In this blog post, we will be discussing one of the coolest technologies out there - Lithium Iron Phosphate, or LFP for short - which has recently gained a lot of attention, particularly in the electric vehicle space, as lifepo4 battery becoming a popular alternative to other types of batteries. So, let's delve into what makes this battery special and why it's worth getting excited about!
What Are LiFePO4 Batteries?
In 1996, the University of Texas (and other contributors) discovered phosphate as a cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries. LiFePO4 batteries were then generated. Lithium-ion batteries are named for the active material in their positive electrode. The words are either complete (lithium iron phosphate battery) or abbreviated from their chemical symbols (lithium iron phosphate battery). Because the series of letters and numbers strung together are difficult to remember and even more difficult to pronounce, battery chemistry can also be identified by acronyms (LFP batteries).
- Below is a chart on other types of lithium-ion batteries.
| Complete Name | Chemical Symbols | Acronym |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide | LiNiMnCoO2 | NMC |
| Lithium Cobalt Oxide | LiCoO2 | LCO |
| Lithium Manganese Oxide | LiMn2O4 | LMO |
| Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide | LiNiCoAlO2 | NCA |
| Lithium Titanate | Li2TiO3 | LTO |
Are Lithium Battery Rechargeable?
A lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable battery that uses lithium ions to move between the negative electrode (anode) and positive electrode (cathode) during charging and discharging. Typically, batteries that can be recharged multiple times are called secondary batteries, while disposable batteries are called primary batteries.
What Are the Main Advantages Of LiFePO4 Batteries?
LiFePO4, also known as LFP or lithium iron phosphate batteries, has a major advantage over many other lithium rechargeable batteries. The battery's chemical properties are essentially fireproof. LiFePO4 batteries are non-toxic, non-polluting, and do not contain rare earth metals, making them an environmentally conscious choice. The battery will not enter thermal runaway, and even if thermal runaway occurs, it will not explode or catch fire. Another significant advantage is that they often can handle more charging cycles. They have a longer lifespan, and Diypow's batteries can last up to 10 years without maintenance, saving you on your electricity costs.
What’s the Specification LiFePO4 Battery?
Here is a chart that briefly describes the main specifications of LiFePO4 batteries for reference when selecting batteries.
| Cell Specification | LiFePO4 battery |
|---|---|
| Nominal voltages(v/cell) | 3.20V 3.30V |
| Working voltage(v/cell) | 3.0-3.20V |
| Minimum discharge voltage | 2.5V |
| Maximum charge voltage | 3.65V |
| Energy density | 220Wh/L90-160Wh/kg |
| Charge C-rate range | 0.5-1.5C 1C typical |
| Discharge C-rate | 2-10C |
| Cycle life(1C) | ≥ 2000 (according to realistic situations) |
| Working temperature range | -20 ~75 ℃-4~167 ℉ |
| Thermal runaway temperature | ≥ 500℃ |
Are LiFePO4 Batteries Worth It?
Looking at history, LiFePO4 batteries have two major advantages over lithium-ion batteries: safety and power density. Power density refers to the ability to drive more amps/watts from a smaller battery pack. The benefit of LiFePO4 is safety, as they are less prone to exploding if mishandled. With the ability to scale up in size, coupled with a robust battery management system and support for series and parallel connections to increase battery capacity, they are well-suited for golf carts, RVs, kayak trolling motor batteries, boat trolling motor batteries, off-grid systems, and even car starting batteries.
How Long Do LiFePO4 Batteries Last?
LiFePO4 batteries can last for 3000-5000 charging cycles at an 80% depth of charge, and even up to 8500 cycles if discharged to 30%! This makes them a truly reliable power source that keeps going where other batteries fail.
What Is the Best Discharge For LiFePO4 Batteries?
Lead-acid batteries should not be discharged beyond 50%, while Lifepo4 batteries can be discharged to 100%. However, for optimal performance and to extend the battery life, we recommend discharging them to 80%.
Is LiFePO4 Battery Safe?
LiFePO4 is the safest type of lithium-ion battery because they are not prone to overheating and will not catch fire even if punctured. The cathode material is also non-toxic, so it does not pose any negative environmental or health hazards.
How LiFePO4 Battery Works?
LiFePO4 batteries don't require full charging, so there's no need for trickle charging or float charging. Charging a LiFePO4 battery only requires two stages: constant current charging and constant voltage charging, also known as bulk charging and absorption charging.
How Lithium Battery Charge?
Energy storage and release in batteries occur through the movement of lithium ions in the electrolyte. When a battery is charged using a charger, the lithium ions move from the cathode to the anode, creating an electrical potential difference between the two electrodes and charging the battery.
How To Charge LiFePO4 Battery?
For lithium iron phosphate batteries, it is best to use a specialized charger designed for this type of battery because it can limit the voltage as needed. To fully charge a 12 volt lithium battery, you need a lithium battery charger that operates within the range of 14 to 14.6 volts. Most AGM battery chargers fall within this voltage range, making them compatible with Diypow lithium batteries. If you only have a charger with a lower voltage, it can still charge the battery, but the battery may not charge up to 100%.
What Lithium Marine Batteries For Trolling Motor?
Most electric motors can run on any 12-volt deep cycle marine battery, but if you want to use them for longer periods and make the batteries last longer, it's better to go for deep cycle marine batteries. Diypow best trolling motor battery is 12 volt lithium batteries, 24 volt battery, 48 volt battery, click and know more.
