As we all know, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are being used in new energy applications such as home energy storage and new energy trolleys because of its superior safety, long life and low cost. As a senior LiFePO4 battery manufacturer in China, we deeply understand that the performance of the battery is related to the operation of each application and the interests of the managers. Therefore, the correct charging method is crucial to maintain the battery performance and extend its service life. Well, for LiFePO4 battery, how to charge LiFePO4 battery to maintain its optimal performance continuously? In this article, we will focus on the effects of charging on LiFePO4 battery and recommendations on how to charge LiFePO4 battery.
What is the working principle of lithium iron phosphate battery?
The cathode material of lithium iron phosphate battery is lithium iron phosphate. Although lithium iron phosphate batteries are different from what we usually call lithium ion batteries, they are also one of the lithium batteries. In the process of charging and discharging, lithium iron phosphate is more thermally stable than lithium cobalt oxide and nickel cobalt manganese ternary materials. That is to say, in the process of charging, lithium iron phosphate is more stable in the process of storing and releasing electrical energy between the positive and negative electrodes.
What are the factors that can affect charging efficiency of LiFePO4 battery?
The charging current, quality of the charger, temperature, battery condition and other factors will affect the charging efficiency of the battery. In terms of chargers, we recommend consumers to use the original charger to charge the battery because the voltage and current of the original charger are set according to the battery. For the drop-in replacement battery customized by some customers, we will also set it up according to the corresponding application as well as the needs to be able to maximize the protection of the battery. It is also worth noting that temperature is a point of interest in how to charge LiFePO4 battery. Temperature will affect the performance of the battery. Low temperature will reduce the rate of chemical reaction inside the battery, leading to a decrease in charging efficiency. And high temperatures may accelerate battery aging.
How to charge LiFePO4 battery correctly?
Choosing the right charger is one of the points in the tips of how to charge LiFePO4 battery. When charging LiFePO4 battery, we should try to choose the original charger. If you want to choose another brand of charger, you need to make sure that the charger has an overcharge protection function. It can ensure that the current as well as the voltage will not exceed the maximum tolerance range of the battery. And, some good chargers are able to adjust the output current according to the battery status to realize constant current and constant voltage (CC/CV) charging. The ambient temperature of the battery charging is also one of the factors worth our attention. In general, it is better to avoid exposing LiFePO4 batteries to extreme temperatures such as high temperature or extreme cold.
One of the answers to how to charge LiFePO4 battery is to use the correct charging mode. In the case of LiFePO4 batteries that are severely undercharged, the charger will initially use the constant current and constant voltage (CC/CV) mode to charge the battery. After the battery has gained most of its charge, the charger will switch to constant voltage and low current to continue charging the battery until it is fully charged.
When we use lithium iron phosphate batteries we should be careful to avoid deep discharge. It is possible that deep discharging will accelerate the battery capacity decay. We should start charging the LiFePO4 battery when its capacity drops to 20% to 30% and try to avoid depleting the capacity. If the battery is not used for a long time, we should discharge and charge the battery regularly. Regular shallow charging and discharging helps to extend the life of LiFePO4 batteries.
Conclusion
The tips on how to charge LiFePO4 battery can help you get longer lasting use. It also ensures that the battery could be performing better. It is hoped that in this article, it can help you better understand how to charge LiFePO4 battery through the scientific method. As a professional lithium iron phosphate battery manufacturer, we are not only able to provide you with LiFePO4 batteries for corresponding applications, but also committed to providing technical guidance for the majority of users.