Lithium iron batteries are becoming the popular choice as the standard battery in many applications. Understanding the characteristics of your lithium battery can help maximize the life span, the safety of the battery, and the best performance for your application.
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What is a Lithium Iron Battery?
Lithium iron (LiFePO4 or LFP) is becoming one of the most used battery chemistries today due to its lightweight structure and high energy density. Most lithium iron batteries consist of multiple LiFePO4 cells with a circuit board that protects the cells.
The cells are made up of a cathode, anode, separator, electrolyte, and two current collectors (positive and negative). The anode and cathode store the lithium, while the electrolytes carry the positively charged lithium from the anode to the cathode and vice versa through the separator. The movement of these charges will result in a charge on the current collector, which delivers power from the anode or cathode to the terminals. This creates a voltage potential that causes the electrical current to flow from the positive terminal to your application, then back onto the negative terminal.
How Do I Maintain a Lithium Battery?
Rechargeable lithium iron batteries have a finite life and, over time, will lose their ability to hold a charge. Once your battery has lost its capacity, it is permanent. Therefore, it is very important to properly care for and maintain your lithium battery.
An estimated life expectancy of a lithium iron battery is 5-15 years, depending on usage. LiFePO4 will provide up to complete charging cycles or as many as partial cycles! A complete charging cycle uses the battery from fully charged to fully discharged and then fully recharged. Leaving your batteries unused for long periods can hinder the life of the battery and ultimately lead to a failed battery if left too long.
We recommend that all lithium batteries and cells not-in-use go through at minimum one full maintenance cycle (charge to 100% SoC (state of charge), discharge to 100% DoD (depth of discharge), charge to 50% SoC) once every 6-12 months to maintain the battery&#;s capacity. Please check batteries and cells in storage for adequate OCV (open circuit voltage). Use the table below to determine the minimum recommended voltage for storage. If during your maintenance check-up and the voltage is below this value, Power-Sonic recommends re-charging your battery to the top of the voltage ranges found below.
Voltage Range (V)Lithium Iron Phosphate Product Type3.3-3.4Individual Cell13.2-13.612-volt battery pack26.4-27.224-volt battery pack39.6-40.836-volt battery pack52.8-54.448-volt battery packWhen checking cells or batteries semi-annually for voltage, please inspect for terminal corrosion and case integrity. Do not use any battery or cell that appears damaged.
No matter how well you maintain and store your battery, LiFePO4 batteries will continue to self-discharge slowly while in storage and not in use. If your battery has a feature like Bluetooth, the self-discharge rate will be higher due to the draw of the Bluetooth module. Checking your battery&#;s charge periodically will continue to keep your battery in better health and produce more energy for your application.
A good measure of health that&#;s easy to do at home is to monitor the run-time of your application. When you purchase your new lithium battery, note the run time the new battery provides your application. This brand-new run time will be a baseline to compare to as your battery ages to gauge your battery&#;s health. The run time will vary depending on the application and configuration that you are running.
How Do I Charge a Lithium Iron Battery?
A lithium-specific battery charger is the best choice when it comes to charging to ensure a complete charging cycle each time. Our LiFePO4 battery chargers feature an intelligent 3-step charging logic to help charge even the deepest discharged batteries. In addition, to maximize battery performance and battery life, the optimized charging technology makes the best possible use of the capacities of the batteries to be charged.
But can a lead acid charger charge a lithium battery?
There are many similarities in the charging profiles of SLA and lithium. However, extra caution should be exercised when using SLA chargers to charge lithium batteries as they can damage, undercharge, or reduce the capacity of the lithium battery over time. In addition, there are many differences when comparing lithium and SLA batteries &#; check out our blog &#;Can I Charge a Lithium Battery With a Normal Charger?&#; that further explains how to use an SLA charger with your lithium battery!
The fully charged OCV of a 12V SLA battery is nominally 13.1V, and the fully charged OCV of a 12V lithium battery is nominally 13.6V. A battery will only sustain damage if the charging voltage applied is significantly higher than the full charge voltage of the battery.
An SLA battery should be kept below 14.7V for bulk charging and below 15V for lithium. Float charging is only required for an SLA battery &#; recommended around 13.8V. Based on this, a charge voltage range between 13.8V and 14.7V is sufficient to charge any battery, lithium or SLA, without causing damage. When selecting a charger for either chemistry, it is essential to choose one that will stay between the limits listed above.
What Charging Rate Will Extend the Life of a Lithium Battery?
Chargers are selected based on a fraction of the capacity of the battery. For example, a lithium battery can be charged as fast as 1C (one time the capacity of the battery), whereas a lead acid battery should be kept below C/3 (one-third times the capacity of the battery). This means a 10Ah lithium battery can be charged at 10 amps while a 10Ah lead acid battery can only be charged at about 3 amps.
To maximize lithium battery life while balancing fast charging to minimize downtime, we recommend charging your LiFePO4 battery no slower than C/4 but no faster than C/2. Going back to the 10Ah battery example, this would be a 2.5A to 5.0A charge rate with 2.5 being the best case. If you were looking at chargers and a 2A charger and 5A charger were available, we would recommend selecting the 2A charger. The 5A charger will take about 2 hours to charge but may shorten the life of the battery. The 2A charger will take about 5 hours to charge but will maximize the life of the battery.
The charge cutoff current is 2.5-5.0% of the capacity, so the cutoff for both batteries in the example above would be 0.25-0.50A. Typically, the current termination setting is determined by the charger and there is no need to worry about setting it properly to maximize battery life.
Universal chargers will typically have a function to select the chemistry which is a great way to maximize your battery life. This function chooses the optimal voltage charging range and determines when the battery is fully charged. For example, if it charges a lithium battery, the charger should shut off automatically. It should switch to a float charge if it is set to charge an SLA battery.
Long Term Storage
If you need to keep your batteries in storage for an extended period, there are a few things to consider as the storage requirements differ for SLA and lithium batteries.
First is that the battery&#;s chemistry determines the optimal storage SoC. For an SLA battery, you want to store it as close as possible to 100% SoC to avoid sulfating, which causes a buildup of sulfate crystals on the lead plates. The buildup of sulfate crystals will diminish the capacity of the battery.
For a lithium battery, the structure of the positive terminal becomes unstable when depleted of electrons for long periods. The instability of the positive terminal can lead to permanent capacity loss. For this reason, a lithium battery should be stored as near as possible to 50% SoC which equally distributes the electrons on the positive and negative terminals. For detailed recommendations on long-term Lithium storage, check out this guide regarding the storage of Lithium batteries.
The second influence on storage is the self-discharge rate. The high self-discharge rate of an SLA battery means that it is best to keep it on a float or trickle charge to maintain it as close as possible to 100% SOC to avoid sulfation and permanent capacity loss. For a lithium battery, which has a much lower discharge rate and doesn&#;t need to be at 100% SOC, you may be able to get away with minimal maintenance charging if there are no parasitic draws on the battery, such as a Bluetooth module.
How To Keep a Lithium-Ion Battery from Corroding?
Power-Sonic designed many features into the terminals of our batteries to help fight corrosion for you! However, even with care and maintenance, batteries can corrode over time. You can minimize the rate of corroding with any of the steps below.
As the world embraces sustainable energy solutions, lithium batteries have emerged as a game-changer in the realm of recreational vehicles (RVs), marine vessels, and golf carts. These high-performance batteries offer longer lifespan, faster charging times, and lighter weight compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. However, to maximize their efficiency and lifespan, proper maintenance is crucial.
In this article, we'll delve into the essential tips for maintaining lithium batteries in RVs, marine vehicles, and golf carts, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
An LFP battery is a type of lithium-ion battery that uses lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material. LFP stands for "lithium iron phosphate," which is the chemical compound used in the battery's cathode. This type of lithium-ion battery is known for its high energy density, long cycle life, and enhanced safety features.
LFP batteries have gained popularity in various applications due to their stable chemistry, thermal stability, and resistance to thermal runaway, making them a safer option compared to other lithium-ion batteries. They are commonly used in electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy storage systems, backup power systems, and other applications where high energy density and long life are essential.
Key advantages of LFP batteries include:
1. Safety: LFP batteries are considered safer than other lithium-ion batteries due to their stable chemistry and resistance to thermal runaway, making them less prone to overheating and combustion.
2. Long Cycle Life: LFP batteries can withstand a high number of charge-discharge cycles, making them suitable for applications where durability and longevity are crucial.
3. High Energy Density: LFP batteries offer high energy density, allowing them to store a significant amount of energy in a compact space, making them suitable for use in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
4. Fast Charging: LFP batteries can be charged at a faster rate compared to some other lithium-ion batteries, making them ideal for applications requiring rapid charging capabilities.
For more low maintenance low voltage lithium batteryinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
5. Environmental Friendliness: Lithium iron phosphate is considered more environmentally friendly compared to other lithium-ion battery chemistries, as it contains no cobalt, which is associated with environmental and ethical concerns in mining.
Due to these advantages, LFP batteries have become a popular choice for various energy storage and mobile power applications, offering a balance of performance, safety, and longevity.
Suggest reading: AGM Vs. Lithium Batteries: Which Is Better For RV And Marine
LiTime 12V 100Ah Group 24
Rechargeable lithium iron batteries have a limited lifespan and will gradually lose their ability to retain a charge over time. Once a battery has depleted its capacity, this deterioration is irreversible. Therefore, it is crucial to properly maintain and care for your lithium battery.
The estimated lifespan of a lithium iron battery ranges from 10 to 15 years, depending on its usage. LiTime LiFePO4 batteries can endure up to complete charging cycles or as many as partial cycles. A complete charging cycle involves using the battery from full charge to full discharge and then fully recharging it. Allowing your batteries to remain unused for extended periods can impede their lifespan and potentially lead to battery failure if left unattended for too long.
LiTime advise that all lithium batteries and cells not in use undergo at least one full maintenance cycle (charge to 100% state of charge, discharge to 100% depth of discharge, charge to 50% state of charge) once every 6-12 months to preserve the battery's capacity. Please verify that batteries and cells in storage maintain an adequate open circuit voltage (OCV). Refer to the table below to determine the minimum recommended voltage for storage. If, during your maintenance check, the voltage falls below this value, LiTime recommends recharging your battery to the upper end of the voltage ranges provided below.
Voltage Range (v)
Battery System
3.3-3.4
Individual cell
13.2-13.6
12V Battery
26.4-27.2
24v Battery
39.6-40.8
36V Battery
52.8-54.4
48V Battery
When conducting semi-annual voltage checks on cells or batteries, ensure to examine for terminal corrosion and the integrity of the casing. Do not utilize any battery or cell that displays signs of damage.
Regardless of how well you maintain and store your battery, LiFePO4 batteries will continue to slowly self-discharge while in storage and not in use, around 1%-3% per month which is much lower than lead acid batteries. If your battery incorporates features like Bluetooth, the self-discharge rate will be higher due to the draw of the Bluetooth module. Regularly monitoring your battery's charge will help maintain its health and enhance its energy output for your specific application.
A simple at-home method to assess the battery's condition is to monitor the run-time of your application. Upon purchasing your new lithium battery, take note of the initial run time it provides for your application. This initial run time will serve as a benchmark for comparison as your battery ages, allowing you to gauge its health. The run time will vary based on the application and configuration you are running.
A lithium-specific battery charger is the ideal choice for ensuring a complete charging cycle each time. LiTime LiFePO4 battery chargers are equipped with an intelligent 3-step charging logic designed to effectively charge even deeply discharged batteries. Furthermore, to optimize battery performance and lifespan, our advanced charging technology maximizes the battery capacities during charging.
When it comes to extending the life of a lithium battery, the charging rate is crucial. Chargers are chosen based on a fraction of the battery's capacity. For instance, a lithium battery can be charged at a rate as fast as 1C (equivalent to the capacity of the battery), while a lead acid battery should be charged at a rate below C/3 (one-third of the battery's capacity). This means that a 10Ah lithium battery can be charged at 10 amps, whereas a 10Ah lead acid battery should be charged at about 3 amps.
To maximize the life of a lithium battery while ensuring fast charging to minimize downtime, we recommend charging your LiFePO4 battery at 0.2C but no faster than 0.5C. In the case of a 100Ah battery, this translates to a charge rate of 20A to 50A, with 20A being the optimal choice. For instance, if you were considering chargers and had the option of a 20A charger or a 50A charger, we would advise selecting the 20A charger. While the 50A charger may take around 2 hours to charge, it could potentially shorten the battery's lifespan. On the other hand, the 20A charger may take approximately 5 hours to charge but will maximize the battery's lifespan.
Besides, charging the battery with proper voltage is essential, here&#;s the charging voltage that LiTime recommends.
Charging the battery below freezing point is not a good idea. If you are in the area where the winter is long, battery with low-temperature charging-off protection and self-heating function is important. Visit LiTime cold-weather series for winter guard.
When storing batteries for an extended period, it's important to note that the storage requirements differ for SLA and lithium batteries.
The optimal state of charge (SoC) for storage is determined by the battery's chemistry. For SLA batteries, it's best to store them as close to 100% SoC as possible to prevent sulfating, which leads to the accumulation of sulfate crystals on the lead plates and reduces battery capacity. In contrast, lithium batteries should be stored at around 50% SoC to maintain stability in the positive terminal and prevent permanent capacity loss. For detailed recommendations on long-term lithium storage, refer to this guide on storing lithium batteries.
Another factor to consider is the self-discharge rate. SLA batteries have a high self-discharge rate, so it's advisable to keep them on a float or trickle charge to maintain them near 100% SoC and prevent sulfation and permanent capacity loss. On the other hand, lithium batteries, with their lower discharge rate, may require minimal maintenance charging if there are no parasitic draws on the battery, such as a Bluetooth module.
Lithium batteries, such as lithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries, are generally less prone to terminal corrosion compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. This is because lithium batteries use different chemistries and materials that are less susceptible to the types of corrosion commonly seen in lead-acid batteries.
However, while lithium batteries are more resistant to corrosion, they are not completely immune to all forms of degradation. It's important to note that lithium batteries can still experience issues related to their terminals, albeit to a lesser extent. Factors such as exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, and physical damage can still impact the terminals and connections of lithium batteries.
So follow these 2 rules can minimize the possibility of lithium batteries&#; terminal corrosion:
While the risk of terminal corrosion is lower with lithium batteries, it's always a good idea to follow best practices for battery maintenance to maximize their lifespan and performance.
Lithium batteries have revolutionized the power storage industry, offering unparalleled performance and efficiency. By adhering to these maintenance practices, owners of RVs, marine vessels, and golf carts can ensure that their lithium batteries continue to deliver reliable power for years to come. Proper charging, temperature management, regular inspections, correct installation, and monitoring the Battery Management System are all integral parts of maintaining lithium batteries.
By following these guidelines, enthusiasts can maximize the potential of their lithium batteries, enhancing their overall experience with their recreational vehicles and equipment.
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