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How Do I Calculate The LiFePO4 Battery Capacity I Need?

When purchasing and using LiFePO4 batteries, one problem that cannot be avoided is the LiFePO4 battery capacity. In the LiFePO4 battery market, there are actually many types of products. Different brands have launched batteries with different capacities. How to choose? The more central question may be, how much LiFePO4 battery capacity do I need to support my load?

How To Calculate The Required LiFePO4 Battery Capacity When Used For Home Energy Storage?

Home energy storage is probably the most popular use for LiFePO4 batteries. In the past, people would suffer silently during power outages or use lead-acid batteries/generators for temporary power, but today LiFePO4 batteries have become the best replacement for lead-acid batteries, considering the 10-year of battery cycle life, LiFePO4 battery is even the most cost-effective household energy storage battery.

It is very simple to calculate the required LiFePO4 battery capacity, but a simple calculation is required. The voltage of the LiFePO4 battery is 3.2V, so the energy of the whole battery is voltage * capacity. There are generally two ways to calculate the amount of electricity required for home energy storage:

1. Refer directly to the electricity bill. This is the easiest way, because the local electrical grid is very professional in calculating your electricity bill, and it is impossible to calculate less. After all, you have never seen the electrical grid charge you less money. In this way, as long as you follow the local electricity price, you can easily get all the electricity you use for a period of time (usually a month). This electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (KWh), and this is the LiFePO4 battery capacity you can refer to.

But this has the disadvantage that there is no way to know the electricity consumed by a specific appliance, which may not be suitable if you plan to use partial energy storage.

2. Check the nameplate of your appliance. Most of the electrical appliances will have a nameplate, and the nameplate will indicate the power of the electrical appliance. After knowing the power, the calculation is very simple. The energy required by each appliance is power * hours. Do the calculations for all of your appliances that use energy storage and you’ll get a fairly accurate number.

This method is more comprehensive and can also be used in off-grid cabins. But you need to do calculations, and you also need to read the nameplates of different electrical appliances, which may consume some of your time and energy.

It’s important to note that most LiFePO4 batteries have a recommended DOD (Deep of Discharge) of 80%, which means that if you want to maximize your battery life, you may need to stock up on LiFePO4 batteries that consume 20% more power than you actually use, a simple example would be If you need 5KWh of home energy storage, then your LiFePO4 battery may have a capacity of 6KWh. Of course, if the battery manufacturer clearly states that it supports 100% DOD, then there is no need to worry about this problem.

How To Calculate The Required LiFePO4 Battery Capacity When Used For Other Purposes?

In addition to household energy storage, LiFePO4 batteries are also widely used in other fields, such as RV, EV (electric vehicles), marine ships, electric trucks, electric bicycles, electric scooters, signal base stations, DIY equipment, etc. In some of these uses, the calculation method will be slightly different.

For example, RVs, most of the batteries currently carried by RVs are still lead-acid batteries, and only some relatively advanced RVs will be equipped with LiFePO4 batteries. The main reason is that the upfront cost of LiFePO4 batteries is actually very high, and it is difficult to gain market recognition as a standard for production. In addition, the RV is a relatively durable model. Many people have purchased the RV a long time ago, and in the past, there was no LiFePO4 battery suitable for the RV.

In fact, there is basically no need to calculate for RV. If you intend to maintain the use of the standard electrical appliances of the original car, then directly refer to the capacity of the lead-acid battery and replace it. It should be noted that the voltage of the lead-acid battery is 2.1V, and only supports around 50% DOD. Therefore, when deciding to upgrade it to a LiFePO4 battery, a simple calculation can be performed to avoid excess energy.

But if the battery upgrade is to allow the RV to use more appliances, then refer to point 2 above, look for the nameplate of each appliance and do the calculations, and finally you can get the result. Likewise, DOD issues should be considered to avoid excess or lack of energy.

The same logic applies to marine ships. However, it should be noted that when the marine ship uses LiFePO4 batteries, it is necessary to add a waterproof casing to prevent water seepage.

It is also worth mentioning that some usage scenarios with limited space, such as electric bicycles, may need to use multiple small-capacity LiFePO4 batteries compressed and connected to form a battery pack, because large-capacity single cells may be used due to their size and properties. Lead-acid batteries cannot be replaced directly. Of course, if you want to increase the battery life to a greater extent, you need to consider the LiFePO4 battery capacity and volume.

Summary

The calculation of LiFePO4 battery capacity can be very simple or very complicated. It is not too difficult to simply calculate the required capacity, but the problem we cannot avoid is that our load is also changing all the time, so we cannot back up all electrical appliances in a whole family, because that’s unrealistic, it will cause energy waste, because not all appliances need to run during a power outage; also, part of the power backup also has certain fluctuations, because it may be that you need to use the computer in this power outage, but you need to use the next power outage washing machine… So when considering how much LiFePO4 battery capacity is needed, be sure to think more calmly.

Origin: https://batteryfinds.com/how-do-i-calculate-the-lifepo4-battery-capacity-i-need/

#lifepo4battery #lifepo4 #lithiumionbattery #batterycapacity

Does LiFePO4 Battery Cycle Life Matter？

The LiFePO4 battery cycle life is a very important parameter, which can reflect the service time of LiFePO4 batteries. But battery cycle life is just a simple string of numbers in the eyes of many people, which is obviously not correct. Correct treatment and understanding of LiFePO4 battery cycle life can often lead to better benefits.

What Is LiFePO4 Battery Cycle Life?

When we refer to the LiFePO4 battery cycle life, we will focus on two aspects: one is life and the other is performance. The LiFePO4 battery cycle life is the number of times that the battery can be repeatedly charged and discharged before the battery capacity drops to a certain value (generally considered to be 80%). The cycle performance of the LiFePO4 battery includes cycle times, discharge capacity, and retention capacity, which is a comprehensive index to measure battery performance.

What Can Affect LiFePO4 Battery Cycle Life?

1.Design logic and manufacturing process of LiFePO4 battery

LiFePO4 batteries are actually standardized batteries because the materials and design logic used is the same. Most battery manufacturers use LiFePO4 as the positive electrode and graphite as the negative electrode. And this has determined the basic performance of the LiFePO4 battery. The place where the difference can be caused is mainly in the electrolyte or the addition of impurities in LiFePO4. This will affect the LiFePO4 battery cycle life.

The manufacturing process is another reason for the difference in the LiFePO4 battery cycle life. The more mature and advanced the manufacturing process is, the better the cycle life will be. This is why some LiFePO4 batteries can have a cycle life of more than 6000 times, and more than ten years; and some LiFePO4 battery cycle life is only more than 4000 times. Of course, cycle life and battery performance are in conflict at some point, and a battery with a shorter cycle life cannot simply be considered bad.

2.Use of LiFePO4 battery

This factor is the most important factor. Since LiFePO4 batteries are also a kind of electrical appliances, various improper operations will cause LiFePO4 battery damage with a high probability, such as the most common overcharge, over-discharge, etc., of course, including violently hitting the battery, which seriously damages the battery.

In addition, the ambient temperature also affects the LiFePO4 battery cycle life. Ambient temperatures below 0°C can seriously degrade the performance of LiFePO4 batteries, and if charging is not allowed at 0°C and below without the help of other devices, using the battery in this condition will reduce the cycle life of the battery. Of course, high temperatures will also affect the battery cycle life.

What Is The Relationship Between LiFePO4 Battery Cycle Life And Performance?

In a sense, the cycle life and performance of LiFePO4 batteries are mutually restricted. Longer battery cycle life may mean some degradation in performance, such as a lower discharge rate. By the same token, shorter battery cycle life may mean better performance. Of course, this is not an absolutely accurate answer, because there will also be LiFePO4 batteries with long cycle life and good performance, and there will also be LiFePO4 batteries with short cycle life and poor performance.

Summary

The LiFePO4 battery cycle life is a very important battery parameter, which can not only reflect the service time of the battery but also know the performance of the battery to a certain extent. Properly learning the relevant knowledge, the probability of purchasing a LiFePO4 battery with better performance will be relatively high, and the benefit obtained from it will be greater.

Origin: https://batteryfinds.com/does-lifepo4-battery-cycle-life-matter/

#lifepo4battery #lifepo4 #lithiumionbattery #lithiumbattery

How to stay away from Fake LiFePO4 Battery？

Have you ever bought a fake LiFePO4 battery? With the continuous development of the battery industry, all kinds of batteries have begun to be integrated into our lives. Now that the universality of LiFePO4 batteries has been greatly enhanced, the battery market is becoming larger and larger. Of course, under this premise, some unscrupulous battery sellers will appear, using inferior batteries as brand-name batteries to deceive us. How to identify fake LiFePO4 batteries is a skill we all have to learn.

Ask the Battery Seller for Datasheet before buying LiFePO4 Battery

The datasheet is very important, it is marked with most of the things you need to know, such as battery capacity / charging current / cut-off current / cut-off voltage, and other important information. In addition, the existence of the datasheet means that this battery is made by a compliant manufacturer, not some counterfeit manufacturer. Before buying LiFePO4 batteries, it is recommended to first understand what capacity LiFePO4 batteries will be produced by each brand, and some brands do not produce capacity, which is undoubtedly fake, and there will be no datasheet because they are never manufactured.

Generally speaking, great LiFePO4 battery sellers will have the datasheet of each battery on sale, and they will send you the datsheet as long as you ask for them before buying the battery. Do not trust battery sellers who cannot provide datasheet. Because this kind of business may not be so formal, and LiFePO4 batteries are not very cheap items, there is no need to take risks.

Ask the Battery Seller for the QR code before buying LiFePO4 Battery or before shipping

At present, the vast majority of LiFePO4 batteries will be equipped with a QR code, usually between the positive and negative electrodes of the battery. The QR code can help you confirm the basic condition of the battery, such as battery brand, battery type, battery model, battery production line, battery date, etc. For some QR codes, we can obtain information by scanning the mobile phone to detect whether the sales information of the battery is consistent with the specifications of the battery manufacturer, such as EVE. In addition, there will be some digital codes around some QR codes, which can be interpreted by certain methods. Of course, each brand is different.

Despite this, most QR codes are unrecognizable for 2 main reasons:

Reason 1: The QR code used by the battery requires a dedicated scanner inside the factory to obtain battery information, and we cannot scan it. In other words, this is the identification code inside the factory, and most battery manufacturers currently use this form.

Reason 2: The QR code is fake, which means that the battery is not the original product, it may have been modified, or it is simply a counterfeit product.

So in general, whether the QR code can scan the information is not that important, because there is no way to help us determine whether the battery is genuine or not. However, if the QR code of the battery is scratched, it is not recommended to buy it. No matter what the reason is, the scratching of the QR code is not a good thing for us, and there is no need to take risks.

Check and Measure the LiFePO4 Battery after getting it

After getting the LiFePO4 battery, the first thing to do is not to assemble your battery, but to check your battery. First of all, we must start with the appearance. Great battery sellers will package the battery well before sending it out, so the battery is rarely damaged. What we need to check: whether the QR code of the battery is the same as the one provided before delivery, whether the insulating film is damaged, whether the inner screw (if any) of the battery terminal part is damaged, and whether the explosion-proof valve is damaged.

After that, we need to test the battery capacity, which is also the most important step. Due to the superior safety of LiFePO4 batteries, the main goal of unscrupulous battery sellers is actually to reduce costs—that is, to reduce capacity.

The first thing we need to know is a concept called energy density. Energy density can determine the performance of a battery, which is very important. At present, the energy density of the excellent LiFePO4 batteries we can buy will be between 150Wh/kg ~ 180Wh/kg, and the theoretical maximum energy density of LiFePO4 batteries is also around 180Wh/kg. Only a few companies can produce 180Wh/kg LiFePO4 battery, and more importantly, we cannot buy this ultra-high performance LiFePO4 battery at all. In other words, LiFePO4 batteries with an energy density higher than 180Wh/kg can be considered fake LiFePO4 battery as long as they are calculated.

The calculation method is very simple, first, you need to have an electronic scale to get the weight of your battery, and a multimeter to measure the voltage. Then calculate according to the following formula: voltage*capacity/weight. If the final result is larger than 180Wh/kg, it is a fake LiFePO4 battery. But if the result is too small, you need to search the production capacity of the battery brand to determine whether it is a fake LiFePO4 battery. According to the formula, the actual capacity can also be deduced in reverse.

Summary

The expansion of the LiFePO4 battery market is a good thing, but at the same time, there are countless unscrupulous battery sellers involved. As a customer, it is very important to learn to identify fake LiFePO4 battery, which can help us stay away from being deceived and get the best LiFePO4 battery.

Origin: https://batteryfinds.com/how-to-stay-away-from-fake-lifepo4-battery/

#lifepo4battery #lifepo4 #lithiumionbattery

LiFePO4 Battery Charging FAQ：What you should know？

LiFePO4 battery charging is an important thing for everyone who is using LiFePO4 batteries. A suitable charger can determine the life of the battery to a certain extent, and it has been proved that many people’s LiFePO4 batteries fail prematurely or have problems. The root cause is the lack of understanding of the charging process and the wrong choice of the charger. And some classic questions have been brought up all the time.

What is the principle of LiFePO4 Battery Charging?

There is no doubt that the principle of LiFePO4 battery charging is the same as that of other lithium batteries, which is the process of lithium ions passing through the separator from the positive electrode to the negative electrode.

What circumstances can LiFePO4 Batteries be charged normally?

For the charging environment of LiFePO4 batteries, the most important thing we need to care about is temperature. LiFePO4 batteries can be safely charged between 0°C ~ 45°C (32°F ~113°F), and do not require any additional equipment to ensure the normal charging process. Of course, this premise is that your LiFePO4 battery is already equipped with an excellent BMS, which can monitor the battery’s condition to prevent overcharge, over-discharge, and over-current.

Due to the nature of lithium batteries, LiFePO4 batteries cannot be charged normally at temperatures below 0°C (32°F) and must rely on some external devices to support charging, such as some heating elements. In winter, if you do not need to use the battery, it is highly recommended to do battery winterize, which can ensure that your battery can survive the severe cold. In addition, in the case of relatively high temperatures, LiFePO4 batteries can still maintain a stable state of charge without problems.

In addition to the temperature requirements, air humidity and the surrounding environment are also what we need to pay extra attention to. Excessive humidity and a complex environment are not suitable for LiFePO4 battery charging, which may cause battery damage.

What is a LiFePO4 Battery Charger?

LiFePO4 battery charger is a safe and efficient charger specially designed for LiFePO4 batteries. Since the nominal voltage of the LiFePO4 battery is 3.2V, the voltage of the dedicated charger will be above 3.65V, but the most popular one is the It is called a 12V charger. Similarly, in order to meet the needs of different voltage systems, chargers with larger voltages also exist.

The LiFePO4 battery charger adopts the CCCV charging method, that is, the charging mode of constant current and then constant voltage. This charging mode is more friendly to LiFePO4 batteries and can be fully charged faster. Take a single 3.2V LiFePO4 battery as an example, 3.7V~4V is the upper limit of the voltage, and a normal LiFePO4 battery charger will stop boosting the voltage at about 3.65V, and fill the battery with the remaining power at a constant voltage.

I have a charger for lead-acid batteries, do I still need to buy a LiFePO4 Battery Charger?

Generally speaking, since LiFePO4 batteries are often used as an upgrade project for lead-acid batteries, what we cannot ignore is that the voltage of a single lead-acid battery is 2V, while that of a single LiFePO4 battery cell is 3.2V. It is worth mentioning that the logic of lead-acid battery chargers is not the same, and lead-acid battery charging will have a floating charge stage. Since the voltage of LiFePO4 batteries will be higher, the lead-acid battery charger may identify errors and end the normal charging phase prematurely, which will result in LiFePO4 batteries not being fully charged.

So, can LiFePO4 batteries use lead-acid battery chargers? Theoretically possible, but not recommended. Because the effect is not as good as a special charger, and the connection between the lead-acid battery charger and the lead-acid battery charger needs to be cut off in time after charging, otherwise problems may occur. And if the BMS is not working properly, there is a risk of battery damage. Therefore, for safety reasons, it is not recommended to use lead-acid battery chargers.

Will cheap LiFePO4 Battery Chargers works?

It works, but this is highly not recommended. There are many reasons for the low price. It may be due to poor materials, lack of manufacturing process, confusion of charger parameters… Of course, it is not ruled out that it is a manufacturer’s promotion, but this possibility is too low. The price of LiFePO4 batteries is definitely not cheap, there is no need to risk using cheap chargers.

Can a higher voltage charger be used for LiFePO4 Battery Charging?

This is not allowed. The voltage of the charger can only be slightly higher than that of the battery. If the charging voltage is too high, the load of the battery will increase. The less harmful ones will affect the battery life, and the more serious ones will cause the internal burning of the battery. Therefore, when choosing a charger, you need to take it seriously. When necessary, you can ask the battery manufacturer and electrician’s opinion, and don’t blindly choose a charger. However, in the vast majority of cases, the BMS will prevent charging, so there is no need to worry too much about the safety of the battery.

Can solar chargers as well as alternators do LiFePO4 Battery Charging?

LiFePO4 batteries can be charged from many sources, which can be the grid, solar/wind, or alternators. However, it should be noted that different sources of electricity need to use different chargers to charge the battery, otherwise it will not be able to charge.

Summary

LiFePO4 battery charging is an important task. Although LiFePO4 battery charging is a relatively automated process, only when we understand the relevant knowledge can we ensure that there is no problem in the charging process, and we can make better use of LiFePO4 batteries. As a result, our lives will become more convenient.

Origin: https://batteryfinds.com/lifepo4-battery-charging-faq-what-you-should-know/

#lifepo4battery #lifepo4 #lithium ion battery #batterycharging

It seems that you never know the Prismatic LiFePO4 Cells

Prismatic LiFePO4 cells are currently the most popular lithium battery for battery DIY enthusiasts. Since electric vehicles (EVs) have become more and more popular, prismatic LiFePO4 cells have gradually become more familiar and are used in more different scenarios. But it seems that few people will understand the cell.

What are Prismatic LiFePO4 Cells?

Compared with cylindrical LiFePO4 cells, prismatic LiFePO4 cells have a shorter history and have only become popular in recent years. Like the name, the prismatic LiFePO4 cells have a prismatic shape and contain all the materials that LiFePO4 batteries have inside, such as electrolyte, LiFePO4 positive electrode, and carbon negative electrode. When these components carry out chemical reactions, they can provide us with a steady stream of electricity.

The Construction of Prismatic LiFePO4 Cells

The structure of prismatic LiFePO4 cells can be divided into internal structure and external structure.

Internal Structure

The interior consists of four parts, the positive electrode, the negative electrode, the electrolyte, and the separator. The internal structure of the prismatic LiFePO4 cell adopts a laminated or wound design to maximize energy storage. The positive electrode material uses an olivine-structured LiFePO4 material, while the negative electrode material uses carbon. There is also a layer of polymer separator between the positive and negative electrode materials. This layer of separator only allows lithium ions to pass through, while electrons can only pass through the external circuit. Transportation, which is why batteries can generate electricity.

External Structure

The external structure of prismatic LiFePO4 cells is slightly different than that of ordinary cells, but the whole is the same. The battery cell will be designed with an aluminum shell or stainless steel, and there are two wiring ports on the outside of the battery cell, that is, the positive electrode and the negative electrode, which are marked by “+” and “-” respectively. Some battery manufacturers will install two posts at the location of the battery terminal for better use by customers. These two posts are called battery terminals. There is a device with different colors between the external positive and negative electrodes of the prismatic LiFePO4 cells, which we call an explosion-proof valve, or a safety valve. Although LiFePO4 battery is a very safe battery, the existence of an explosion-proof valve is still necessary, which can prevent rare accidents.

In addition, there will be one thing that many people have doubts about, what is the blue or other color film wrapped around many LiFePO4 cells? In fact, this film is a material that can prevent electric shock, that is, an insulating layer, which can well prevent some accidents. In addition, some battery manufacturers will use a battery case to wrap the battery cells, such as CALB. Whether the film or the battery case is used, it is beneficial for the battery manufacturer and the customer.

In addition, there is an accessory called Busbars, which is a connecting tool for connecting two cells when assembling a battery pack. There are also washers, nuts, etc… to connect into a complete battery pack, these simple little accessories shouldn’t be missed.

The pros of Prismatic LiFePO4 Cells

Compared with cylindrical LiFePO4 cells, it seems that prismatic LiFePO4 cells are more suitable for general customers. Prismatic LiFePO4 batteries will have a relatively high energy density and greater resistance to overcharge and over-discharge, are lighter in weight, and have a square shape that allows for more energy in a limited space, while for DIY hobbies For those, the biggest advantage is that the single-cell energy is very large. At present, the capacity of some mainstream LiFePO4 cells can reach more than 300Ah, which means that DIY is more convenient and it is easier to achieve a large system capacity.

Another very important point is that almost every battery manufacturer is currently researching and developing prismatic batteries, because the history of prismatic batteries is actually relatively short, which means that there is a lot of room for development. Prismatic batteries are evolving, which is a very important advantage.

Summary

Prismatic LiFePO4 cells are becoming more and more popular, and are gradually being widely used in many fields, such as home energy storage, signal base stations, marine boats, RVs, etc. Sufficient capacity and excellent performance are being recognized by more and more people, but when using prismatic LiFePO4 cells, it is also very important to understand them well.

Origin: https://batteryfinds.com/it-seems-that-you-never-know-the-prismatic-lifepo4-cells/

#lifepo4battery #LiFePO4 #prismaticbattery

Cylindrical & Prismatic LiFePO4 Cells, who wins?

There is no doubt that the shape of the battery does affect the overall performance of the entire battery pack. In terms of DIY energy storage, the most popular ones are prismatic LiFePO4 cells and cylindrical LiFePO4 cells. Both shapes of cells have obvious advantages in their respective fields, so how to choose a suitable cell is particularly important.

What are Cylindrical & Prismatic LiFePO4 Cells?

Cylindrical LiFePO4 cells, just like their name, appear as cylindrical batteries. This is the initial appearance of all mass-produced lithium batteries. The cylindrical appearance makes it easier to produce. Therefore, the cylindrical shape is also the shape of lithium batteries with the longest history and the largest size.

The prismatic LiFePO4 cell is a relatively new type of battery shape. It is said that the prismatic LiFePO4 cell is the product of the development of the electric vehicle industry. This kind of battery pays more attention to space utilization, and later, due to the large capacity of the cell, it is not widely used in general energy storage scenarios.

It is worth mentioning that there is also a battery shape called pouch battery, which has a higher utilization rate of the battery, but for some reason is not as popular as cylindrical LiFePO4 cells and prismatic LiFePO4 cells.

What’s Different Between Cylindrical & Prismatic LiFePO4 Cells?

Space Utilization

This is an important point of distinction. The space utilization of cylindrical and prismatic LiFePO4 cells is different. The prismatic square design makes it possible to arrange the cells closely, while the cylindrical type will inevitably have gaps.

The Life Span

Overall, due to the different manufacturing processes, the cylindrical type will have slightly more cycles than the prismatic LiFePO4 cell.

Weight

Cylindrical cells will be heavier because most of them have steel shells. Prismatic cells are lighter because most of them use stainless steel and aluminum shells.

Manufacturing Cost

Because cylindrical cells have a long history and simpler processing and production technology, the manufacturing cost will be relatively cheaper, while prismatic cells are relatively new, and due to the limitations of processing technology and no special standardized production specifications, So the manufacturing cost will be higher.

Damage Cost

In a battery pack composed of cylindrical cells, if one cell is damaged, it will not seriously endanger the entire battery pack. At the same capacity, damage to a prismatic cell will seriously affect the entire battery pack, which means that the cost of damage is high.

Energy Density

Relatively speaking, the energy density of prismatic LiFePO4 cells is slightly higher than that of cylindrical cells, which is determined by the structure.

Easy to Expand

Since most scenarios currently require large-capacity batteries, the option of capacity expansion has become a consideration for many people. Relatively speaking, it is more difficult to expand the capacity of cylindrical cells. Under the same capacity, cylindrical cells may need tens of thousands of cells, but prismatic cells may only need a small number, which means that prismatic cells may require only a few cells. The expansion of prismatic LiFePO4 cells is simpler.

Differences in Chemical Activity

Due to the internal structure and shape of the cylindrical cell, the electrolyte distribution inside the cell is very uniform, which is conducive to full utilization. In the inner corners of the prismatic cell, some electrolytes will be in an idle state, and the prismatic structure will exert a certain pressure on the corners. A simple summary is that the utilization rate of the electrolyte will be relatively low.

Heat Dissipation

Cylindrical cells will have better heat dissipation, because there is no way to arrange them as closely as prismatic cells, and there will be gaps between the cells, which provide space for heat dissipation.

Battery Pack Stability (with BMS)

The system stability of prismatic LiFePO4 cells will be better, because the number of cells in the battery pack will be less, so it is possible for the BMS to serve each cell independently.

Summary

In general, cylindrical LiFePO4 cells and prismatic LiFePO4 batteries have their own advantages and disadvantages, and they are all very obvious. The shape of the LiFePO4 battery you choose depends entirely on your application, but at present, the prismatic LiFePO4 battery is in a stage of rapid development, and many battery manufacturers are investing huge amounts of money in research and development, and some shortcomings are Continuous optimization. According to such a trend, there is no doubt that prismatic LiFePO4 cells will be the most mainstream energy storage batteries in the future. Of course, at this stage, prismatic LiFePO4 cells are still the most worthy option for your consideration.

Origin: https://batteryfinds.com/cylindrical-prismatic-lifepo4-cells-who-wins/

#lifepo4battery #lifepo4 #lithiumionbattery #prismaticbattery

Does BMS Safety need you to worry？

Everyone who owns LiFePO4 batteries should have a good BMS installed. However, due to a lack of understanding, many people will question BMS safety and think that BMS is the culprit of battery damage. For those who understand the working principle of BMS, this is completely unreasonable.

What's BMS?

BMS is ”Battery Management System”, and some people will call it a “Battery Housekeeper”. The main function of BMS is to intelligently manage and maintain each LiFePO4 cell and monitor the status of the battery. It can prevent the battery from overcharging, over-discharging, over-current, etc., so as to prolong the performance and service life of the battery.

BMS can be regarded as the product of the integration of various functional elements. BMS will include control modules, display modules, communication modules, electrical modules, small battery modules, and information acquisition modules. Diversified modules provide BMS with rich and important functions. These modules can detect the voltage, current, and temperature of LiFePO4 batteries in real-time through sensors, and also perform leakage detection, thermal management, battery balance management, and alarm reminders. , and can also calculate the state of charge (SOC) status, etc. It is really powerful. These functions are critical for LiFePO4 batteries, so there is a saying that the battery pack must be equipped with a Battery Management System.

Is BMS Safety Guaranteed?

As an accessory to ensure the normal and efficient operation of LiFePO4 batteries, BMS safety is excellent. First of all, it seems that the BMS has many different types of functions, but these functions do not put too much burden on the BMS itself. At the same time, an excellent BMS is generally equipped with a cooling fan, and there is basically no damage to the components caused by overheating. More importantly, BMS is not like a battery, which is chemically reacting all the time, which means that the BMS safety is higher than that of the LiFePO4 battery itself.

Could the BMS be Damaged?

Of course, the BMS may also be damaged. Some inferior BMS may have insufficient manufacturing process and technology, and interface damage, module conflicts, etc. will occur. function, the probability of damage is greatly increased. The BMS mentioned by some people will cause the premature failure of LiFePO4 batteries, most of which can be attributed to the poor quality of the BMS used.

But a good BMS will not have the above situation. Most of the damage of excellent BMS is caused by the improper personal operation. For example, the wiring is wrong, the BMS is violently hit, and the BMS enters the water. These bad operations will cause different degrees of damage to the BMS and eventually lose its function.

Summary

There is no need to worry about BMS safety. Using a high-quality BMS will not cause premature failure or damage to LiFePO4 batteries. Instead, using an excellent BMS can make your battery last longer. Of course, the premise is to use the correct wiring. This guarantees that your LiFePO4 batteries will run longer and you will get more out of it.

Origin: https://batteryfinds.com/does-bms-safety-need-you-to-worry/

#lifepo4 #bms #lifepo4battery #lithiumionbattery

5 Reasons Why you should choose LiFePO4 Prismatic Cells

LiFePO4 prismatic cells are one of the most popular battery types today, but many people still cannot understand why they should choose prismatic cells. Obviously, cylindrical cells have a longer history and mature production technology. As a more novel battery type, LiFePO4 prismatic cells have strong advantages in many places.

1. Larger Unit Capacity

The frame design of prismatic cells can hold more energy in a single cell than cylindrical cells. This means that it is no longer necessary to use a large number of small cells to make up a relatively large-capacity cell, which is convenient for many people, especially battery DIY enthusiasts and people who need large-capacity projects.

2. Higher Stability

Due to the large single capacity of prismatic cells, this means that it does not require too many cells to reach a rated capacity, and the final result is higher stability and better relative consistency.

3. Higher Security

Due to the influence of production process and design framework, compared with cylindrical cells, LiFePO4 prismatic cells using winding or lamination process will be safer and have higher relative energy efficiency. At the same time, since there is no need to use too many cells to form a battery pack with a rated capacity, the burden on the BMS will be relatively smaller, so that the safety of the battery pack can be better protected.

4. Higher Space Utilization

Due to the square structure of the prismatic cells, it means that each cell can be in close contact, which can effectively save space. This is a very important advantage in usage scenarios like electric vehicles.

5. Lighter Weight

The shell of the LiFePO4 prismatic cell is generally made of an aluminum shell or stainless steel shell, which will be lighter. It will be very important in some specific usage scenarios, such as for RV energy storage.

Nonetheless, LiFePO4 prismatic cells inevitably have some shortcomings, such as the more complex production process, which is a challenge for battery manufacturers, and the high space utilization is sacrificed for some heat dissipation performance. It is worth mentioning that LiFePO4 prismatic cells are currently the main products promoted by many battery manufacturers, such as CATL, EVE… With the blessing of vigorous research, some of their shortcomings of them will be solved one by one, thus becoming a more Premium battery type.

Overall, LiFePO4 prismatic cells are still the most worthwhile battery type to consider buying, because the advantages of prismatic cells are huge in terms of practicality and general availability. As a battery DIY enthusiast, you should not miss it.

Origin: https://batteryfinds.com/5-reasons-why-you-should-choose-lifepo4-prismatic-cells/

#lifepo4battery #lifepo4 #prismaticbattery

Is LiFePO4 Battery Safety really be alright？

We often say that LiFePO4 battery safety is great, and in many eyes, this may be a gimmick that many battery manufacturers have racked their brains for to sell. Is this really true?

It is undeniable that compared with lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries are relatively “New” batteries, and LiFePO4 batteries are younger batteries among lithium-ion batteries. It is normal for their safety and practicality to be questioned. But when we have a certain understanding of lithium-ion batteries, we will find that safety issues cannot be questioned.

Why has Lithium Batteries Safety been Questioned?

The main reason is still from people’s stereotypes. It is generally believed that lithium-ion batteries were first manufactured in the 1970s and are very young. People generally have a distrust or even fear of new things, which has led to a considerable number of people claiming that the battery is a scam, even if they have never used it.

Another reason is the information lag caused by the rapid development of lithium-ion batteries. Maybe many people still remember the explosion of electronic equipment loaded with lithium-ion batteries that many media reported. There is no doubt that this situation has happened, but it is very rare, and many of them are things before, and now lithium-ion batteries have already been solved the related issues.

Another reason is survivorship bias. The spontaneous combustion of today’s popular electric vehicles is often widely reported by the media. In fact, it is because this kind of thing is easy to get traffic and attract attention, so many media will be happy to report it, which creates the illusion that this kind of thing happens frequently. This phenomenon of spontaneous combustion is generally blamed on the thermal runaway, but don’t forget that almost all batteries have the potential for thermal runaway, and lithium-ion batteries are not the only victims.

Sources of LiFePO4 Battery Safety

First of all, like a battery, the working principle of a lithium battery is very easy to understand. During the process of charging and discharging, electrons will continuously move between the positive and negative electrodes of the battery through the electrolyte, thereby generating electricity for storage or release. It is worth mentioning that there are basically no products that seriously affect the battery performance during this process, which means that it is relatively safe under the premise of normal use.

The LiFePO4 battery uses a safer cathode material and uses an olivine structure, which means higher stability and is not easy to decompose at high temperatures, thereby improving the safety of the entire LiFePO4 battery. In general, the highly stable architecture and excellent materials make LiFePO4 batteries safer than most other lithium batteries.

In addition to its own properties, BMS, which is often used in conjunction with lithium-ion batteries, also plays a very important role. BMS can help batteries avoid problems such as over-current, overcharge, over–discharge, and excessive temperature, which makes them inherently safe. LiFePO4 batteries have become safer.

Always remember, don’t believe in gossip, believe in science to make life easier.

Summary

Although LiFePO4 battery is still very young, they are lighter in weight, smaller in size, and have better performance, which makes LiFePO4 the best alternative to lead-acid batteries, not to mention the LiFePO4 battery safety and maintenance-free advantages. If you are an RVers or need to prepare energy storage batteries at home, LiFePO4 battery must be the most appropriate project.

Origin: https://batteryfinds.com/is-lifepo4-battery-safety-really-be-alright/

#lifepo4battery #lifepo4 #lithium ion battery

Is LiFePO4 Battery Safety really be alright？

We often say that LiFePO4 battery safety is great, and in many eyes, this may be a gimmick that many battery manufacturers have racked their brains for to sell. Is this really true?

Why has Lithium Batteries Safety been Questioned?

Sources of LiFePO4 Battery Safety

Always remember, don’t believe in gossip, believe in science to make life easier.

Summary

Origin: https://batteryfinds.com/is-lifepo4-battery-safety-really-be-alright/

#lifepo4 battery #LiFePO4 #lithiumbattery #battery safety

Are Cheap LiFePO4 Battery Cells available for Purchasing?

It is a normal person’s choice to want to buy cheap LiFePO4 battery cells. It is a good idea to get a better LiFePO4 battery cell on the premise of saving costs, but there are some too cheap batteries that we should not purchase.

Why some LiFePO4 Battery Cells are extremely cheap?

Although cheap LiFePO4 battery cells are attractive, we need to be aware that there are some extremely cheap batteries that we should not purchase. If you often buy batteries, you will often find LiFePO4 battery cells that are much lower than the market price on some shopping websites, and may even be half the market price. It may seem tempting, but there is no doubt that these are traps. Unscrupulous battery sellers will label faulty batteries as brand new and sell them to buyers who can’t resist the temptation.

Generally speaking, the reasons for the emergence of these too low-priced LiFePO4 batteries can be divided into the following categories:

1. The battery is cut corners. Excessive cheapness means the lack of materials. This situation often occurs in some unknown small brands or counterfeit brands. The materials used for batteries are very important and will directly affect the usable capacity and safety performance. At present, the price of raw materials for lithium-ion batteries is relatively high, and it has been rising. The LiFePO4 battery cell, which is a lithium-ion battery, is no exception. In order to reduce the impact of rising raw material prices, the despicable method of cutting corners has become the first choice of some battery manufacturers.

2. The capacity of the battery is false. Generally speaking, the higher the capacity of the battery, the higher the price. At present, some unscrupulous battery wholesalers will erase the capacity specifications of primary battery manufacturers and then carry out false capacity bids to sell higher prices. In this case, it is understandable that the so-called same capacity is much lower than the market price because those battery wholesalers just sell the lower capacity battery at a higher price.

3. The battery is refurbished. Although LiFePO4 battery cell is a lithium-ion battery with long life, due to frequent man-made damage, some batteries will be scrapped early. Some unethical battery processing factories will recycle these batteries and treat them as Brand new batteries for wholesale sale. There is no doubt that the performance of a refurbished battery is simply not as good as a brand new battery, because the wear and tear of the electrodes is a significant factor and cannot be repaired.

4. The battery is a factory defect. Even with the best technology and the most formal battery factory, there will inevitably be defective products in the production process. Generally speaking, these defective products will be destroyed by the battery factory, but under the operation of some illegal personnel, some defective products will still flow into the market, and some unethical battery wholesalers will sell them as Grade A LiFePO4 battery, and there is no doubt that these defective batteries are Grade B or even Grade C batteries, and many buyers are also deceived.

Can I get normal Cheap LiFePO4 Battery Cells?

Although many reasons for the so-called low-cost batteries are mentioned, normal low-cost LiFePO4 battery cells still exist, but very few. Currently, LiFePO4 batteries that are slightly below-market prices and can be purchased for use are for several reasons:

1. The battery wholesaler is clearing the inventory. At present, the lithium battery industry is relatively volatile. Many famous battery manufacturers produce slightly different batteries every time, and they are constantly improving. Under this premise, some batteries with earlier production batches will become uncompetitive as consumers prefer to buy fresher batteries. If some of the older batteries have not been purchased, battery wholesalers will clean up the batteries at a relatively cheaper price. Don’t worry about the quality of these batteries, they are priced low simply because they are relatively old and the basic performance is consistent with the specs.

2. The battery wholesaler is running a promotion. This is a typical business behavior, with small profits but quick turnover, which can earn customers’ word-of-mouth. It’s a very lucky thing to be in this situation.

3. There is a problem with the operation of the battery wholesaler. In this case, there is a problem with the capital chain of the battery wholesaler. Due to the pressure of survival, they have to sell the products on sale. The probability of ordinary buyers encountering this situation is very small, but once they do, they must not miss it. , you can get a battery with superior performance at an extremely favorable price.

Summary

All in all, cheap LiFePO4 battery cells exist, but you must pay attention to screening when determining whether this kind of battery is worth buying, such as whether the battery is a big brand, whether the battery wholesaler is trustworthy, etc. Don’t be fooled by overly cheap LiFePO4 battery cells, which are likely to cost you money.

Origin: Are Cheap LiFePO4 Battery Cells available for Purchasing?

#lifepo4 battery #LiFePO4 #cheap battery #lithium battery

12V System or 24V System, which is better for RV?

12V system and 24V system are two of the most popular electrical systems out there, especially in RVs. Most RVs use these two systems, but because the voltages of the two systems are different, the specific performance will also be different.

What's Different between 12V System and 24V System?

First, the biggest difference between the two systems is the voltage. Since voltage is a physical quantity required to push electrons to move (that is, current), this physical quantity also affects the magnitude of the current, which changes the performance of the entire system.

● 12V System

The 12V system is currently the most widely used. Not just RVs, vehicles, remote controls, electronic watches…these all use 12V systems in our lives. Although the 12V system seems to be unsuitable for the use of the vehicle, the vehicle’s electrical components such as the starter, lighting system, and ignition system are designed to be compatible with 12V.

To a large extent, the advantages of the 12V system are based on historical problems. Because in the past, 12V was enough to use, and there was no need to use a larger voltage system, but now the technology is developing faster and faster, and more advanced equipment needs to use a higher voltage to promote the use. It seems that the 12V system is increasingly unable to meet our needs. Nonetheless, most devices today use a 12V system.

Similarly, RV is no exception. The 12V system can meet the most basic equipment of RV, such as living lights, refrigerators, etc. The excellent versatility determines that the 12V system can play a great advantage on the RV. And 12V batteries tend to be smaller and take up less space than 24V batteries. This is great for reducing space pressure and counterweight issues for some small RVs.

However, the shortcomings of the 12V system have also been mentioned. In the face of more and more electrical appliances, the 12V system has become more and more unsatisfactory. In addition, in a circuit with the same power, if the voltage decreases, the current will increase, which means that there will be higher heat generation in the 12V system circuit, which will eventually cause resistance loss and reduce the overall performance efficiency.

● 24V system

At present, the 24V system is the direction that many electrical equipment manufacturers are moving forward. The reason is simple, 24V systems support more types of electrical equipment and have lower wiring costs. Although it is currently not directly compatible with many 12V devices, this is the future direction, just like when the 6V system was converted to a 12V system. Currently, 24V systems are suitable for certain RVs equipped with solar systems, heavy-duty trucks, large buses, trolling boats, etc.

The advantages of the 24V battery system are obvious. Due to the smaller current, the resistance loss of the 24V system is much smaller than that of the 12V battery system, which is safer and lowers the wiring cost. Moreover, the 24V system has a low cost in the motor and inverter. More efficient operation. This is a big advantage on some medium and large RVs.

However, the main disadvantage of this system at present is that its versatility is relatively low. In most RVs, if you need to use 12V power equipment normally, you need to purchase an additional step-down device to reduce 24V to 12V in some circuits. Meet the use of equipment such as lighting systems and ignition starters.

How to get a choice between them?

Obviously, there is no answer to this. Because you need to determine your actual situation to make a choice. Regarding RV electrical systems, if your RV is small, such as Class B, Toy Hauler, Pop-up, etc. With limited space in the car and limited use of electrical appliances, a 12V system may be more suitable. However, for a large RV such as Class A and 5th Wheel, a higher voltage 24V or even 36V, 48V system will be more suitable, because the car space is large, the number of electrical appliances that can be accommodated, and the wiring cost can be effectively reduced.

Therefore, whether it is a 12V or 24V system, it has its own applicable range, and there is no absolute good or bad. When you decide to upgrade the electrical system for your RV, you might as well consider using LiFePO4 batteries to combine the 24V system, this battery is safe and reliable and can guarantee your RV will bring you a better experience.

Origin: 12V System or 24V System, which is better for RV?

#lifepo4 battery #LiFePO4 #lithiumbattery #rv

What’s LiFePO4 Over-Discharge and LiFePO4 Overcharge？

LiFePO4 over-discharge and LiFePO4 overcharge are the two most harmful operations of LiFePO4 batteries. There is no doubt that these two operations will directly damage the structure of the battery itself, greatly shortening the battery life and performance. So, the correct LiFePO4 battery charging is crucial.

LiFePO4 Over-discharge

LiFePO4 over-discharge is one of the most common man-made faults in LiFePO4 batteries, which refers to the process in which the internal power of the battery has been completely consumed, but continues to discharge under the action of voltage. Over-discharge will cause copper dendrites, resulting in a short circuit of the battery, increased internal resistance, reduced capacity, and shortened life.

LiFePO4 over-discharge is something we can avoid. We need to use suitable equipment to protect the battery, such as the most common BMS, or the less expensive PCM and PCB. This device can ensure that the battery is prevented from abnormal voltage when it reaches the discharge limit (LiFePO4 batteries generally recommend 80% DOD discharge), thereby ensuring that the battery will not discharge endlessly. In addition, it is highly not recommended to fully discharge the LiFePO4 battery to prevent the possibility of over-discharge from the root cause.

If LiFePO4 over-discharge has occurred, is there any room for recovery? In fact, it can only be partially recovered. You can use the parallel charging board to connect to the normal 3.2V LiFePO4 battery for charging and repair it in time. However, it should be noted that this method of recovery is only applicable to LiFePO4 batteries whose voltage is still around 3V after over-discharge, and LiFePO4 batteries with too low voltage are dead and cannot be saved. It is worth mentioning that because over-discharge damages the active material in the battery, which means that the damage caused is almost irreversible, it is more important to prevent over-discharge than to deal with it.

LiFePO4 Overcharge

LiFePO4 Overcharge is also a big problem. Overcharge refers to the possibility that the voltage given by the charger to the LiFePO4 battery is higher than the normal charging voltage of the LiFePO4 battery, resulting in battery damage. Generally speaking, the charging voltage of a single LiFePO4 cell is 3.65V, and if the voltage given by the charger is higher than 3.65V, it will cause overcharge. Overcharging will cause lithium dendrites, that is, a large number of lithium ions overflow from the positive electrode, and the lithium ions that cannot be absorbed by the negative electrode will form dendrites on the surface of the battery, resulting in a short circuit inside the battery. The short circuit will generate a lot of heat, and in severe cases, it will also cause the decomposition reaction of the positive electrode or the reaction between the negative electrode and the electrolyte. As a result, the performance of the LiFePO4 battery drops sharply.

Similarly, LiFePO4 overcharge can also be avoided. First of all, it is necessary to use the most suitable charger. At present, many customers are upgrading from lead-acid batteries (such as AGM batteries) to LiFePO4 batteries. The chargers used in lead-acid batteries can of course be LiFePO4 batteries to some extent. The battery charges, but lead-acid battery chargers have lower voltages, which means LiFePO4 batteries cannot be fully charged, which affects performance. Also don’t use a charger that provides too high a voltage, which will undoubtedly damage your LiFePO4 battery, and there is a high probability that the LiFePO4 battery will be swollen, which will significantly affect performance. Secondly, it is still necessary to install BMS, or circuit protection devices such as PCM and PCB, which can fully prevent your battery from being overcharged. When the abnormal battery voltage is detected, it will automatically cut off the charging to ensure that the battery is not protected from damage. In addition, LiFePO4 overcharge cannot be repaired, only through prevention.

Summary

There is no doubt that both LiFePO4 over-discharge and LiFePO4 overcharge will seriously affect the battery performance. Compared with over-discharge and overcharge, prevention is a more important step, and BMS is the most recommend. Treatment can only be remedial rather than repair, but it will not make the performance of the battery drop too seriously, and prevention can fundamentally eliminate the battery. The means of over-discharge and over-charge can make LiFePO4 batteries provide us with safer, longer-lasting, and better-quality power assistance.

Origin: https://batteryfinds.com/whats-lifepo4-over-discharge-lifepo4-overcharge/

#lifepo4 battery #LiFePO4 #LithiumBattery #overcharge #overdischarge

How to Select the Right LiFePO4 Battery Busbars?

LiFePO4 battery busbars are an important accessory and an option that cannot be ignored when you DIY a LiFePO4 battery pack. Proper battery busbars are critical to improving the performance of the entire battery pack.

LiFePO4 Battery Busbars & Thick Gauge Cable, who’s the best?

First, we need to know that to connect your LiFePO4 battery, you have two options: battery busbars or thick gauge cable. Battery busbars are circuit-connecting metal bars that are used for short-distance connections, support high-current power distribution, and are optimized for current requirements and performance specifications, which can effectively handle high current and heat dissipation. Battery busbars can be made in a variety of shapes, generally in the shape of flat bars, but also in the shape of solid rods and hollow tubes. Among them, the flat or hollow-shaped busbars are usually suitable for high current applications. The thick gauge cable can be simply understood as a thickened wire, which can provide the function of circuit connection for your LiFePO4 battery.

We generally use battery busbars to connect our cells, because busbars are more flexible, safer, and relatively low-cost, so they are the most common and popular. But some people will choose thick gauge cable for some reason.

What material are LiFePO4 Battery Busbars made of?

There are two main types of LiFePO4 battery busbars, copper busbars, and brass busbars. Both materials have very good electrical conductivity and are very suitable for battery busbars.

Copper has very high electrical conductivity, low electrical resistance, and high tensile strength. This has led many to believe that copper is the conductor of choice for electrical circuits. However, copper busbars generally do not expose copper directly to the air but are plated with a non-corrosive material on the surface to prevent copper oxidation.

Brass is a mixture of copper and other metals or substances. The electrical conductivity is relatively good, and it is stronger and less ductile. Brass busbars are relatively modest.

How to Select the LiFePO4 Battery Busbars?

First, you need to decide which type of LiFePO4 battery busbars to use based on your circuit system. If the capacity of the battery pack is large and the requirements for electrical conductivity are relatively high, then copper busbars are the best choice.

Then you need to choose battery busbars according to the size of each cell. There are three most important factors to consider: the length, width, and thickness of the busbars.

First of all, it is necessary to determine the connection method of the cells in the circuit system. The lengths required for series and parallel are different, and the lengths required for bold or straight methods are also different. The length of the busbars must be appropriate, because too long busbars may cause some unexpected risks. In addition, the width needs to be wide enough, and the secret to maximizing battery pack performance is maximizing the contact area between the cell terminals and the busbars. And the thickness needs to be enough to support the current flow, too thin busbars can not play the best conductivity. It is worth mentioning that busbars of suitable width, length, and thickness can better match the performance of the battery pack, while busbars with excess performance are not very recommended, because busbars that exceed the internal performance of the battery pack will only cause waste.

Calculating measurements for the length, width and thickness of the battery busbars required are actually not difficult.

Length, you need to measure the distance between the two cell terminals, and you need to reserve a little space – too compact busbars may damage the cell terminals.

Width, you need to measure the width of the cell terminal, generally choose 3/4 width of the cell terminal as the reference width of the busbars, so as to match the cell stud.

Thickness, this parameter means that the current, resistance, and ampacity of the battery pack must be weighed to determine how thick the busbars are needed to support the electrical load. Among them, resistance is the most important parameter, and the calculation formula of resistance is resistance (R) = resistance of the material (p) * length of material (l) / cross-sectional area of material (A).

Finally, remember that about a week after the battery pack is installed, it is necessary to double-check that all battery terminals and the busbars are still tightened, because once loose, there is a risk of causing high resistance connections, which can reduce the performance of the battery pack. At the same time, there are also some unsafe factors.

Summary

The correct selection and installation of LiFePO4 battery busbars determine the power output of your battery pack. Although choosing busbars may seem complicated, don’t worry too much. At present, most of the LiFePO4 battery wholesalers will match the most suitable busbars for the LiFePO4 batteries they sell, which can perfectly solve the related problems. There are only a few cases where you will need to make battery busbars yourself.

Origin: https://batteryfinds.com/how-to-select-the-right-lifepo4-battery-busbars/

#lithium battery #lifepo4battery #lifepo4 #battery #busbars

How to make LiFePO4 Battery Balancing？

Does LiFePO4 battery balancing matter? The answer is yes, the success of LiFePO4 battery balancing will greatly affect the subsequent performance of the entire battery pack.

Why LiFePO4 Battery Balancing?

Many people may not understand what LiFePO4 battery balancing is. Simply put, it is the process of balancing the voltage and charge of each battery cell in the battery pack. Because the power of a single battery cell often cannot meet our needs, we generally assemble a group of cells together as a power.

Ideally, these cells are brand new, with the same voltage, capacity, etc. But in fact, when each cell leaves the factory, there will be more or fewer errors in the amount of charge, and there will be many influencing factors when the cell is transported, which leads to even new cells. There is a degree of difference, and it will become more and more apparent during their cycle. In order for these cells to function as a complete battery and work better together, we must do LiFePO4 battery balancing.

To give a simple example, a LiFePO4 battery with a relatively small capacity will be charged faster when charging, and if assembled in the same battery pack, it will limit the further charging of other relatively larger capacity cells. In other words, the same cell with a relatively small capacity will also discharge faster than other cells, limiting the discharge capacity of the entire battery pack. Also, higher voltage cells will have different cut-off voltages than lower voltage cells, which means there will be excess performance. So we have a theory that can be generalized – barrel effect, the weakest cell will determine the capacity of the entire battery pack, the strongest cell will determine the cut-off voltage of the entire battery pack, in this case, except for the battery pack The performance of the battery is limited, and there are relatively more safety issues, such as overcharging and over-discharging, which can cause permanent damage to all cells in the same battery pack. Therefore, in order to better use the battery pack, LiFePO4 battery balancing is a must.

How to do LiFePO4 Battery Balancing?

First of all, we need to know that there are 2 methods for the most traditional battery balance, namely top battery cell balancing, and bottom battery cell balancing. However, with the continuous advancement of technology, we prefer to use scientific means to solve such complicated problems. At present, most people use a device called a balancer. This device can effectively do LiFePO4 battery balancing, and is more accurate and efficient than manual balancing. But if there are no conditions, only manual balancing can be performed.

Top battery cell balancing means that you need to charge all the cells to full and then connect them to make a battery pack for balancing, which is suitable for optimizing charging. Bottom battery cell balancing means that you need to discharge all the cells to the minimum required for safety, and then connect them to make a battery pack for balancing. If you want to optimize the discharge, this means balancing on the bottom is the best balancing method for you. In short, the choice of top balance or bottom balance mainly depends on how your LiFePO4 battery pack is used. The core point is “balance”.

It’s actually not too difficult to do manual balancing. First, we need a multimeter: to test the voltage of each cell. Then you need to record the voltage parameters of all the cells, and then arrange the cells in order from small to large. Of course, it is also possible to go from big to small, as long as you like it! Then we need to choose a parallel way to connect all the cells, why parallel? Because for cell balance, series connection is relatively unsafe, and the parallel method is more suitable for cell balance. After the connection is completed, we need to wait for a long period of time, during which time the relatively high voltage cells will slowly put the charge into the relatively low voltage cells, and finally reach a balance.

Also, don’t forget to use a multimeter to test the voltage and capacity of the battery pack to see if it matches your theoretical calculations. After completing these steps, you can choose top balance or bottom balance according to your needs. After completing the cell balance, don’t forget to add an excellent BMS. In addition to detecting the parameters of your battery pack and preventing the LiFePO4 battery pack from overcharging, over-discharging, and over-current problems, BMS also has certain effects on maintaining cell balance. Of course, it is highly recommended to use a balancer, otherwise in future use, balancing batteries will become your daily work.

Summary

LiFePO4 battery balancing may be a point that is often overlooked by DIY LiFePO4 battery novices, but whether the battery is balanced or not can directly affect the overall effect and life of the battery pack in the future. For better use of the battery pack, be sure to perform battery cell balancing.

Origin: LiFePO4 Battery Balancing

#lithiumbattery #lifepo4 battery #battery #lifepo4

Should I make LiFePO4 Battery Compression？

Do I need to do LiFePO4 battery compression? This is a question that many customers who have purchased LiFePO4 batteries will have. And recently, the momentum of DIY LiFePO4 batteries is very strong, more and more people are starting to join the ranks of DIY, and this problem is mentioned more and more times. Whether the battery is compressed or not will actually affect the service life and performance of the entire battery pack.

What is LiFePO4 Battery Compression?

LiFePO4 battery compression refers to the process of firmly combining multiple LiFePO4 battery cells together by various means, and battery manufacturers also call it battery fixture. This operation is mainly to prevent the internal components of the battery from delaminating and causing irreversible damage.

Since LiFePO4 cells are sold individually, and most people will buy several LiFePO4 cells for DIY, the operation of battery compression is also included in the consideration list of most people. At present, the production specifications of most LiFePO4 battery manufacturers do not clearly state whether battery compression is required, and of course, they do not tell you how to compress. But after many people’s tests and suggestions from relevant professionals, there is no doubt that LiFePO4 battery compression is the best choice.

How to do LiFePO4 Battery Compression?

First of all, it is very important to do battery balancing first. After that, you need to prepare some tools that can be used for fixing, such as electrical tape, VHB tape, hose clamps. Then you need to prepare some insulating boards and thin sponges (1~2mm thickness). Then you need to arrange your LiFePO4 batteries in the way you want to connect, during this period, you need to put insulating sheets and thin sponges between each cell. The next step is to firmly bond the LiFePO4 cells together using the above-mentioned fixing tools and then start installing the busbars or wires. Once everything is done, place the entire battery pack into an appropriately sized insulated stand or insulated container for a final compression of the entire battery pack. According to this process, the LiFePO4 battery compression is completed. Of course, if you don’t have a suitably insulated bracket, you can make one yourself. You only need a simple plastic plate, studs, and nuts to complete a simple bracket.

What if I give up LiFePO4 Battery Compression?

LiFePO4 battery compression is an operation to ensure that the battery pack can run for a long time. If LiFePO4 battery compression is not performed, there are 3 possible consequences, and all comes down to LiFePO4 battery swollen:

1. Due to the lack of compression, some cells may appear swelling under the internal force caused by multiple charging and discharging, and the swelling may seriously affect the performance of the entire battery pack.

2. Similarly, if the cell swells, the internal structure of the cell may also change to a certain extent, which will shorten the life of a single cell and affect the life of the entire battery pack.

3. Due to the influence of the swell, the distance between each cell will become larger and larger, and the busbars of the battery will also be deformed due to the increase of the distance between the cells, thus affecting the normal operation of the battery pack. If the swell is serious, It may even damage the battery terminals.

Summary

LiFePO4 battery compression is an operation that should be done at the beginning of the purchase of the battery, and if the LiFePO4 battery pack after a period of use wants to make up for it, it is actually too late, because, after many charges and discharges, it may not be possible to intuitively It was found that the battery was different, but in fact, each battery cell was deformed to varying degrees, and it was no longer suitable for compression at this time. Therefore, LiFePO4 battery compression is a very important thing. Correct operation can make your battery stay with you for a longer time, and you can also get a better experience from it.

Original:

https://batteryfinds.com/should-i-make-lifepo4-battery-compression/

#lithiumionbattery #lithiumbattery #lifepo4battery #lifepo4 #batterycompression

Who’s Better Between OTS and DIY LiFePO4 Battery？

What is the difference between DIY LiFePO4 battery and OTS LiFePO4 battery? When many people consider purchasing energy storage equipment or battery backup for their families or institutions, they will definitely think about such a problem.

What's OTS LiFePO4 Battery and DIY LiFePO4 Battery?

Long-term acronyms can cause many people to forget their original meaning.

OTS refers to “Off The Shelf”, OTS LiFePO4 battery refers to the battery manufacturer or processing plant to connect the LiFePO4 battery in a certain way to obtain a rated capacity, and integrate BMS, balancer, fuse, and other accessories inside. An integrated power supply device. Some advanced OTS LiFePO4 batteries even have built-in inverters. The purpose of this kind of battery is to make it easy for customers to use. Generally speaking, it can be used normally as long as it is directly connected to the socket after purchase, which is very convenient.

DIY refers to “Do It Yourself”, and DIY LiFePO4 battery refers to a battery that you can customize according to your own needs. The voltage and capacity of this battery pack will be determined by you. After purchasing the basic battery pack – cells, you also need to purchase additional equipment such as BMS, balancer, charger, inverter, etc. to assemble your “performance monster”. Of course, you also need to connect the battery yourself, which will involve the selection of battery series and parallel connection, battery compression, and other issues. This means that you need considerable skill and experience to accomplish your feat.

Pros and Cons between OTS LiFePO4 Battery and DIY LiFePO4 Battery

There is no doubt that the above-mentioned concepts of the OTS LiFePO4 battery and DIY LiFePO4 battery have explained their differences, so the pros and cons between them are also produced here.

The OTS LiFePO4 battery is a very convenient battery. You no longer have to be frustrated and angry about how to choose chargers, inverters, etc., or whether to use series or parallel for batteries. Just make the payment, wait for the battery to arrive, your power reserve is done, maybe you’re considering a grid-tied system, then you’ll need the assistance of the installer. But if it is a simple off-grid system, after receiving the battery, simply connect the battery to the socket and it can be put into use. And don’t have to worry about safety issues, professional battery manufacturers and processing plants will solve most of the safety issues for you, ensuring that the battery you use is a complete power reserve, not a Russian turntable with potential safety hazards. However, the disadvantage brought by this convenience is the lack of freedom. You can only buy batteries with rated capacity and rated functions from battery manufacturers and processing plants. The rated capacity may be too large or too small, which means that for Different people may have excess or insufficient stored power. The rated function means that it is difficult for you to achieve some personal customized functions. After all, OTS batteries are not made to be modified. Therefore, OTS LiFePO4 batteries are not suitable for those who have strict requirements on battery capacity and individual requirements. Another point is that OTS LiFePO4 batteries are generally more expensive. Most of the reasons are due to labor costs. Of course, there is no need to worry too much. With the development of technology and the reduction of production costs, OTS LiFePO4 batteries are becoming cheaper and cheaper. This is great news for anyone who wants to do it once and for all.

DIY LiFePO4 battery is a more cumbersome battery, but the advantages are very obvious. You can completely customize your exclusive battery pack according to your own needs. As much capacity and voltage as you need, you can have as much capacity and voltage as you want, which can prevent power waste or power shortage. And you can choose your favorite and trusted inverters, chargers, etc. according to your preferences, and you can also add some personal functions. When there is a problem with the battery pack, you can repair it yourself without sending it to the factory for maintenance. This high degree of freedom is what most people have been after. Similarly, it is easier to use in an off-grid system, and you need to seek the help of an installer when using it in a grid-connected system. In the end, DIY LiFePO4 batteries will be cheaper, because the labor costs are all borne by your experience and technology. In contrast, the threshold for DIY LiFePO4 batteries will be relatively high, because you need to control everything in the battery pack, which means you need to have considerable electrical skills and experience, and you need to have the knowledge of how to deal with emergencies to ensure your own safety. , For battery rookies, DIY LiFePO4 batteries are very unsuitable. Although LiFePO4 batteries are very safe batteries, the current involved in connecting various accessories is unsafe. But for experienced electricians who like to get their hands dirty, DIY LiFePO4 batteries are the best.

OTS LiFePO4 Battery and DIY LiFePO4 Battery, who's Better?

Obviously, there is no better way to say that, OTS LiFePO4 battery and DIY LiFePO4 battery can perfectly complete the tasks of power storage and power release, and their differences are actually complementary to each other. Overall, the best LiFePO4 battery is the best for your needs. Are you ready for your power reserve now that power outages are becoming more frequent?

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