LIFEPO4 Lithium Batteries Are Safe
Whether you’re looking for a battery for your RV, golf cart, bass boat, or solar energy system there are many options to consider. LIFEPO4 lithium batteries are the safest option available.
They offer numerous performance perks such as long life expectancy, slow self-discharge rates, and shorter charging times. They are also much lighter than other lithium chemistries.
Safety
Despite the frequent media attention on lithium batteries burning up in laptops and cell phones, battery technology has come a long way and is relatively safe when used correctly. It is important to understand how these batteries LIFEPO4 lithium battery work in order to avoid accidents that are entirely preventable.
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) is the safest lithium battery type available. The strong covalent bonds between the iron, phosphorus, and oxygen atoms in the cathode make these batteries less prone to thermal runaway and overheating than other lithium battery types.
The safety of LiFePO4 batteries also relates to the fact that they are non-flammable and have very low internal resistance. This means that they can be discharged almost completely without damaging the battery, allowing them to store large amounts of energy for extended periods of time. Lead acid batteries, on the other hand, can only be charged up to about 50% of their capacity rating before they start to damage the battery and limit its future performance.
With all of these safety features, it is still possible to cause a lithium battery pack to fail. One major concern is physical damage, such as impact or crushing. This can result in the formation of metallic lithium, which can be dangerous when it contacts other cells within a battery pack. To prevent this, all of our batteries are fitted with a battery management system (BMS) that constantly monitors the state of each individual cell in the pack.
Long Lifespan
Lithium iron phosphate batteries have one of the longest battery life expectancy in the industry. This is mainly due to its ability to perform deep cycles without losing capacity. This means that your battery will continue to perform for longer than any other lithium ion technology. This is also one of the main reasons why they are used for stationary energy storage applications (self-consumption with battery, Off-Grid systems).
Battery lifespan is determined by a number of factors. These include the charging process, device maintenance and proper battery storage. When storing batteries, they should be kept at a cool temperature and should not be left in a discharged state for long periods of time. In addition, battery lifespan can be improved by balancing partial charge and discharge cycles. This will prevent the battery from being overcharged or completely discharged.
A lithium iron phosphate battery should be able to sustain a minimum of 2,000 deep charge and discharge cycles before experiencing a noticeable loss in overall battery capacity. This is around 5.5 years of use before the battery starts to degrade. This is much better than lead acid batteries which can only sustain 300-500 charges before they start losing their capacity. LiFePO4 batteries are not indestructible and will eventually lose their ability to hold a charge and should be replaced.
Lightweight
There is no doubt that lithium batteries offer an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. They can be nearly twice as powerful as lead acid batteries but only half the weight. In addition, a well cared for lithium battery will keep its full capacity longer and can be resold for a much higher value depending on its number of charge cycles.
This is the result of using a unique and proprietary electrolyte that is chemically and mechanically safer than traditional SLA (sealed lead acid) batteries. The electrolyte also allows the batteries to safely be drawn down to 95% of rated power vs 50%-60% for lead acid. This significantly reduces battery bank maintenance and extends the lifetime of the battery.
LiFePO4 is a great choice for trolling motors as it offers the highest energy storage per pound, faster recharging, low self-discharge rate and can be run in parallel up to 4 batteries in series or in parallel for 12V, 24V, 36V and 48V systems. A key feature is the ability to connect a bluetooth APP to your battery which will show you exactly what your battery is doing, from charging and discharging to health and cycle status.
A quality lithium battery will come with a BMS (Battery Management System) to prevent damage due to overcharge, over-discharge and short circuits as well as balance the cells within the battery. Be sure to research the BMS in the battery you are considering purchasing as there are many less expensive lithium batteries that do not include a robust system.
Fast Charging
When it comes to charging a lithium LIFEPO4 lithium battery iron phosphate battery, they are much quicker than lead acid batteries. They can charge four times faster, as well as have a longer cycle life and weigh less. This makes them the best choice for things like bass boats, RVs, golf carts, and solar energy systems.
The key to a fast charging lithium battery is in the electrode design. It’s important to have optimized carbon coating, particle size, and architecture for the best results. Several groups have been working on the synthesis of carbon-coated LiFePO4 nanoparticles with a high specific capacity, excellent rate capability and ultralong cycle life.
It’s also important to have a proper charger for lithium batteries. It’s recommended to use a multi-bank charger that can charge your batteries individually and at the same time. This will prevent overcharging and will keep your batteries healthy and at their maximum performance.
The Canbat lithium batteries are compatible with most multi-bank chargers, including those that can charge the battery at a constant current and/or constant voltage (CC-CV). It is important to use a charger that is designed for the lithium chemistry of your battery to ensure optimum performance.
