The LiFePO4 battery is now a popular choice for battery energy storage systems (BESS). What is it and what makes it so great?
The LiFePO4 battery has become a popular battery storage choice.
Make no mistake. It’s not the only choice out there. Lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries are another popular choice with a distinct set of advantages.
However, when it comes to longevity, safety and eco-friendliness, LiFePO4 outperforms all the rest. That’s why it’s the battery of choice for GivEnergy products.
Want to find out more about LiFePO4 batteries? Read on.
What is a LiFePO4 battery?
The LiFePO4 battery is known by its full name of lithium iron phosphate battery. It uses lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material and a graphitic carbon electrode with a metallic backing as the anode.
This is not to be confused with lithium-ion batteries which can be found in a whole load of devices – smart phones, tablets, laptops, electric toothbrushes, etc.
One of the key differences between the two battery types lies in the energy density. The low energy density of LiFePO4 batteries makes them unsuitable for small portable devices.
However, they are a great fit for larger battery products. In China, LiFePO4 batteries already power most electric vehicles; they’re steadily growing in popularity in the North American EV market and elsewhere.
You know what else LiFePO4 batteries are great for? Battery energy storage systems.
Let’s find out why.
Why LiFePO4 batteries are best for BESS
1. Longevity and high performance, even in the toughest conditions
Whereas a traditional lead battery could only endure around 300-500 charging cycles, LiFePO4 batteries can undergo anywhere from 3,000-10,000 cycles.
That means a LiFePO4 battery lasts longer and ultimately gives you more value for money.
When it comes to GivEnergy batteries, you can rest assured of a long lifespan with the industry-leading 12-year warranty.
What’s more, LiFePO4 is fast charging with minimal impact upon lifespan.
But that’s not all.
While other battery types may suffer in extreme conditions, LiFePO4 holds strong. You can expect performance at full capacity in temperatures ranging from 0°c to 50°c. From 0°c to -10°c, a LiFePO4 battery can still operate at reduced capacity.
In short, a LiFePO4 battery gives you value for money over the long-term.
2. The safer option
Ever come across news stories about electronic devices catching fire? Smart phones and laptops bursting into flames?
Lithium ion batteries can be prone to thermal runaway. This is usually caused by short circuiting when the anode and cathode – separated by a thin layer of microperforated plastic – touch.
More stable cathode material and a lower operating temperature make LiFePO4 batteries far less likely to catch fire.
So, you can sleep easy knowing your battery won’t give you any nasty surprises.
3. The greener and more ethical option
Most rechargeable batteries contain cobalt – a material which has been linked to environmental degradation.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – where 70% of global cobalt production takes place – toxic dumping from cobalt mines has devastated landscapes, led to water pollution and contaminated crops.
Plus, human rights groups have linked cobalt mining in the DRC to child labour, fatal accidents and forced evictions. (Amid a storm of other ethical concerns.)
LiFePO4 batteries, though, are free from cobalt and other toxic materials. So, you can rest assured that you’re helping the planet and making the more ethical choice.
The LiFePO4 revolution
Given its advantages in terms of efficiency, safety and eco-friendliness, LiFePO4 batteries are likely to only grow as the preferred choice in battery energy storage systems.
Ever more homes and businesses are opting for battery energy storage – for solar, wind or just to save money on bills.
Ready to join the battery energy storage revolution? Find an approved GivEnergy installer today.
