What Makes the Tenergy Li-Ion 3.6V 3500mAh 34040 Battery Stand Out?

The Tenergy Li-Ion 3.6V 3500mAh 34040 battery is a high-capacity rechargeable cell designed for devices requiring stable, long-lasting power. With a unique 34040 cylindrical form factor, it balances energy density (3500mAh) and safety, using lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry. Ideal for medical equipment, robotics, and industrial tools, it supports 1,500+ cycles and includes overcharge/discharge protection.

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How Does the 34040 Battery Compare to Other Li-Ion Cells?

The 34040 model distinguishes itself with LiFePO4 chemistry, offering higher thermal stability (operating range: -20°C to 60°C) and slower capacity decay (10% after 2,000 cycles) compared to standard LiCoO2 cells. Its 3.6V nominal voltage provides a flatter discharge curve, ensuring consistent performance in low-drain devices like IoT sensors or emergency lighting systems.

When compared to common 18650 cells, the 34040 delivers 18% more energy despite its slightly larger dimensions (34mm diameter vs. 18mm). This makes it particularly suitable for applications where space isn’t constrained but runtime is critical. Below is a performance comparison with popular alternatives:

Model	Chemistry	Cycle Life	Energy Density
34040	LiFePO4	1,500+	95 Wh/kg
18650	NMC	500	250 Wh/kg
26650	LCO	300	180 Wh/kg

Industrial users particularly value the 34040’s tolerance to partial charging. Unlike nickel-based batteries that require full discharge cycles, this cell maintains 98% capacity even when regularly charged at 40-80% states. Its lower self-discharge rate (3% monthly vs. 5% for NMC) also makes it ideal for backup systems that sit idle for extended periods.

What Are the Hidden Costs of Battery Ownership?

Beyond initial purchase ($8-$12/unit), factor in cycle-based energy costs ($0.03/cycle at 3500mAh) and recycling fees ($2/kg). Improper storage reducing lifespan by 30% adds $2.40/year in replacement costs. Use Tenergy’s Cycle Life Estimator (factor in average DOD and temperature) for accurate TCO projections.

Many users overlook the infrastructure costs associated with these batteries. Specialized LiFePO4 chargers add $25-50 upfront, while proper storage cabinets meeting UN38.3 safety standards can cost $300+. Below is a 5-year cost breakdown for a 10-cell system:

Cost Category	Per Unit	Total
Initial Purchase	$10	$100
Charging Electricity	$0.02/cycle	$30
Replacement Cells	2 units	$20
Recycling Fees	$0.50	$5

Operational expenses accumulate faster in high-cycle applications. A medical cart using three daily cycles will spend $32.85 annually on electricity alone, compared to $22 for standard Li-ion. However, the reduced replacement frequency (every 2.7 years vs. 11 months for NMC) offsets 62% of these costs over a decade.

Why Choose LiFePO4 Chemistry Over Standard Li-Ion?

LiFePO4 batteries reduce thermal runaway risks by 80% compared to NMC cells, per UL testing. While energy density is lower (90-110 Wh/kg vs. 150-200 Wh/kg for NCA), they excel in lifespan (3x cycle life) and partial-state-of-charge tolerance. This makes them cost-effective for stationary applications like backup power systems.

“The 34040’s combination of LiFePO4 stability and mid-range capacity fills a critical gap in professional portable equipment. We’ve seen 23% fewer field failures compared to older 18650-based systems. However, designers must account for its 12% larger volume when retrofitting existing battery trays.”
— Dr. Elena Voss, Power Systems Engineer, SmartEnergy Labs

FAQ

Does the 34040 Work with 3.7V Devices?

No—its 3.6V nominal voltage may underpower 3.7V systems. Use a buck-boost converter if voltage matching is critical.

How to Dispose of Expired Cells?

Contact Tenergy’s take-back program or certified Li-Ion recyclers. Never landfill—LiFePO4 contains 8% phosphorus by weight.

Can It Power 5V USB Devices?

Only with a DC-DC converter (minimum 85% efficiency). Direct connection risks damaging USB peripherals.