What Is LiFePO4 Battery? What Are The Benefits?

What is LiFePO4 battery?

Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery or also known as LiFePO4 or LFP is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. You may believe that it is the same as any other lithium battery, but this is not necessarily true.

These batteries have a cathode material made from lithium iron phosphate. This type of lithium is inherently non-combustible while allowing slightly lower energy density. This makes them ideal for electricity storage especially in solar power systems in Kenya.

What are the main differences with other batteries?

LiFePO4 vs. Lead Acid Batteries

The main difference when looking for a battery is sometimes the price range. Lead-acid batteries are much cheaper initially. However, you will end up paying more in the end. This is because of the maintenance and frequent replacement of Lead Acid Batteries you will have to make.

LiFePO4 vs. Gel Batteries

This type of battery is similar to LiFePO4 in the way they do not need to be recharged as frequently. However, they take more time when recharging. When they reach 100%, you need to immediately disconnect them to avoid damaging them.

LiFePO4 vs. AGM Batteries

Not only is the maintenance of high cost, but also there is a high risk of damaging them when they are drained over 50% of their capacity.

LiFePO4 vs. Lithium-ion Batteries

As we already mentioned, there is a wealth of applications with lithium batteries. This is from watches, electronic vehicles, electric tools, and medical equipment.

If we compare these two types of batteries, ion vs. iron, we can observe that LiFePO4 has a lower energy density. This means that it is unsuitable for small electronic devices, but it does get the job properly done.

They sometimes need clarification since both are rechargeable. However, in regard to their life cycle, LiFePO4 has a longer life cycle.

Top 4 Benefits of LiFePO4 Batteries

These types of batteries have many advantages over the rest, which as a result, is making them more popular. Here we will break down the main reasons:

1. Efficiency and charging process

This is a significant factor, and compared to other batteries, lithium iron batteries offer improved discharge and charge efficiency. Their life span is longer, and they also have the ability to deep cycle while maintaining performance.

In regards to battery life, the self-discharge is a mere 2%, compared to lead-acid, which is 30%. If the battery life is lower than 50%, the power will still be consistent. Additionally, if we think about the charging time, they reach full charge in just two hours and sometimes even less. 

They come with a higher price tag, but the life of the product is much better. Their service clocks in at five to ten years, significantly exceeding lead-acid and any other lithium batteries.

So if you are looking for a battery that stands the test of time plus has excellent charging efficiency, LiFePO4 is the one.

2. Lightweight

LFP does deliver 50% more usable electrical capacity making it up to 70% lighter than lead-acid batteries. Plus, they can also be lighter than some lithium-ion batteries.

They also come in smaller battery packs, providing more space.

If also compared to lead acid batteries, these require battery boxes and wiring for their installations. LiFePO4 batteries don´t.

3. Environmentally more friendly

The highlight of these batteries is that they are rechargeable. Moreover, they don´t leak, they are non-toxic, and they are recyclable. These batteries don´t contain heavy or rare earth metals such as cobalt, nickel, or lead. They are composed of materials such as graphite, iron, and copper.

Lead acid and nickel oxide batteries carry a significant environmental risk. As their internal chemical degrades structure after some time, and this causes poisonous leakage. 

Another environmental benefit of their LiFePO4 batteries is that the packs are easy to recycle at the end of their working life.

4. Long life cycle

Before getting into specifics, you need to understand that a cycle in a battery occurs each time you discharge and recharge it.

LFP can charge and discharge between 2,500 and 5,000 cycles before losing 20% of their original capacity. As a result, their longevity is between 7 to 10 years.

A regular or typical lead-acid battery can provide an estimated 300 cycles before a decline in capacity efficiency. Making these more frequent replacements, wasting time and money, and, again, not eco-friendly.

Conclusion

Batteries have become part of our everyday lives. We have also become more conscious of the human in environmental costs. From our smartphones and laptops to our current electric vehicles and much more. They power our electric grids since wind and solar power are not that powerful.

However, LiFePO4 batteries in Kenya are the first step in the right direction. They are the batteries of the future. They won´t leak, won´t emit explosive gasses, and during a crash, they won´t start a fire…thus very ideal for solar power systems in Kenya