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Why Prismatic Lithium Cells Struggle in Marine Environments

  1. Structural Weakness Under Vibration

    • Prismatic cells are rectangular and rigid, with flat layers of electrodes. This design makes them vulnerable to mechanical stress, especially in high-vibration environments like boats exposed to rough seas.
    • Continuous motion and shock can cause delamination of the internal layers, leading to reduced capacity or even internal damage over time.

  2. Swelling Issues

    • Prismatic cells are more prone to swelling during repeated charge and discharge cycles, which can affect their performance and stability.
    • Without proper spacing and containment (challenging in marine battery setups), swelling can cause pressure buildup and increase the risk of failure.

  3. Limited Heat Dissipation

    • The compact and flat design of prismatic cells reduces their ability to dissipate heat effectively compared to cylindrical cells.
    • In marine applications where ambient temperatures and high energy draw can lead to heat buildup, prismatic cells may overheat more easily, raising safety concerns.

  4. Weaker Casing Materials

    • Prismatic cells are often housed in soft aluminum or polymer pouches, which makes them lighter but also more vulnerable to physical damage.
    • Boats, which are exposed to constant movement and moisture, require batteries with robust casings that can withstand impact, vibration, and corrosion.

  5. Difficult Maintenance & Replacement

    • Prismatic cells are generally more challenging to repair or replace individually. In the marine environment, where downtime can be costly, having a modular and easily serviceable battery system is important.

  6. Moisture & Corrosion Risk

    • Marine environments are notorious for humidity and salt exposure, which can corrode the internal connections of prismatic cells if not perfectly sealed. Over time, this corrosion can cause performance degradation or short circuits.

Better Alternatives for Marine Applications

  • Cylindrical Cells: Their round structure distributes stress better under vibration, and the metal casings provide greater durability.
  • Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4): This chemistry is highly stable, with better heat management and a longer lifespan in harsh environments.
  • Modular Systems Using Singular Cells: These allow for easier repairs and better vibration resistance, ensuring more consistent performance for marine use.

In summary, while prismatic lithium cells can work well in stationary or lightly-used applications, they fall short in marine environments due to vibration sensitivity, swelling risks, heat management challenges, and durability issues. Cylindrical or modular lithium solutions are better suited to handle the demands of the open water.