In the realm of solar energy storage, the choice of battery technology plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency, reliability, and overall performance of various applications. Two of the most common battery chemistry types are lithium-ion and lead-acid, the latter has gained significant attention in recent years. ‘ Why the LiFePO4 batteries become more and more popular these years?’ In this article, we will explore the benefits of LiFePO4 batteries compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, highlighting their superior characteristics and potential applications.
1. About Lead-acid Battery
1.1 What is the Lead-acid Battery?
The lead–acid battery is a type of rechargeable battery first invented in 1859 by French physicist Gaston Planté. It is the first type of rechargeable battery ever created. Its negative plate consists of lead. Its positive plate is lead dioxide.
1.2 Application
Most of the world's lead–acid batteries are automobile starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) batteries.
-Electric Vehicles: Traction (propulsion) batteries are used in golf carts and other battery electric vehicles.
-Electric Motors or Emergency Power: Large lead–acid batteries are used to power the electric motors in diesel-electric (conventional) submarines when submerged, or emergency power on nuclear submarines.
-Back-up Power: Valve-regulated lead–acid batteries are used in backup power supplies for alarm and smaller computer systems (particularly in uninterruptible power supplies; UPS) and for electric scooters, electric wheelchairs, electrified bicycles, marine applications, battery electric vehicles or micro hybrid vehicles, and motorcycles.
1.3 Features
- Low Cost: Lead-acid batteries offer a cost-effective solution compared to newer technologies.
- High Surge Currents: Lead-acid batteries are capable of supplying high surge currents.
- Short Cycle Lifespan& Long Charging Times: Lead-acid batteries are susceptible to damage from deep discharge due to their maximum current output. Repeated deep discharges can lead to capacity loss and premature failure. These batteries typically have a short cycle lifespan (often less than 500 deep cycles) and extended charging times.
- Lower Energy Density: In comparison to modern rechargeable batteries, lead-acid batteries exhibit relatively lower energy density, limiting the amount of energy they can store relative to their weight and volume.
- Environmental Concerns: Certain lead compounds found in lead-acid batteries are highly toxic. Prolonged exposure to even trace amounts of these compounds can result in brain and kidney damage, hearing impairment, and learning difficulties in children.
(Sources From Wikipedia: What is Lead-Acid Battery)
2. What is LiFePO4 Battery?
2.1 What is LiFePO4 Battery?
The lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4 battery), also known as LFP battery (lithium ferrophosphate), is a type of lithium-ion battery that utilizes lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) as the cathode material and a graphitic carbon electrode with a metallic backing as the anode
2.2 Application
LFP batteries are finding a number of roles in vehicle use, utility-scale stationary applications, and backup power.
-Home energy storage
The combination of safety, longevity, high energy density, fast charging capabilities, and environmental friendliness make LiFePO4 batteries a popular choice for home energy storage applications.
-Traction
Forklifts, electrified bicycles, golf carts, electric scooters, electric wheelchairs, marine applications, battery electric vehicles or micro hybrid vehicles, trolling motors……
-Solar systems
Single "14500" (AA battery–sized) LFP cells are now used in some solar-powered landscape lighting.
-Other stand-by (stationary) batteries& Deep-cycle batteries:
Large backup power supplies for telephone and computer centers, grid energy storage, off-grid household electric power systems, emergency lighting, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
2.3 Features
- Small Size & Light Weight: A 12V 100A LiFePO4 battery is approximately half the size of a traditional battery of similar capacity, weighing around 23 pounds. In terms of weight, LiFePO4 batteries only account for 30% of ordinary lead-acid batteries under the same specifications.
- Long Cycle Life: Equipped with A-grade battery cells supporting 100A continuous charging and discharging current, LiFePO4 batteries boast an ultra-long cycle life of up to 6000 times. (Take the 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery as an example)
- Low Toxicity: LiFePO4 batteries are environmentally friendly as they are non-toxic, non-contaminating, and do not contain rare earth metals.
- High Energy Density: LiFePO4 batteries offer a superior energy density compared to lead-acid batteries, enabling them to store a significant amount of energy relative to their weight and volume.
- Operating Temperature Limit: LiFePO4 batteries exhibit an operating temperature range of -20°C to 40°C, providing reliable discharge performance within this range.
(Sources From Wikipedia: Lithium iron phosphate battery)
3. Why do People Replace Lead-Acid Battery with LiFePO4 Battery?
Now we can easily see that LiFePO4 batteries offer more advantages than lead-acid batteries when considering long-term perspectives. With superior performance, they are undeniably a better choice.
3.1. Enhanced Energy Density:
LiFePO4 batteries offer a significantly higher energy density compared to lead-acid batteries. This means that they can store more energy in a smaller and lighter package. The increased energy density of LiFePO4 batteries makes them ideal for applications where space and weight are critical factors, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and portable electronic devices.
3.2. Longer Cycle Life:
LiFePO4 batteries exhibit an impressive cycle life. Unlike lead-acid batteries that typically have a limited cycle life, LiFePO4 batteries can withstand thousands of cycles without a significant loss in performance. This extended cycle life makes them a cost-effective and durable solution for applications that require frequent charging and discharging, such as renewable energy systems and off-grid installations.
3.3. Higher Charge&Discharge Rate:
LiFePO4 batteries excel in delivering high discharge rates, making them suitable for applications that demand quick bursts of power. Unlike lead-acid batteries that struggle to provide high currents, LiFePO4 batteries can deliver a consistent and reliable power output, making them ideal for electric vehicles, power tools, and emergency backup systems.
3.4. Improved Safety:
Safety is a paramount concern when it comes to battery technology. LiFePO4 batteries have a superior safety profile compared to lead-acid batteries. They are inherently more stable and less prone to thermal runaway or explosion. LiFePO4 chemistry is known for its excellent thermal stability, making it a safer choice for applications where safety is critical, such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
3.5. Environmental Friendliness:
LiFePO4 batteries are considered more environmentally friendly than lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries contain toxic materials like lead and sulfuric acid, which can pose a significant risk to the environment if not properly disposed of. On the other hand, LiFePO4 batteries are non-toxic, have a lower environmental impact, and can be recycled more efficiently, reducing the overall carbon footprint.
Conclusion:
LiFePO4 batteries offer numerous advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries, making them a preferred choice for a wide range of applications. With their higher energy density, longer cycle life, high discharge rates, improved safety, and environmental friendliness, LiFePO4 batteries are revolutionizing the energy storage landscape. As technology continues to advance, LiFePO4 batteries are expected to play a pivotal role in powering the future of transportation, renewable energy systems, and portable electronics.
