Lithium iron phosphate batteries

Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4 batteries) are the ideal supply batteries for cyclical use. Thanks to the intelligent battery management system (BMS), these batteries achieve more than 2000 cycles at 100 percent discharge. LiFePO4 supply batteries are the safest of the regular lithium-ion batteries and are used in numerous applications, whether in cars, motorhomes, solar systems or boats.

What is a lithium battery?

Lithium-ion batteries have been used as standard in the processing of smartphones and laptops for some time now. The latest development of these lithium-ion batteries is the modern lithium iron phosphate battery, which, compared to the previous lithium cobalt dioxide cathode (LiCoO2), now has a lithium iron phosphate cathode. lithium iron phosphate cathode. These so-called LiFePo4, or LFP for short, batteries have a voltage of 3.2-3.3 volts per cell and an energy density of 100Wh/kg. Furthermore, there is no risk of fire when using this latest and intrinsically safe LFP technology, as can often be the case with lithium-ion batteries in smartphones or laptops, for example.

On the one hand, the technology allows significantly greater insensitivity to deep discharge or mechanical stress. On the other hand, LiFePO4 technology allows very high charging and discharging currents and a significantly higher number of charging cycles. In addition, lithium iron phosphate batteries are much less sensitive to high and very low temperatures compared to conventional lead-acid batteries.

What are the advantages of lithium batteries over conventional lead batteries?

Lithium batteries are increasingly being used to power electronic applications. These primarily include solar systems, mobile homes, electromobility and defense technology. Although lithium costs more upfront, it offers superior advantages over conventional lead-acid batteries in terms of service life, efficiency and safety. Lithium batteries represent a significant improvement over conventional battery alternatives. Technologically, they are the step towards the future. But what makes them so advantageous?

1st advantage: Lithium batteries are long-lasting!

Most LiFePO4 batteries last on average up to 10 times longer than conventional lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries also need to be maintained to prevent structural damage. If they are not properly maintained, their lifespan will be shortened even further. Since lithium batteries do not require active maintenance, a one-time purchase ensures a long service life. Provided, of course, that the battery is used properly and the usage guidelines are followed. Lithium batteries are also perfect for seasonal use, as they can be stored for several months without having to be recharged during storage.

2nd advantage: Quickly available energy!

Lithium charges and discharges power quickly, giving users more versatility. Fast charging of the battery is important for applications with little downtime, such as monitoring devices. It is therefore relevant to mention that lithium batteries charge up to 8 times faster and deep discharge of up to 85% of their capacity is not a problem. High rate discharge is also important for applications that require higher power surges, such as vehicle ignition. Because lead-acid batteries need to be charged in stages over a longer period of time and perform poorly during periods of high discharge, they are less versatile than their lithium counterparts. If more power is also required, you can connect several lithium batteries in series, depending on the model.

3rd advantage: Lithium is efficient!

LiFePO4 batteries have a significantly longer service life and the efficiency of lithium is unparalleled, especially in high-stress situations. In contrast to lead, the power supply of lithium is hardly affected by temperature fluctuations and energy depletion. If users intend to discharge the battery or use the batteries in extreme weather conditions, lithium storage batteries are the only logical choice.

4th advantage: Lithium is light!

Certain applications require careful consideration of battery weight and balance. Compared to lead-acid, lithium offers the same or even higher performance at less than half the weight and size. Lithium batteries are therefore much more flexible to install.

5th advantage: Lithium is safe and environmentally friendly!

The environmental and safety data of lithium should also be considered here. As lithium batteries are made from light metals, recycling and reuse is simple and cost-effective, reducing the financial and operational burden of recycling batteries. Lithium batteries also contain no toxic chemicals that cause structural degradation, further improving their environmental profile. LiFePo4 batteries also have built-in safety features that reduce the risk of fire and explosion.

Lithium batteries offer customized solutions

If a commercially available battery does not meet the size or energy requirements of the desired technical application, this problem should be seen as an opportunity to opt for a lithium battery. This will ideally meet a wide range of requirements. If users are unsure how to assess battery needs and determine the optimal approach, they should work with an experienced provider to obtain a detailed analysis and recommendation. We would be happy to take on this task for you and support you in your decision-making to the best of our ability.

Modernity meets functionality

Some of the most modern and latest models of LiFePO4 batteries, such as the Voltic VLI or VLT models from , have an innovative BMS as well as a cell phone app connection via Bluetooth. This makes it easy and convenient to monitor and control the capacity, performance, temperature and other data in real time from a cell phone.

The possible applications of lithium storage batteries

Lithium batteries are used in numerous areas today. Marine, medical and defense technology appreciate the advantages of lithium batteries. But these long-life batteries are also used in office and industrial automation. Automotive, alarm and security systems rely on the rapid energy availability of lithium supply batteries. The Li metal anode with non-aqueous electrolyte was first used in 1960 for aerospace and military applications. Due to their characteristically low self-discharge, lithium batteries also play an important role in pacemakers. Today, rechargeable lithium batteries are primarily used in computers, camcorders and smartphones. In the field of electric and hybrid vehicles, the focus is also on high-performance batteries. Porsche, for example, is the first car manufacturer to use and offer LiFePO4 starter batteries in the production of its electric vehicles.

The high-performance LiFePo4 batteries are primarily used in:

• Electric vehicles
• Golf trolleys
• Toys and model making
• Electric wheelchairs and medical chairs
• Mobile energy storage systems and solar batteries
• Electric pallet trucks
• Industrial trucks
• Cleaning and sweeping machines
• Motorhomes
• Boats and yachts

Lithium batteries for motorhomes

The advantages of lithium batteries in motorhomes, campers and caravans are obvious. The low weight allows you to carry more cargo. The small size allows you to stow them easily under the seat or in other small storage spaces. The integrated protection against deep discharge by the BMS lets you operate all your consumers without worrying and gets you through the winter break without any worries. And last but not least, the enormous cycle stability and long service life allow you to enjoy all these advantages for a long time to come.

The advantages of LiFePO4 at a glance:

• Significantly longer service life than lead batteries
• Independent charging current
• Fast-charging capability
• 50 percent lighter than lead batteries
• deep discharge resistant
• Very low operating costs
• High charging efficiency
• mostly compatible with lead-acid charging technology
• high number of cycles possible
• Flexible installation
• can be connected in series for even more power

LiFePO4 batteries are also suitable for boat engines and electric mobility applications.

Lithium supply batteries: Is the extra cost worth it?

Lithium batteries are more expensive to purchase than lead-acid batteries. However, the higher price is justified by the additional power that the batteries provide. LiFePo4 batteries are much better suited to demanding applications. Not only can they be discharged more deeply, they can also be recharged more quickly. A characteristic feature of lithium batteries is that they can deliver just as much usable energy even with half the capacity. Other advantages that justify the higher purchase price are the higher energy density, the high cell voltage, the very long shelf life due to low self-discharge and the wide temperature range for operation and storage.

Of course, these advantages come at a price: lithium batteries are significantly more expensive than lead-acid batteries. Depending on the application, however, the investment can and will pay off, as they last 10 times longer and deliver significantly more power.

Why LiFePO4?

LiFePO4 storage systems were designed as long-lasting high-performance storage systems for solar applications. Based on the latest lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4) technology, they combine the typical advantages of lithium batteries with the high flexibility of lead batteries.

• Absolutely cycle-proof
• Intrinsically safe lithium technology
• compatible with a wide range of inverters, often also as a replacement for lead batteries
• High charging and discharging capacity
• maximum safety guaranteed by integrated BMS in each module
• Very high storage density
• higher storage capacity with a more compact design and lower weight
• Modular design simplifies installation
• Durable and absolutely maintenance-free