Why is LiFePO4 battery so popular?
The LiFePO4 battery is a type of Lithium-ion battery. It is one of the safest and most eco-friendly battery because of its non-toxicity, high energy density, low self-discharge, fast charging and long life span. Because of these characteristics, it has now become the most mainstream battery, widely used in light electric vehicles, energy storage equipment for solar and wind power generation, UPS and emergency lights, warning lights and mining lights, power tools, toys such as remote control cars/boats/airplanes, small medical instruments and equipment and portable instruments, etc . Let’s have an insight into this revolutionary technology below.
Amazing Light Weight and High energy density
A lithium iron phosphate battery of the same capacity is 2/3 the volume and 1/3 the weight of a lead-acid battery. Less weight means more maneuverability and speed. The small size and lightweight are well suited for applications like solar energy systems, RVs, golf carts, bass boats, electric vehicles, and similar ones. Meanwhile, LiFePO4 batteries have a high storage energy density, having reached 209-273Wh/pounds, about 6-7 times that of lead-acid batteries. For example, Renogy's 12V 100Ah AGM battery weighs 66pounds, while an Ampere 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery of the same capacity weighs only 24.25pounds.
Highest Efficiency with Full Capacity
As most LiFePo4 batteries are used for deep cycle applications, their 100% Depth of Discharge (DOD) plays a vital role in providing great efficiency. Lead-acid batteries can only be discharged to 50% at 1C discharge rate, unlike lithium batteries. So, right here, you already need two lead-acid batteries to make up for one lithium battery, which means space and weight savings. Finally, people are sometimes turned off by the upfront cost of lithium batteries, but you don't have to replace them every three to five years like you do with lead-acid batteries.
10X Cycle life than Lead Acid Batteries
LiFePo4 has ten times of cycle life than Lead Acid batteries, Ampere Time 12v100ah lithium battery has 4000 plus cycles whereas lead-acid battery will be useless after 200-500 cycles. Lead-acid batteries of the same quality are "new for half a year, old for half a year, maintenance for another half a year", compare with lead-acid battery, lifepo4 battery benefits more and longer lifetime of up to 10 years. This long cycle life not only keeps you safe from extra maintenance cost but also make your project last longer period. With obvious cost savings over non-maintenance things and no repetitive purchasing processes, Lifepo4 batteries bring you a huge saving.
No Memory Effect
When a battery is operated under conditions where it is often filled and not discharged, the capacity will rapidly fall below the rated capacity value, a phenomenon called the memory effect. With lifepo4 batteries, you never have to worry about that! LiFePO4 batteries can be recharged at any time, regardless of their state, without having to be discharged and then recharged.
Greater Safety and Protection of LiFePO4
LiFePO4 batteries are generally considered to be free of any heavy metals and rare metals, non-toxic (SGS certification through), non-polluting, in line with European RoHS regulations, for the absolute green battery certificate. So liFePO4 batteries are favored by the industry, mainly because of environmental considerations.
In Ampere Time LiFePO4 battery, built-in BMS to protect it from overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent and short circuit. IP65 waterproof protection also allows you to use it outdoor and for camping without worries of weather conditions.
Final words
Today, LiFePO4 batteries are considered to be among the most powerful and safe rechargeable batteries currently available on the global market. They have been recognized not only as an alternative for car and Motor home batteries but also as an excellent power source for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, medical equipment, and solar power systems. With new battery chemistries coming into the market on daily basis, let's hope that we will see even more improvements in the future with this great revolutionary battery that will make us all safer and happier!
