Last Updated on August 2, 2022 by
Table of Contents
What Is Lithium-Ion Technology?
Lithium-ion technology is widely used and is more popular because of its versatility. Lithium-ion batteries are used in laptops, cell phones, automobiles, different electronic gadgets, etc. These batteries are being used by more and more people because of the advantages that make them distinct from other types of batteries.
LiFePO4 Batteries:
Lifepo4 is one of the types of lithium-ion batteries that uses lithium-ion technology. This battery is the best storage of electricity. Is a type of rechargeable battery that gets charged through a power source and when the power load is applied, it gets discharged. Lifepo4 batteries supply and accept only DC (direct current). This battery is a lifepo4 battery with a 3.2V multiple parasitic lifepo4 cell assembly.
Components:
Lifepo4 battery has 8 important components
- The negative electrode (anode)
- Electrolyte
- The positive electrode (cathode)
- Graphite
- Polymer membrane
- Separator
- Lithium metal oxide (lifepo4)
- Lithium salt
All types of lithium-ion batteries constitute the same characteristics. The difference is only in the lithium oxide at the cathode.
Charging A LiFePO4 Battery
When charging, lithium ions (Li +) leave the cathode, and then travel towards the anode through the electrolyte. When the battery is completely charged, the anode stores more lithium than the cathode.
Discharging A LiFePO4 Battery
If an electric charge is applied to the battery, the reverse reaction occurs. Lithium ions flow from the anode to the cathode creating a flow of electrons between the two electrodes and which eventually stores more lithium than the anode. Electric charge is produced outside the battery by the movement of lithium ions inside the battery
Is LiFePO4 The Same As Lithium-Ion?
Lifepo4 is the same as a lithium-ion battery.
Lithium-ion is a common name that describes a specific type of battery that uses lithium technology. All lithium-ion batteries contain the electrochemical properties of a Lithium-ion (Li+). The difference is only in the material used in their electrodes.
Uses Of LiFePO4 Batteries
LiFePO4 batteries have many applications because of their high power specs, energy density, and prolonged life span of up to 10 years.
Some of the uses of lifepo4 batteries are
- Energy Storage systems, such as the Fortress Power Evault.
- Solar batteries in conjunction with solar panels to substitute Lead Acid batteries.
- Used in Portable solar generators used for camping.
- Solar water pumping systems.
- Electric bikes and scooters.
- EV batteries require more power, storage capacity, and stability. LiFePO4 batteries can provide a strong current pulse during the car’s high speed.
LiFePO4 Battery is Safe for Indoors
LiFePO4 batteries are one of the types of lithium batteries that are safe. They are enclosed in an airtight aluminium cover, specially designed to hold out against temperature, and pressure imbalance making them maintenance-free.
Each single battery cell is monitored and controlled with protective equipment that prevents overcharging/discharging in case of short circuits and irregular temperature variations by disconnecting the affected battery cells. The battery voltage is also balanced by it for unvarying charging/discharge levels.
EXPLOSION OF A LiFePO4 Battery
As mentioned earlier, LiFePO4 batteries are extremely safe during regular operations, there is no risk of explosion or burst, and there will be no chemical outflow. But there are 2 conditions in which lifepo4 can explode:
1. Factory Default:
LiFePO4 batteries are manufactured in millions and are less likely to fail. That’s 1 in 10 million, which is much smaller than the probability of a lightning strike (1 in 13,000).
2. Contact With External Heat (More Than 200°C):
Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of overheating of different lithium batteries. Lifepo4 proved to be the safest of all Lithium-ion batteries because of its least temperature rise. In addition, they will not spread the fire to other batteries due to the high thermal runaway.
Until the temperature reaches above 270 ° C, lifepo4 batteries will not blast.
In a nutshell, the LiFePO4 battery is one of the best Li-ion batteries. after the invention of lead-acid batteries, the LiFePO4 battery is considered the best battery for technological improvement.