Comparative analysis of internal and external characteristics of lead-acid battery and lithium-ion battery systems based on composite flow analysis

Abstract

Due to human's diversified requirements and the constraints of external environmental factors, lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries coexist and compete with each other now. However, the difference of internal and external characteristics between the two battery systems is unknown. Based on the analysis of the internal flows and its impact on the external environment, this research established a framework for the relationship between the battery system and the external systems. The internal and external evaluation index system was developed. The external influence results of the two systems in China mainland at 2016 show that when the amount of social service provided by lead-acid battery system (LABS) was 1.6 times more than that of lithium-ion battery system (LIBS), the consumed lead ore was 52 times more than the lithium ore; the total energy consumption of the systems was 23.12 million tce, and that of the LABS accounted for about 63%; waste lead emissions was 2.7 million tons, and the waste lithium emissions was 40,900 tons lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE); the total economic outcomes were 220.23 billion yuan, and the proportion of that in LABS was about 44.4%. The recycle rates of LABS and LIBS were 0.368 and 0, respectively; the energy density of the LIB was 4.4 times of that in LAB; the “price” of the lithium in lithium ore and LIB were about 12 times and 3 times of that in LAB. The management suggestions on sustainable development were put forward from the aspects of waste recycling, product structure in the application field and product performance. What's more, future plan was discussed for the sustainable development.