20 May
Posted By
Aziz
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Use of LiFePO4 Batteries in Industrial Applications
For many applications, lithium ion is much more preferred in terms of energy and power density, cycle and calendar life, and cost. It has been proven to be preferable over other battery types due to its lithium-ion deep discharge cycle life, energy and power density. Considering the rapid cost reductions, lithium ion has been preferred more. Iron is the most stable element in the periodic table. Accordingly, lithium iron phosphate cells are also stable and safe. Lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) cells are generally considered the best lithium-ion batteries for industrial applications.
-LiFePO4 contains virtually no toxic or hazardous materials and is not considered hazardous waste.
-LiFePO4 is a safe technology that does not catch fire under any circumstances, does not explode with overcharge and does not produce flammable gases.
-LiFePO4 weighs between one-third and one-fourth the weight of a lead-acid battery of equivalent power.
-LiFePO4 can provide more than 5000 cycles of deep discharge.
-In high discharge rate applications, LiFePO4 can produce twice the usable capacity of similar grade lead-acid batteries.
-LiFePO4 has a flat voltage discharge curve with little or no “voltage sag” (as in lead acid batteries).
-LiFePO4 is capable of higher discharge rate.
-Unlike lead-acid batteries, LiFePO4 can be left partially discharged for extended periods of time without causing a permanent reduction in capacity.
-LiFePO4 can have low self-discharge rates (unlike lead acid, which will flatten fairly quickly if left to sit for a long time).
-LiFePO4 is not affected by thermal runaway.
-LiFePO4 can be used in high ambient temperatures up to 65°C without significant performance or service life degradation. Every 10°C increase in operating temperature halves the service life of a VRLA battery. NiCd (a type of rechargeable battery containing Nickel-cadmium) can only operate reliably down to 35 to 40°C.
-LiFePO4 does not require much maintenance during its battery life. VRLA batteries, on the other hand, require annual discharge capacity testing, impedance or conductivity testing. Maintenance of NiCd (electrolyte check and addition) should be done at least once a year. Some NiCd manufacturers recommend semi-annual maintenance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: VRLA battery is a variant of rechargeable lead acid battery known as insulated (sealed) battery or maintenance free battery.
-LiFePO4 can be operated in any direction, including inverted.
-LiFePO4 does not contain toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, or corrosive acid or alkaline electrolytes.
-LiFePO4 batteries are the most environmentally friendly battery chemistry available today.
-LiFePO4 has a very high energy density.
-LiFePO4 contains no liquid electrolyte which means it will not be prone to leakage. NiCd (a type of rechargeable battery containing Nickel-cadmium) may leak. It contains liquid potassium hydroxide, which is very corrosive and toxic enough to be fatal if swallowed.
In applications with higher discharge rates, LiFePO4 can produce twice the usable capacity of similarly rated NiCd (Nickel-cadmium-containing rechargeable battery) batteries.
-The flat voltage discharge curve means the maximum power available until fully discharged (no "voltage drop" like with NiCd batteries).
Unlike NiCd batteries, LiFePO4 can be left in a deep-discharged state for a long time without causing a permanent reduction in battery capacity.
Phosphate-based technology has superior thermal and chemical stability, providing better safety properties than lithium-ion technology made with other cathode materials. Lithium phosphate cells do not burn in case of misuse during charging or discharging, they are more stable under overcharge or short circuit conditions and can withstand high temperatures without deterioration. Phosphate-based cathode material does not burn and is not prone to thermal runaways when abuse occurs.
Phosphate chemistry also offers a longer cycle life. Phosphates significantly reduce the disadvantages of cobalt chemistry, particularly in cost, safety and environmental properties. Due to the superior safety features of phosphate cells, LiFePO4 batteries are better suited to larger battery capacities. For many industrial and commercial applications, a lithium battery management system (BMS) is just as important as lithium batteries.
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