What Are 36 Volt Batteries / 18 Cell – 85 Series?

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36V batteries are medium-voltage energy storage systems designed for applications requiring moderate power and portability. The 18-cell -85 Series denotes a lithium-ion configuration with 18 cells (3.6V each) in a 10S-2P arrangement, delivering 36V nominal voltage. Common in e-bikes, power tools, and robotics, they balance energy density and cycle life. Charging follows the CC-CV protocol, terminating at 42V for Li-ion to prevent degradation. LiFePO4 variants extend longevity with a 43.8V cutoff.

What defines a 36V battery system?

A 36V battery system operates at a nominal 36 volts, ideal for mid-range power devices. Lithium-ion variants use 10–18 cells arranged in series or parallel to achieve voltage and capacity targets. Key specs include 30–50Ah capacity and up to 100A continuous discharge for applications like electric scooters.

⚠️ Warning: Never mix cell chemistries—using NMC and LiFePO4 together creates voltage mismatches.

Typical configurations involve 10S (10-series) setups for Li-ion cells (3.6V each), while LiFePO4 packs require 12S. The 18-cell -85 Series doubles capacity via a 10S-2P layout. For example, a 36V 20Ah battery powers an e-bike for 40–60 km per charge. Pro Tip: Pair batteries with controllers rated for ±10% voltage tolerance—underrated units risk overheating. Practically speaking, higher cell counts (like 18 cells) improve runtime but add bulk. Think of it like a car’s fuel tank: more cells mean more “fuel” but require a larger “tank.”

Parameter 36V Li-ion 48V Li-ion
Nominal Voltage 36V 48V
Typical Capacity 20–30Ah 15–25Ah
Use Case E-bikes, Power Tools E-scooters, Solar Storage

How does the 18-cell configuration affect performance?

An 18-cell configuration balances voltage and capacity by arranging cells in series-parallel. For instance, 10S-2P (10 series, 2 parallel) maintains 36V while doubling capacity. This setup reduces heat buildup during high-current draws, enhancing safety for demanding devices like industrial drones.

⚡ Pro Tip: Use cells with ≤10mV internal resistance variance to optimize pack efficiency.

Practically, doubling parallel cells increases ampere-hours (Ah) but not voltage. A 36V 40Ah 18-cell pack can sustain 2,000W motors for 90 minutes. However, weight climbs by 40% compared to single-parallel designs. For example, e-bike batteries with this configuration handle steep hills without voltage sag. But what if cells aren’t matched? Imbalanced currents cause premature failures. Imagine two hoses feeding one nozzle—uneven pressure leads to bursts. Transitional phases in discharge also require robust BMS monitoring to prevent cell reversal.

What does the “85 Series” designation indicate?

The 85 Series refers to standardized cell dimensions (e.g., 18mm diameter, 65mm height) optimized for high-density 36V packs. These cylindrical cells, often NMC or LiFePO4, prioritize energy-to-weight ratios for portable applications. A typical 85 Series cell delivers 3.6V and 3.5Ah, enabling compact pack designs for medical carts or robotic arms.

⚠️ Critical: Avoid stacking 85 Series cells horizontally—thermal management works best vertically.

For instance, 18 85 Series cells in a 36V setup occupy 30% less space than prismatic alternatives. Pro Tip: Cycle life drops by 20% if operated above 45°C—always integrate temperature sensors. Real-world analogy: These cells function like LEGO blocks—uniform size allows scalable configurations without redesigning battery trays. Moreover, standardized terminals simplify wiring, reducing manufacturing costs.

Feature 85 Series Cell Prismatic Cell
Energy Density 250Wh/kg 180Wh/kg
Cycle Life 1,200 2,000
Typical Use Portable Devices Stationary Storage

Redway Battery Expert Insight

Redway’s 85 Series 36V batteries combine rugged NMC cells with IP67 enclosures for extreme environments. Our 18-cell packs feature adaptive balancing via smart BMS, extending lifespan by 30% compared to industry standards. Designed for drone fleets and warehouse robots, they sustain 15C discharge rates without voltage drop, ensuring reliability in high-demand operations. Customizable configurations support both 10S and 12S voltage profiles.

FAQs

Can a 36V battery replace a 24V system?

Only if the motor and controller support 36V—double-check input specs. Overvolting triggers thermal cutoffs in 24V components.

How long do 85 Series cells last?

2–5 years depending on cycles. LiFePO4 variants last 3,000 cycles at 80% DoD, while NMC degrades after 1,200 cycles.

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Shenzhen Redway Power, Inc

Tel: +86 189 7608 1534
Tel: +86 (755) 2801 0506
E-mail: contact@redwaybattery.com
Website: www.redway-tech.com
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