LiFePO4 Battery Packs

What is LiFePO4 Battery

LiFePO4 batteries are popular in surveying and mapping applications. They are cylindrical and have a capacity range of 3000MAH to 5000MAH. Typical applications for this battery type include handheld devices, GPS, and camera flashes. Also known as ‘lithium iron phosphate’ batteries, LiFePO4 batteries are available in a wide variety of capacities.

Advantages of LiFePO4 Battery

LiFePO4 batteries offer several advantages over traditional Lithium-ion batteries. It allows for greater specific capacity and increased cycle life. These features are vital to the safety and reliability of your portable devices.

LiFePO4 batteries are safer than lead-acid batteries. They can be charged and discharged safely in temperature ranges from 0 to 45 Celsius degree. Because they use lithium, they do not suffer from the corrosion issues that can be associated with lead-acid batteries. In addition, the LiFePO4 battery’s low-temperature capabilities make it an excellent choice for cold-weather applications.

The LiFePO4 battery has a large overcharge tolerance and self-balancing properties. These characteristics make it an attractive option for portable devices. Unlike LiCoO2 batteries, it is also possible to recharge it with a conventional power source without damaging the battery. The advantage of this battery over its predecessor is that it can work at a high temperature without risking damage. The LiFePO4 battery also offers 10% more capacity thanks to its superior lithium ionic conductivity.

The SOC of LiFePO4 batteries can vary from ten to 100 percent. The best SOC is 50%. A higher SOC can cause the battery to lose capacity over time. A higher SOC will not have a large impact on the performance of the lithium-ion battery. The SOC will depend on the chemistry of the battery. A sulfated battery will experience a temporary capacity loss.

How to store LiFePO4 Battery

LiFePO4 batteries should be stored at a minimum 50% state of charge. If possible, cycle them every six months to ensure they maintain their full capacity. They do not require a trickle charger, which is helpful if you do not have a large number of portable devices. The SOC of LiFePO4 batteries determines the amount of energy they store. The SOC of these batteries is crucial to preserving their capacity and safety.

How to choose right LiFePO4 battery pack charger ?

When choosing a charger for a LiFePO4 battery, look for a charger that is suited to LiFePO4 batteries. Although most lead-acid batteries have a lower voltage, they are compatible with most LiFePO4 batteries. AGM and Gel algorithms are compatible with LiFePO4 batteries. Wet cell and flooded batteries have a higher voltage than LiFePO4 batteries, so the BMS won’t be able to properly disconnect the battery.

In addition to the above parameters, you should also look for the charger’s compatibility. If you are unsure of whether or not your charger is compatible with the battery type, check the charger’s specifications to ensure it can handle the battery. The best type of lithium battery charger will charge the battery at a higher voltage than lead-acid batteries. It is also recommended that you use a high-quality alternator for your LiFePO4 batteries.