The LIFEPO4 Lithium Battery
The LIFEPO4 lithium battery is incredibly safe compared to other batteries. It won’t overheat or catch fire, and it’s the perfect choice for solar setups.
Besides being safer, LIFEPO4 batteries have an extremely long life expectancy. They can be used for ten years, if not more! Learn about their other perks in this article.
Long Lifespan
LiFePO4 lithium batteries have very long lifespans compared to other lithium batteries. They can last ten years or more with normal use. They also have longer lifespans than lead acid and AGM batteries. This is because they are more resistant to thermal runaway compared to other lithium batteries.
A battery’s lifespan is a function of its charge and discharge cycles. It also depends on how the battery is stored, charged and used. For LIFEPO4 lithium battery example, if you frequently recharge your batteries at a high rate, this shortens their lifespan.
You should always follow your battery manufacturer’s charging instructions to prevent overcharging. This will protect your battery from permanent damage and shortening its lifespan. Another way to prolong your battery’s lifespan is to properly store it and keep it in good condition.
Unlike other lithium batteries, LiFePO4 batteries can be cycled up to 80% depth of charge without losing their capacity or performance. This is because their internal structure has a barrier that keeps electrolyte from seeping out. This makes them one of the safest batteries in the market. They are also less prone to aging because they do not suffer from specific chemical processes that degrade other lithium chemistries such as nickel based ones. However, you should not discharge them below freezing or at very high temperatures because this will accelerate their aging.
High Energy Density
The energy density of lithium batteries is one of the highest of all rechargeable battery types. This means they can store more power in a smaller volume and weight. This is especially important for power-hungry applications, such as electric vehicles.
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) is one of the most popular lithium batteries. Its chemistry is ideal for power tools, electric cars, and other high-demand applications. It also offers a good balance between power and runtime. In other words, it can deliver a large amount of power for short bursts without losing too much energy in the process.
Other lithium batteries with high energy densities include manganese and nickel-based chemistries. However, the LiFePO4 is arguably the best of the bunch due to its high capacity and longevity.
Another advantage of the LiFePO4 is that it can be stored at very low temperatures (down to -40° Celsius). The cells do not expand when charging or discharging, which makes them more resistant to damage. Just make sure that you keep the battery warm and do not discharge it below a 50% – 60% State-of-Charge for longer storage periods.
The anode of LiFePO4 batteries is primarily graphite, with a theoretical gram capacity of 372mAh/g. The cathode is made of ternary materials, such as nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide (NCM).
Fast Charging
As a result of their lower internal resistance, lithium batteries can charge and discharge at a faster rate. They can LIFEPO4 lithium battery also maintain their rated capacity longer than other battery types, even when not charged regularly. This is especially useful for backup energy systems that use solar to recharge.
Lithium iron phosphate batteries are capable of charging at rates up to 3C, meaning that they can reach full charge in as little as 20 minutes. That’s almost triple the speed of a lead acid battery of the same size.
They can also retain a high percentage of their rated capacity when not used often, so you get the most out of every amp you put into them. This is especially important when it comes to charging with solar, where your panels only capture a limited amount of sunlight before the sun goes down or gets blocked by clouds.
However, it’s best to charge a battery with a low current value for the first few hours after a charge to prevent overheating and prolong its life. Then, they can be charged at a higher current level to reach a full charge. If a battery experiences a temperature increase when charging at moderate speed, it could be a sign of elevated internal resistance or an overheating protection circuit. Discontinue charging if the battery becomes hot to the touch and does not continue decreasing in current.
Lightweight
Like other rechargeable lithium batteries, LIFEPO4 batteries contain lithium ions to facilitate the movement of electrons during the charging and discharging process. However, they have a higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries, meaning they can store more power for less weight. This makes them a great option for mobile devices, backup power sources like solar generators, and electric vehicles.
The lightweight nature of LIFEPO4 lithium batteries also makes them easier to transport. They are up to 70% lighter than lead acid batteries and half as heavy as lithium manganese oxide batteries. This will help you save on transport costs and reduce the amount of space needed for storage in your system.
These batteries are designed with cell balancing and an onboard Battery Management System (BMS). This will help prevent common damage to lithium batteries such as overcharging, under-discharging, and short-circuiting. This will extend their lifespan significantly.
LIFEPO4 batteries are made with non-toxic lithium iron phosphate cathodes and graphite carbon anodes. This means that they are non-toxic and safe to use in all applications. They are also non-explosive and will not catch fire even if punctured. This makes them a perfect option for use in harsh environments. Additionally, they are able to withstand a wide range of temperatures. This means that they can be used in both summer and winter applications without having to worry about the weather.
