The Advantages of Aqueous Hybrid Ion Batteries over
Li-ion Batteries
Introduction
Aquion Energy’s Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI) batteries offer many benefits over lithium-ion (Liion) batteries, including longer system life in both discharge flexibility and partial state of
charge applications, lower balance of plant and installation costs, and increased sustainability.
The AHI battery chemistry is optimal for any stationary, long-duration, daily cycling application,
including off-grid and weak-grid microgrids, telecom systems, and residential and commercial
solar.
AHI and Li-ion battery comparison:
Cycle Life @ 100% DoD
Li-ion
Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI)
4000 cycles @ 80% DoD.
3,000 cycles @ 100% DoD.
No over-sizing required.
Note: Li-ion batteries can’t do 100% DoD
over extended periods of time due to overcharge/discharge, accuracy, performance
and safety issues. Generally, the batteries
need to be over-size by 20-25% to achieve
the full range of required usable capacity.
Energy density and footprint
Recommended Temp Range for
Optimal Life
Lower energy density for long
duration applications because
most Li-ion batteries are
characterized between 15
minutes to 4 hours
Footprint smaller than Li-ion for
>6 hour discharge duration
23 to 28°C.
-5 to 40°C
Note: Deviation from this temperature
impacts cycle life and overall performance
significantly
Note: AHI batteries are characterized at 30C
and less susceptible to operational
temperature swings.
Thermal management
Requires active thermal
management for optimal
performance. Non-compliance
to 23-28C operating
temperature range voids
warranty
Generally none required
depending on the ambient
temperature environment
Performance at Partial States of
Charge (PSoC)
Most Li-ion batteries can’t be
cycled between 30% SOC to 50%
SOC depending on chemistry.
Continuous cycling between this
Robust to any PSoC or long
duration stands
narrow band voids warranty
Fire suppression
Requires fire suppression due to
thermal runaway and explosive
characteristics of the battery.
Adds cost to the overall balance
of plant installation
No thermal runaway
characteristic. No cost adder.
Safety
Batteries susceptible to thermal
runaway, over-charge, overdischarge, short circuit, gassing
conditions
Aqueous electrolyte is nontoxic, non-caustic. No venting
required.
Auxiliary loads
Requires separate power supply
for auxiliary loads for HVAC,
lighting. Thereby increasing
costs and losses and reducing
overall efficiency
Requires no external power
supply for auxiliary loads
Installation
Requires batteries to be
installed within 2-3 months
from time of shipment due
battery irrecoverable selfdischarge
Provides provision up to 6
months timeframe for batteries
to be installed granting more
flexibility on large scale projects
Recycling
Requires recycling after end-oflife. Recycling costs about
$2.50-$5/lb adding additional
hidden costs
No recycling costs
Shipment and transportation
Classified as Class 9 hazardous Classified as standard goods and
good for shipment and handling.
no special handling required
Special provisions required