Lithium Iron Phosphate Vs. Lithium-Ion: Differences and Advantages

Introduction

Today’s portable gadgets use two different types of batteries: lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate. Despite certain parallels between them, there are significant variances in terms of high energy density, lengthy life cycles, and safety. Since most people own a phone, tablet, or computer, they are certainly familiar with lithium-ion technology. Due to its inexpensive components and resilience in high temperatures, lithium iron phosphate batteries are a more recent form of battery that are gaining popularity in the manufacturing industries.

How does lithium-ion battery work?

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are constructed from one or more power-producing compartments known as cells, much like any other battery. Essentially, each cell consists of three parts: an electrolyte, which sits in between the positive electrode and the battery’s positive or + terminal, and two electrodes, one of which is connected to the negative terminal and the other to the positive terminal. In older batteries, lithium iron phosphate is used as the positive electrode instead of the more common lithium-cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) chemical combination (LiFePO4). The electrolyte changes from one type of battery to another and the negative electrode is typically formed of carbon (graphite)—but these differences aren’t crucial to grasping the fundamentals of how the battery operates.

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Most lithium-ion batteries operate in a similar manner. The positive electrode, made of lithium-cobalt oxide, releases some of its lithium ions during battery charging. These lithium ions flow through the electrolyte to the negative electrode, made of graphite, where they remain. Throughout this process, the battery absorbs and stores energy. The energy that powers the battery is created when the lithium ions in the battery migrate back throughout the electrolyte to the positive electrode during discharge. In each instance, electrons go around the outside circuit in the direction that the ions are moving in. Since the electrolyte serves as an effective insulating barrier for electrons, they cannot pass through it.

One process – the passage of ions through the electrolyte and another – the movement of electrons across the external circuit, in the opposite direction are interdependent processes, and if one stops, the other also stops. A fully discharged battery prevents electrons from passing through the outside circuit, therefore you lose power if ions cease traveling through the electrolyte because of this. Similar to how the flow of ions and electrons ceases when the device the battery is powering is turned off. The high rate of discharge from the battery virtually stops.

Lithium-ion batteries, as opposed to other types of batteries, have electronic controllers integrated into them that control how they charge and discharge. In some cases, overcharging and overheating of lithium-ion batteries can result in explosions, but they stop that from happening.

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What are the advantages of lithium iron phosphate battery?

Compared to earlier lead-acid (LA) batteries and other lithium-ion battery technologies, LiFePO4 has significant advantages. One of the greatest value options for electric propulsion is to use batteries because they are lighter, require no maintenance, have better charge and discharge characteristics, and have a significantly longer lifespan.

LiFePO4 also has a high current rating, a long cycle life, no leak or fire risk, and a tolerance for less-than-ideal charging and discharging cycles.

High Efficiency

LiFePO4 batteries are quite effective, so why? Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) offers a superior mix of qualities in a like-for-like comparison with systems that employ alternative lithium ion or lead acid batteries, notably for propulsion in recreational vehicles and small commercial vessels.

When compared to LA chemistries and other types of lithium battery, LiFePO4 batteries have enhanced discharge and charge efficiency and the capacity to deep cycle while preserving performance.

Better Performance from the Keel Up

Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) are the best place to start when developing electric car batteries because of their extended lifespan, low self-discharge rates, low weight, and large battery capacity.

Longer Life Span

Owners do not anticipate having to replace their motor every two to three years in vehicles with petrol or diesel engine systems. As a result, it seems a little bit disingenuous to demand that owners of electric vehicles change their entire battery pack on a regular basis, as is likely the case for cars with lead-acid installations.

If LA batteries were used, it would be exceedingly challenging to defend an electric propulsion option due to this punishing maintenance schedule. Battery systems made of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) can now outperform those powered by fossil fuels.

Faster Charging Process

LiFePO4 batteries charge more quickly than lead acid or other lithium batteries because they have a four times higher energy density and can be charged five times more quickly than lead acid batteries.

A LiFePO4 battery’s cycle life can be up to five times longer than that of some lithium-ion batteries, frequently exceeding 5000 cycles without noticeably losing performance. LiFePO4 battery packs can be fully discharged without suffering any harm or performance loss.

Lightweight

Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) chemistries offer roughly 50% greater usable electrical capacity with up to 70% less weight. In addition, LiFePO4 batteries weigh around half as much as lithium manganese oxide (LMO) batteries, which are lighter than some lithium-ion batteries.

Smaller battery packs, less unused space, and lighter propulsion systems are all benefits of LiFePO4’s higher power-to-weight ratio, which also boosts interior design options and improves boat performance and electrical efficiency.

Zero Maintenance

A lithium iron phosphate battery doesn’t need to be serviced in order to extend its service life, in contrast to a lead acid battery. Incomplete discharge before recharging does not cause LiFePO4 batteries to experience any memory effect.

Is lithium iron phosphate safer than lithium-ion?

Batteries made of phosphate have outstanding chemical and mechanical properties and don’t overheat dangerously. Consequently, compared to lithium-ion batteries built with other cathode materials, this increases safety. This is due to LiFePO4’s physically identical and extremely robust charged and uncharged states, which allow the ions to stay constant during the oxygen flux that occurs along with charge cycles or potential failures. The iron phosphate-oxide bond is structurally more stable when the battery is overcharged or damaged than the cobalt-oxide bond because it is generally stronger. In contrast, in other lithium chemistries, the bonds start to break down and release too much heat, which eventually causes thermal runaway.

The incombustibility of lithium phosphate cells is a crucial property non the event of errant handling while charging or discharging. They can also resist extreme weather, such as bitter cold, sweltering heat, or rugged terrain. They won’t blow up or catch fire when exposed to risky situations like collisions or short circuits, thus lowering the likelihood of injury. LiFePO4 is probably your best option if you are choosing a lithium battery and want to utilize it in dangerous or unstable conditions. It’s also important to note that LiFePO4 batteries are an environmentally friendly option because they are non-toxic, non-contaminating, and don’t contain rare earth metals.