YINLONG Batteries

YINLONG Batteries at a glance

YINLONG focuses on lithium titanate (LTO) cells and packs engineered for rapid charge acceptance, high power output, and dependable operation in demanding environments. Compared with mainstream lithium chemistries, LTO trades some energy density for superior fast-charge behavior, strong cold-weather performance, and long cycle life—ideal for transit fleets, grid frequency regulation, and industrial equipment that sees repeated power bursts.

When to choose LTO

• Best for: multiple fast charges per day, high-power bursts, cold climates, and mission-critical uptime (buses, shuttles, AGVs, cranes, grid services).
• Acceptable for: stationary backup where longevity and safety outweigh compactness.
• Avoid if: your design is mass/volume constrained (e.g., long-range passenger EVs) or cost per kWh is the primary driver with low daily cycling.

Key characteristics

• Fast charge/discharge: low internal impedance supports high C-rates with controlled heat rise when properly cooled.
• Cycle life: chemistry and conservative voltage windows enable extended life under aggressive duty cycles.
• Cold-weather performance: usable power and charge acceptance at temperatures that limit many other lithium chemistries.
• Safety: tolerant chemistry plus layered protections (BMS limits, fusing, enclosure design) to minimize risk during abnormal events.

How LTO compares to LFP and NMC

Application guidance

Transit fleets

• Use opportunity charging during terminal dwells to keep buses in service; perform a longer charge during off-peak hours.
• Model route energy with seasonal HVAC loads and gradients; match charger power to typical dwell times.
• Select enclosures and mounts rated for vibration and weather exposure; plan liquid cooling where ambient swings are large.

Industrial sites

• Deploy for peak shaving, crane lifts, press cycles, and tool startups; size for repeated short bursts rather than long endurance.
• Coordinate inverter and charger communication (e.g., CAN/Modbus) and interlocks with plant safety systems.

Grid services

• Use for fast, precise frequency regulation and short-duration reserve; prioritize response time and cycling durability over kWh capacity.
• Validate control-loop stability and telemetry latency with the site EMS.

Simple sizing and time estimates

• Energy per trip (kWh) ≈ average power (kW) × time (h) + HVAC/accessories (kWh).
• Opportunity charge energy (kWh) ≈ charger power (kW) × dwell time (h) × efficiency (0.90–0.95).
• Charge time (min) ≈ energy added (kWh) ÷ charger power (kW) × 60 × 1.1–1.3 (accounts for taper and losses).
• Plan an operating SoC window recommended by the vendor (mid-range bands often maximize life); size pack to meet service with margin within that window.

Thermal management and safety

• Keep cell temperatures uniform; design coolant routing to minimize deltas under repeated fast charges.
• Implement early BMS limits for temperature, voltage, and current; use hardware fuses and contactor logic as independent layers.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures; verify insulation resistance and torque on commissioning and scheduled maintenance.

Integration checklist

• Confirm charger compatibility (voltage window, max current, protocol, isolation) and fault handling behaviors.
• Request charge/discharge curves vs. temperature, including taper onset and recommended SoC bands for fast charging.
• Define seasonal power limits and cooling setpoints; document derating rules.
• Plan access for service: module swap time, coolant purging points, and connector strain relief.

Commissioning and operations

• Commission: torque audit, insulation resistance test, coolant fill/purge, baseline telemetry capture, and BMS firmware verification.
• Operations: enforce SoC/power limits by season; monitor cell balance and temperature spread; keep connectors clean and strain-free.
• Maintenance rhythm: monthly visual checks, quarterly coolant and filter inspection, semiannual firmware/config review, annual isolation re-test.

Procurement questions to ask

1. Provide fast-charge/discharge curves across temperature, with taper and end-of-charge parameters.
2. Show demonstrated cycle life at the C-rates and SoC window you intend to use.
3. Detail service procedures, spare parts strategy, and typical module replacement time.
4. Confirm charger/inverter interoperability and communication protocols.
5. Share warranty terms, state-of-health thresholds, and data requirements for claims.
6. List applicable safety and transport standards; verify certifications (e.g., UN 38.3 for transport; application-relevant UL/IEC standards).

Example: modeling a city bus route

For an 18 km route with short terminal dwells, estimate energy per loop including winter HVAC. Select charger power that can restore the loop energy during dwell with a small buffer. Choose a pack capacity that keeps SoC within the recommended band all day. Validate with measured data from a pilot vehicle and adjust charger allocation per stop.

Pros and cons

• Pros: outstanding fast-charge durability, strong cold-weather performance, predictable aging, robust safety profile.
• Cons: lower energy density increases mass/volume; higher upfront cost per kWh; requires thoughtful thermal and power integration to realize benefits.

FAQ

• How fast can I charge a YINLONG LTO pack? Charging is typically limited by charger power, thermal design, and the recommended SoC window. Ask for charge curves and allowable continuous C-rates at your ambient conditions.
• How many cycles should I plan for? Life depends on C-rate, temperature, and SoC range. Request cycle-life data for your exact duty cycle and derate for the site’s hottest conditions.
• Is LTO suitable for home storage? It works, but its strengths shine in high-power, quick-turn applications. For compact, energy-dense residential systems, LFP is often a better fit.
• What approvals should I verify? Confirm transport (e.g., UN 38.3) and application-relevant safety standards for the pack/inverter. Do not assume cell certifications cover the full system.
• What if my project is weight-sensitive? Consider LFP or NMC if packaging and range dominate your constraints; use LTO when uptime and fast turnaround are the priorities.