Battery comparison: LiFePO4, Li-ion and Lead/Acid

Introduction

Lead-Acid Battery

Lead acid batteries are among the most frequent form of battery used in solar systems. Since lead acid batteries have a low power density, only modest efficiency, and significant maintenance requirements, they have a long lifetime and affordable costs when comparing to other battery types. One of the unique benefits of lead acid batteries is that they constitute the most often utilized type of battery for the most rechargeable battery purposes, and hence have a well-established, mature technical basis.

li-ion battery

These days, lithium-ion batteries are increasingly popular. They are available in laptops, PDAs, cell phones, and iPods. They are so popular because they are some of the most powerful rechargeable batteries available, pound for pound.

Lithium-ion batteries require less maintenance, which most other chemistries do not have. There is no memory, and no planned cycling is needed to extend the life of the battery. Furthermore, lithium-ion has a self-discharge rate that is less than half that of nickel-cadmium, making it perfectly adapted for advanced fuel gauge applications. When lithium-ion cells are discarded, they cause little harm.

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Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery

Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries, often known as LFP Batteries or LiFePO4 batteries, have a service life of more than 5 years. LFP has strong electrochemical performance and low resistance. These batteries offer higher thermal stability than other Li-Ion battery chemistries. The voltage level of an LFP single cell is 3.2V. These batteries are frequently used in E-Mobility, Solar Energy Storage, and other applications. The benefit of employing these types of batteries is that they have a high rated current and a long cycle life, as well as strong thermal consistency, improved reliability, and tolerance in adverse situations.

Which is better lead-acid or Lithium-ion battery?

Here are the three most significant distinctions between the two battery chemistries, as well as some instances of which technology to choose when going electric.

1.Charging

Charging a lead-acid battery can take up to 10 hours, however charging a lithium-ion battery might take anywhere from 3 hours to a few minutes, depending on the capacity of the battery. Lithium-ion chemistries can tolerate a higher rate of current, allowing them to charge faster than lead acid batteries. This is especially important in time-sensitive situations where vehicles are heavily utilized and have shorter break intervals. In the instance of a terminal tractor, every minute the ship is docked at the port costs the fleet owner money, so the batteries must be charged quickly during breaks in order to load the ship.

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2.Energy & Range

When the two chemistries are compared, lithium ion reaches an energy density of 125-600+ Wh/L while lead acid batteries obtain 50-90 Wh/L. at the same time. In the same time. As a result, adopting lithium-ion batteries frees up space for other vital payloads. A high energy density also provides the vehicle with a much longer range, which means that when powered by lithium-ion technology, the user does not need to charge as frequently.

3.Cost

This is generally the question in the forefront of everyone’s attention and a crucial reason for deciding “what is the ideal product for my fleet?” As is frequently the case, there is no clear solution, and the cost efficiency is entirely based on the requirements of your application. Lead acid is a popular low-cost battery chemistry that is available in huge quantities with little concern about supply security and in a range of off-the-shelf pack sizes. Lead acid batteries are ideal for large-scale stationary applications with plenty of space and low energy requirements. However, when it comes to price in terms of power or range, lithium-ion technology is frequently a more cost-effective solution.

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to batteries; rather, it is about offering the best electric solution for the application’s demands. Cummins creates and sells adaptable lithium-ion batteries as a primary source of energy for commercial vehicles and other mobility and stationary applications.

Is LiFePO4 battery better than lithium-ion?

Newer technologies are powered by two types of lithium batteries: lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). Whereas these types of batteries have nearly identical names, they have several similarities and distinctions. They differ in terms of life spans, safety mechanisms, and charge density.

1.Self-Discharge Rate

The pace at which a battery loses charge while it is not attached is referred to as the self-discharge rate. Lower self-discharge rates are beneficial to the battery since they suggest improved chemical stability and longer charge retention.

The self-discharge rate of a lithium-ion battery is approximately 5% each month. This indicates that if a lithium-ion battery has been charged, disconnected, and stored for one month, it will go from 100% to 95%. The self-discharge rate of lithium iron phosphate is approximately 3% per month. This implies that after one month, the battery will drop from 100% to 97%.

2.Energy & Range

Lithium-ion batteries have the highest energy density of any type of battery. These batteries have an energy density ranging from 100 to 265 Wh/kg. Whereas, An LiFePO4 battery has a lower energy density than a lithium-ion battery. They have an energy density ranging from 90 to 165 Wh/kg.

3.Cost

To calculate the cost per KWh, you must first determine the battery’s KWh rating. Although this figure is not usually displayed on the battery, it can simply determined.

The inclusion of cobalt as an electrode material in a lithium-ion battery raises the cost of the battery. The Lithium Iron Phosphate battery employs cobalt-free materials such as iron and phosphate, each of which is significantly less expensive.

In every way that matters, LiFePO4 is the superior choice. You get superior performance, better value for money, and a significantly longer lifespan with these batteries. Only when considering energy density does the lithium-ion counterpart draw more attention. As a result, they are a preferable alternative for electronic applications such as smartphones, laptops, e-cigarettes, and other electronic appliances.

Aside from electronics, LiFePO4 batteries are superior in all other applications. Whether it’s for electric vehicles, solar panels, caravans, motorhomes, or any other high-capacity need.

Does LiFePO4 charge faster than lead-acid?

The consistent current and constant voltage phases of a LiFePO4 battery are the same as those of a lead-acid battery. Although these two stages are identical and serve the same purpose, the benefits of the LiFePO4 battery would be that the rate of recharge can be significantly higher, resulting in a far faster charging time.