At AEL, we understand that the development of green energy solutions is growing with the awareness of environmental protection and energy conservation. Hence, there is a significant rise in the use of LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are one type of lithium-ion battery and are famous for their long life and inherent safety. LiFePO4 batteries work on a similar principle like the other kinds of Li-ion batteries. They are rechargeable and function with the use of graphitic carbon electrodes with a metallic backing as the anode. At AEL, we manufacture all these batteries are which used for 2-, 3-, 4-wheelers EV battery packs, as well as in various industrial and residential applications such as power grids to invertors to lifts, etc., marine industry such as tourism boats to fishing boats etc.
As per Globe Newswire, the lithium iron phosphate batteries market is expected to grow at a CARG (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 20.7% from 2020 to 2027. In countries like India, Australia, and South Korea, the market in Asia-Pacific is forecast to reach US$29.9 Billion by the year 2027. The market of lithium iron phosphate batteries is segmented into 0–16,250 mAh, 16,251–50,000 mAh, 50,001–100,000 mAh, and 100,001–540,000 mAh power batteries. In this blog, we will discuss the prominent features, benefits and usages of LiFePO4 batteries.
Top 3 features of LiFePO4 batteries:
1. Reduced risk of phosphate decomposition
The thermal and chemical stability improve the safety of LiFePO4 technology. A lithium iron phosphate battery has a reduced risk of combustion because it can remain stable in harsh conditions and minimises the risk of phosphate decomposition.
2. Structurally sound and stability
These batteries have better structural integrity compared to the other types of Lithium-ion batteries. E.g., if you take out the lithium from lithiated cobalt oxide, the cells will expand, making the compound more dangerous. However, removing all the lithium from a LiFePO4 battery brings no structural changes whether it’s in a lithiated or de-lithiated phase.
3. Resistance to oxygen loss
The cathode material in LiFePO4 is intrinsically safe and highly resistant to oxygen loss, which would cause a battery explosion under extreme heat. The main reason for this protection is that the oxygen is covalently bonded to the non-transition metal within the battery, preventing oxygen from leaving the structure even after overheating.
Benefits of LiFePO4 batteries
1. Cost-effective
The operational cost of lithium iron phosphate batteries is very less as it has a long life span and zero maintenance. The average life span of LiFePO4 batteries is 10 times longer than that of traditional lead-acid batteries. It can live up to 5000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge, without sinking in performance.
2. Reliable and safest of all
LiFePO4 is considered one of the safest ways to power a battery-operated application. These batteries ensure greater safety as the P-O bonds in the lithium iron phosphate crystals are stable and difficult to crumble. It does not heat up or form a strong oxidizing substance even at a high temperature or overcharge. They are also environmentally friendly and safest for any purpose of use. LiFePO4 batteries use a cathode material in their formation which is not hazardous to health.
3. Environmentally Friendly
As mentioned in the above point, LiFePO4 batteries do not use any hazardous material like heavy metals and rare metals in their formation. It is because of this reason that these batteries are considered to be environmentally friendly. Its safety performance and lifecycle are exceptionally great in comparison to other batteries.
4. Suitable temperature performance
The biggest advantage to use lithium iron phosphate batteries is that they can well operate in a wide range of temperatures. It is assumed that these batteries can be handled in the wide temperature range between -40º to 158º Fahrenheit.
5. Lightweight
LiFePO4 batteries are lightweight and usually weigh less than about 1/4 compared to lead-acid batteries. They offer a high-power density that causes lithium batteries to be relatively small and light. They have greater energy density and can be considered as the first choice if one selects the size of the battery.
6. No maintenance
These batteries do not require any kind of maintenance to stretch their life. They are fairly maintenance-free. The balancing process achieved by BMS (Battery Management System) makes sure all the cells in a battery bank are equally charged. So, all that you need to do is to charge your battery.
7. Lesser placement Issue
Lithium iron phosphate batteries are easy to assemble in an odd shape too. They do not need to be stored in an upright position, or a vented battery compartment.
8. Fast & Efficient Charging
These batteries can be charged very quickly up to 100% of their capacity. It depends on its charger too. A lithium iron phosphate battery can take just 30 minutes of charging if you can provide enough charging amps.
Usage of LiFePO4 batteries
In EVs, hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) lithium-ion batteries are popular choices because of the better energy-to-weight ratio and efficient storage capacity. It is because of the storage density of Lithium-ion batteries, these are also preferred for consumer electronics goods like telephones or laptops. As these batteries can be recharged as many times users need them, they offer better charging capacity and a longer lifespan. LiFePO4 batteries are considered a good source for storing solar energy in solar panels also. These batteries are useful for domestic purposes like wheelchairs or other mobility aids for individuals. Moreover, due to its compact, quick charging, and large storage capacity, the demand for LiFePO4 batteries is always high in the market.
Lithium-ion batteries are considered a prominent technology for tour boats to fishing boats apart from their usage in electric vehicles, or domestic and industrial purposes. Marine boats require following strict guidelines in terms of the safety of onboard systems. They are expected to have reliable and robust types of equipment. AEL has placed itself as one of the prominent lithium-ion battery manufacturers in India and ensures that its advanced lithium iron phosphate battery packs are safe and lasts long.