Are you looking for a LiFePO4 battery? At Intercel, you can find the right lithium iron phosphate batteries for your application. These batteries are safe, reliable and have a long service life. Discover the many advantages of LiFePO4 batteries or order the battery you need directly from our wide range!
What are LiFePO4 batteries?
LiFePO4 batteries are composed of lithium, iron and phosphate. It is a battery with high energy density relative to its volume and weight, and great resistance to extreme temperatures. Compared to other well-known lithium battery technologies, such as LiCoO2 (lithium oxide cobalt), LiFePO4 is also a lot safer. Whereas other lithium batteries are prone to ignite when overcharged, LiFePO4 batteries do not have this problem. The battery has many advantages over other battery types.
Advantages of lithium iron phosphate batteries
As mentioned, lithium iron phosphate batteries have many advantages. We list them for you:
✓ Utilize more than full capacity
A LiFePO4 battery can use more than 100% of its rated capacity. A 100 Amp-hour (Ah) LiFePO4 battery, for example, can deliver more than 100 Ah. For a 100 Ah lead-acid battery, the usable capacity is no more than 30 to 50 Ah.
✓ Long lifespan
LiFePO4 batteries last more than 2000 cycles at an average discharge of 100%. This can even go up to 8500 cycles if the battery is discharged to 30%! LiFePO4 batteries are thus true cyclic powerhouses that continue where other batteries stop. By comparison, a traditional lead-acid battery will last at most 300-500 cycles. The long service life means that a LiFePO4 battery is also a smart choice economically!
✓ Great ease of use
To achieve the lifespan given above, virtually no maintenance is required. Whereas with lead-acid batteries it is important to maintain and use them properly, this plays virtually no role with LiFePO4 batteries. They can be discharged to 100% and do not always need to be fully charged. This saves a lot of worry!
✓ Fast and easy charging
LiFePO4 batteries charge at lightning speed to 100% of their capacity. With a normal charger, charging takes only an hour. With a powerful charger, the lithium iron phosphate battery is even charged to full capacity within half an hour. If the battery is not 100% charged, it is not a problem. This is a significant advantage over lead-acid batteries, where incomplete charging can lead to damage. Also, lithium iron phosphate batteries do not have an absorption phase to charge the last 20% of the battery. Thanks to the “Battery Management System,” the cells are charged evenly. After charging, the battery is immediately ready for use. This makes this type of battery very easy and flexible to use.
✓ Temperature resistant
LiFePO4 batteries can withstand extreme temperatures. The loss of capacity is then minimal. At a temperature of -20 ˚C, the capacity of a LiFePO4 battery is still 80%, whereas with a lead battery it is only 30%. Even at high temperatures above zero, the lithium iron phosphate battery functions excellently.
✓ Flat discharge curve
Batteries with this composition have an almost flat discharge curve. This means that they can always deliver the same output whether they are just charged or nearly empty. Even if they are already deeply discharged, LiFePO4 batteries can still deliver a very powerful peak charge.
✓ Low weight, convenient size
LiFePO4 batteries are very light and small compared to lead-acid batteries: they weigh only a quarter of comparable lead-acid batteries. Due to their convenient size, they can easily be placed in many places. In addition, they can be placed in any position because there is no danger of leakage. Also, the room in which the LiFePO4 battery is placed does not need to be ventilated.
What applications are LiFePO4 batteries used for?
These versatile batteries are suitable for a wide range of applications thanks to their favorable properties. From marine applications to traffic systems and from energy storage systems to off-grid standalone systems. Wondering if LiFePO4 batteries are also the solution for your application? Then feel free to contact our sales engineers!
LiFePO4 batteries at Intercel
Intercel supplies high-quality LiFePO4 batteries from pbq and Cellpower. The Cellpower batteries are modular. This means that they are always custom configured for your application. As a result, battery and application are always perfectly matched. pbq batteries are available in a variety of sizes and capacities as standard. So we can always find a ready-made solution for your application.
Looking for a specific Lithium battery?
Our specialists are happy to help you determine the best suitable battery for your real-world situation.
FAQ
What does LiFePO4 stand for?
LiFePO4 stands for Lithium (Li) Iron (Fe) Phosphate (PO4), a type of lithium-ion battery chemistry known for its safety, long service life and thermal stability.
Compared to other lithium battery chemistries, LiFePO4 batteries offer a lower risk of thermal runaway, a long cycle life and reliable performance in demanding industrial applications. As a result, they are widely used in energy storage systems, backup power installations, mobile machinery and other applications where safety and longevity are important.
Are LiFePO4 batteries safe for indoors?
Yes, LiFePO4 batteries are generally considered one of the safest lithium battery chemistries available. Compared to other lithium-ion technologies, LiFePO4 offers excellent thermal stability and a significantly lower risk of thermal runaway.
For indoor installations, safety also depends on factors such as battery quality, the Battery Management System (BMS), installation method, and compliance with local regulations. When properly designed and installed, LiFePO4 batteries are widely used in buildings, telecom systems, UPS installations and energy storage applications.
Can a LiFePO4 battery replace a lead-acid battery?
In many cases, yes. LiFePO4 batteries can often replace AGM, GEL or other lead-acid batteries while offering longer service life, faster charging, higher usable capacity and lower weight.
However, a successful replacement depends on factors such as charging equipment, voltage compatibility, power requirements and available installation space.
Considering switching? We wrote a page to help you decide.
What should be considered when replacing lead-acid batteries with LiFePO4?
Before replacing a lead-acid battery with LiFePO4, several factors should be evaluated:
– Continuous and peak power requirements
– Battery capacity and required runtime
– Available installation space
– Operating temperature
– Communication requirements
– Existing monitoring systems
A like-for-like capacity replacement is not always necessary, as LiFePO4 batteries can typically be discharged much deeper than lead-acid batteries. Considering switching? We wrote a page to help you decide.
How many cycles can a LiFePO4 battery deliver in real-world applications?
The actual cycle life depends on operating conditions, but most high-quality LiFePO4 batteries can deliver between 2,000 and 6,000 cycles. Some industrial systems can exceed this under favourable conditions.
Factors such as depth of discharge, charging behaviour, temperature and operating environment all influence the achievable service life.
What factors influence the lifespan of a LiFePO4 battery?
Several factors affect the lifespan of a LiFePO4 battery:
– Operating temperature
– Depth of discharge (DoD)
– Charging and discharging currents
– Number of cycles
– Battery quality
– Battery Management System performance
– Storage conditions
Keeping the battery within its recommended operating limits can significantly extend its service life.
Can LiFePO4 batteries be used in cold environments?
Yes, LiFePO4 batteries can be used in extreme cold environments, without having a high impact on battery performance.
At a temperature of -20 ˚C, the capacity of a LiFePO4 battery is still 80%, whereas with a lead battery it is only 30%. Even at high temperatures above zero, the lithium iron phosphate battery functions excellently.
Do LiFePO4 batteries require a Battery Management System (BMS)?
Yes. A Battery Management System (BMS) is an essential part of any LiFePO4 battery system.
The BMS protects the battery against overcharging, deep discharge, overcurrent and extreme temperatures. It also balances the individual cells to maximise performance, safety and service life.
Can LiFePO4 batteries be connected in series and parallel?
Many LiFePO4 batteries can be connected in series and/or parallel to increase voltage or capacity. However, this depends on the battery design and BMS capabilities.
How do I determine the right LiFePO4 battery for my application?
Selecting the right battery involves more than choosing the required voltage and capacity.
Important considerations include:
– Required runtime
– Continuous power demand
– Peak power demand
– Charging opportunities
– Installation space
– Environmental conditions
– Communication interfaces
– Safety requirements
A battery that is correctly matched to the application will typically provide better performance, longer service life and a lower total cost of ownership.
Not sure? Our experts can help you determine the right battery for your application.
Is it always beneficial to switch from lead-acid to LiFePO4?
Not necessarily.
LiFePO4 offers many advantages, including longer service life, faster charging and reduced maintenance. However, for applications with limited usage, low cycle requirements or strong budget constraints, lead-acid technologies such as AGM or lead carbon may still be a suitable solution.
The best choice depends on the technical requirements and the expected lifetime of the application. Considering switching? We wrote a page to help you decide.
When does LiFePO4 offer the lowest total cost of ownership?
LiFePO4 typically delivers the lowest total cost of ownership when batteries are used intensively and regularly cycled.
Applications that benefit most include:
– Mobile machinery
– Material handling equipment
– Robotics
– Telecom systems
– Solar energy storage
– Backup power systems
– Energy storage systems
In these applications, the longer lifespan, higher efficiency, lower maintenance requirements and reduced downtime often outweigh the higher initial investment.
