Lithium batteries are portable, user-friendly, and capable of storing significant energy levels. Lithium-ion batteries are usually found in tablets, phones, and personal computers. Nowadays, two popular battery types used for portable electronics are LiFePO4 and Lithium-ion.
Not all battery types are suitable and safe for all devices. Electric cars, smartphones, and other electric devices need good batteries to function. By being safe to use and offering high storage capacity, LifePo4 and Lithium-ion batteries have gained popularity. Although both batteries have similarities and differences, LiFePO4 batteries are more stable and made from cost-effective materials. If you are looking for a LiFePO4 solar powered generator, AceVolt Campower is the leader brand in this industry.
Table of Contents
What is LiFePO4 battery?
LiFePo4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery) is only one type of Lithium-ion battery. Compared to others, one of its characteristics is that it has a low voltage; it’s cheaper and has a longer life span.
LiFepo4 battery comprises an anode of graphite and a cathode of iron phosphate. It has a nominal voltage of about 3.20V or 3.30V and an energy density level of 90/120 watt-hours per kilogram. LiFepo4 has a discharge and charge rate of 1-25C and 1C, respectively. Other batteries would need regular maintenance and need replacements after a while. LiFepo4 batteries, on the other hand, can last four times longer.
Other types of Lithium-ion batteries
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide Batteries (LiNiMnCoO2)
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide batteries comprise three components, Manganese, Nickel, and Cobalt. The nickel energy level is high but unstable, and Manganese has low but stable energy. When these are combined, its energy level becomes high.
Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (LiNiCoAlO2)
Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide battery’s life cycle is longer with high energy. It can provide a large amount of current over a long period. One significant advantage of this battery is its good life span.
Lithium Titanate Batteries (LTO)
Lithium and NMC can replace the graphite in the anode, and LMO can be used as the cathode chemistry. This makes it faster and safer than any other Lithium battery. The Titanate battery is useful for Electric cars, solar and energy storage, Military and Aerospace equipment.
Lithium Manganese Oxide batteries (LiMn2O4)
Lithium Manganese Oxide has enhanced current capacity with ion flow. It reduces resistance within the battery and charges quickly. This battery type is also useful for electric and hybrid vehicles, hospital equipment, and portable power stations.
Lithium Cobalt Oxide batteries (LiCoO22)
Lithium Cobalt Oxide batteries have meager power but a specific high power. They do not function well with high energy-consuming appliances. They are primarily used in portable devices such as cameras, laptops, and phones.
Difference Between li-ion and LifePO4
When it comes to energy, lithium-ion and LifePo4 are pretty different. Lithium-ion battery, compared to LiFePO4, has a higher energy density of 150/200Wh/Kg while Lifepo4 at 90/120 Wh/Kg. Due to lithium-ion energy density, it has been in higher demand when compared to LifePO4 batteries.
The discharge rate of LiFePO4 compared to lithium-ion is greater. LifePO4 discharges at 25C and works perfectly at higher temperatures. The rate at which it discharges doesn’t reduce the LiFePO4 batteries; only the capacity is reduced.
The life cycle of LiFePO4 vs lithium-ion differs. Lithium-ion can go only 500-1,000 cycles while LiFePO4 can have up to 1,000-10,000 cycles. LiFePO4 batteries can handle high temperatures with little degeneration and stay for a long period before it requires a recharge. Lithium-ion battery energy density is usually not reliable in higher temperature environments. Both Lithium-ion and LiFePO4 have longer storage capacity and can have a shelf life storage power of 300 and 350 days, respectively.
How safe is the LFP battery?
LiFePO4 battery is safer than other lithium batteries. Manufacturers most prefer LiFePO4 batteries due to their safe usage. In higher temperatures, this battery chemistry remains cool with good chemical stability. It is also non-flammable in cases such as short circuits, high-speed charges, and discharges occur. Unlike lithium-ion batteries that can have thermal runaway, LiFePO4 batteries won’t burn when overheating occurs.
LifePO4 battery is environmentally friendly such that when a LiFePO4 battery is damaged, it can be easily disposed of by the manufacturers of the product. This is because its components are not harmful. On the other hand, lithium-ion materials are toxic and can cause damage to the body. When Lithium-ion batteries are to be disposed of, several precautions are considered.
Part of the components of LiFePO4 is an Integrated Battery Management System for safety. This system protects, balances, and monitors cells outside the battery against over-voltage or under voltage.
The pros of LFP battery
When compared to other batteries, LiFePO4 batteries offers a lot of advantages. Some are as follows;
The Life span is longer
LifePO4 has a longer life span when compared to other batteries in the market. Other batteries, such as lead-acid batteries, can give only two valuable years. LFP can live to 5,000 cycles at 80% of discharge without reducing its capacity.
Low Maintenance
LiFePO4 batteries require or no maintenance during and after usage. There is no special maintenance needed for LiFePO4 compared to some other batteries.
High Efficiency
LifePO4 batteries give over 100% available capacity. They are mainly used because they charge fast and are suitable for various appliances.
Portability
LifePO4 batteries are light. Therefore, they are suitable for the best portable power station in the market – Acevolt Campower portable power station. Their power density is high, making the batteries lightweight and easy to move around.
Safer battery cell chemistry
This is one of the significant advantages of using LifePO4 batteries. The components used in the buildup are made up of non-harmful materials to humans and the environment.
FAQ
Is Lithium-ion the same as LifePO4?
Although both battery types are easily confused, they are different from each other by far. LifePO4 cycle life is four times that of Lithium-ion.
Do lithium iron phosphate batteries explode?
Unlike lithium-ion batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries, also known as LiFePO4, do not overheat or catch fire. Currently, they have the safest available battery chemistry.
Between Lithium-ion and LifePO4, which is better?
LiFePO4 has the advantage of being safer, readily available, and offers a longer cycle life. The materials used in the making of the battery ensure that it doesn’t overheat or catch fire like Lithium batteries. Compared to the Lithium-ion battery, the LiFeO4 is better.
Is LifePO4 expensive?
At purchase, LiFePO4 may seem more expensive than other batteries. Its components are more costly because of its efficiency and advantages over other batteries, including that they are safer, user-friendly, lighter, and require little maintenance. Getting an LFP portable power station is a good investment in the long run. The AceVolt Campower 2000 solar generator is the best choice for camping, RVing, and in case of a power outage.
What can LifePO4 batteries be used for?
LifePO4 batteries are used to power a lot of devices. Most portable power station manufacturers are already producing models that run on the LFP batteries for a safer source of electricity during camping.
Conclusion
LifePO4 batteries have more benefits when compared to other batteries available. It is reliable and safe to use without fear of damages that other batteries are prone to. These LifePO4 batteries have a greater lifespan and are excellent storage for energy. LifePO4 does not overheat or have thermal runaway when used excessively.
