Dec 19, 2022 Pageview:490
There are so many battery technologies on the market today. Lithium-based batteries have taken the lead as the most durable and best-performing batteries. Among this chemistry is the Lithium Ferro (Iron) Phosphate battery that has been gaining more and more popularity over the past several years.
This is currently the safest, most eco-friendly, and longest-lasting battery on the market. It has all the features that would make you want to invest in a high-quality battery.
However, not very many people know about these batteries. Thus, they end up making poor decisions when buying them. You might get the worse experience if you are not sure what to look for in a good battery.
Don’t worry, though. In this guide, we will talk more about LiFePO4, or simply LFP batteries. We will discuss what to look for when buying the batteries and everything else you need to know.
What to Look for When Buying LiFePO4 Battery?
As much as LiFePO4 batteries are generally the best on the market, there are several variations and brands. That means it’s not automatic that you will get the best choice by simply searching. The ever-growing popularity of these batteries may have created an overwhelming market of options, with some manufacturers taking advantage to make sub-standard products.
How, then, can you avoid the trap of buying something that is not efficient? We have shared several factors to consider when buying LiFePO4 batteries. This should help you make a more informed decision.
Capacity
Capacity stands for the total amount of energy the battery can store. This factor is extremely crucial, especially when buying a solar battery. You will see it indicated on the battery in watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh). Choose a battery that has the highest capacity if you need something that will hold a charge for the longest time. Luckily, LiFePO4 batteries come with the best capacities, so you can be sure to get a good deal.
Depth of Discharge
You need to know how much capacity of the battery is used, which is measured by the DoD. Get a battery with the highest DoD if you are looking for more usage from the battery. Some batteries have up to 100% DoD, allowing you to use all energy stored in the battery without recharging too often. Most batteries will have a recommended rate to keep the battery safe. Just be sure to use it properly, and you will get the most from your battery.
Life Cycle
LiFePO4 batteries are designed to last ten years under optimum conditions, delivering more than 5000 charge cycles. Therefore, you should look at the battery’s specific charge cycle if you want a battery for a specific purpose. A battery that has 2000 charge cycles will last for about five years.
Continuous Charging and Discharging Rate
Batteries are often affected by the charging and discharge rate, which is the constant current value output by the battery when fully charged or discharged or from full charge to empty in a specific time. For instance, a battery that can be discharged for 1 hour at a 100A discharge current has a 1C charge-discharge rate. This factor will affect the general performance and durability of your battery. And that is why it’s important to consider it.
Warranty
The battery loses its capacity to hold a charge with every charge/discharge cycle. Other factors like temperature can also decrease the battery’s life. These are natural processes that might be hard to control. However, consider a battery with a warranty guaranteeing its performance over a number of cycles. This will save you some money in case the battery does not perform well despite your best efforts to keep it in the best condition.
What Makes a Good LiFePO4 Battery?
LiFePO4 batteries are becoming more and more popular because they are generally much better than other chemistries. Here are the factors that make them good.
Safe and Stable
These batteries are known for being safer and offering better stability due to their stabler chemistry. Phosphate-based batteries come with superior thermal chemical stability, making them safer than lithium-ion batteries.
LiFePO4 batteries are non-combustible. They will not catch fire or explode when exposed to extreme conditions like collision or short-circuit. The batteries can withstand extreme conditions much better.
Better Performance
When looking for a good battery, performance is often one of the primary factors to consider. LiFePO4 batteries promise long life, slow self-discharge rates, and less weight that, make them ideal for a wide range of applications.
LiFePO4 batteries carry more capacity than lithium-ion batteries and can withstand extreme conditions much better. You get up to 10 years from your battery if used in the ideal condition. Also, the charging time of these batteries is reduced significantly.
Efficiency and Space
LiFePO4 batteries weigh a third of most lead-acid batteries and yet still deliver more capacity and power. They weigh nearly half of common manganese oxide batteries. Hence, they are the best option if you are more concerned about space and weight. They are more efficient.
Eco-friendly
LiFePO4 batteries are made from nontoxic and non-contaminating materials. The batteries don’t contain any rare earth metals, making them environment-friendly. Lead-acid and nickel-oxide batteries carry significant risks to the environment and hence, are not the best option for an environmentally conscious person.
High Discharge Rates
Most lithium-iron phosphate batteries are designed to handle high discharge currents. This makes them effective in heavy engines and electrical appliances. It all comes down to the performance.
What Does The 4 Stand for in LiFePO4?
Batteries are defined by their chemical composition, and LiFePO4 batteries are no different. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which usually have lithium manganese oxide or lithium cobalt dioxide as the cathode, a lithium iron phosphate battery uses LiFePO4 as the cathode. This is a newer technology that is becoming more and more popular for its durability and generally better performance.
PO4 is the chemical name for phosphate. It means the batteries are made with phosphate as part of their chemical reaction. A deeper look at the chemical reaction in the LFP batteries will reveal more details on what the numbers really mean.
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