developing this type of technology is Next Thing Technologies, who you can check out today.
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