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Some people use their LiFePO4 batteries seasonally, such as when camping or ice fishing. Several individuals frequently store lithium batteries during the off-season. While storing LiFePO4 batteries, it is essential to store them carefully to prevent damage and maintain their functionality for many years to come.
HOW TO STORE LIFEPO4 BATTERIES?
How should I properly store my lithium battery? A question we receive daily from our consumers, especially during the winter months. The answer depends on the temperature and length of time the batteries are stored. The following is a summary of how to store a LiFePO4 battery:
Temperature range recommended for storage: -5 to +35 °C (23 to 95 °F).
-20 to +60°C (4 to 140°F) for up to one month.
Storage for three months: -10 to +35 degrees Celsius
Extended storage temperature range: +15 to +35°C (59 to 95°F).
During the off-season, it is strongly recommended to keep lithium batteries indoors. Moreover, it is advised to store LiFePO4 batteries at a state of charge (SOC) of at least 50 percent. If batteries are stored for extended durations, they should be cycled at least once every six months. Discharged batteries should not be stored.
DISCONNECT BEFORE STORING LIFEPO4
Numerous clients have main disconnect switches for battery power. We advise you to take extra precautions to verify the batteries are Really unplugged. This is due to the fact that many RVs continue to run components in the background, such as the C02 sensor, illuminated stereo, or some other emergency sensor that may be circumventing the main disconnect switch. Physically disconnecting the lithium batteries’ positive and negative terminals is the best method for storing them. This will ensure that the battery is not discharged during storage and that the LiFePO4 batteries are fully charged when they are needed again. Always use a lithium charger and never a charger designed for other battery chemistries.
LiFePO4 batteries have a modest monthly self-discharge rate of 2%. This indicates that lithium batteries lose 2% of their charge capacity per month when stored. To prevent the batteries from discharging at a faster rate, we recommend removing all power sources. While storing LiFePO4 batteries, it is essential that they have a state of charge (SOC) of at least 50%. When keeping for an extended period of time, a greater state of charge is advised. If you want the batteries to retain a good level of charge after the storage period has ended, you should completely charge them before storing them.
HOW TO STORE LIFEPO4 Using a System
If you are keeping your LiFePO4 batteries along with the rest of your system, including your charger and inverter, we recommend utilizing a battery guardian, which protects LiFePO4 batteries by disconnecting them from parasitic loads when their voltage reaches 11.5V. If you lack a disconnect switch, it is recommended that you disconnect the primary battery connections. As LiFePO4 batteries do not require a trickle charge, it is acceptable to disconnect the charger while the batteries are stored.
HOW TO PRESERVE LIFEPO4 DURING COLD WEATHER
If the battery pack is not in operation, severe temperatures have no effect on lithium cells. We do not advocate long-term storage of lithium batteries in extremely cold conditions, since this could cause the ABS casing of the battery pack to shatter. In addition, temperatures over 60°C (140°F) might damage other components in the battery pack, thus it is preferable to avoid high temperatures for extended periods of time. te. lithium batteries should always be stored indoors and at room temperature.
RISK OF FAILING TO CHARGE PRIOR TO BATTERY STORAGE
There are severe implications for storing an uncharged LiFePO4 battery. Due to the 2% self-discharge rate, the battery is susceptible to overdischarge. The discharge level may exceed what the BMS can safeguard against. When storing a lithium battery, it is imperative that it be fully charged. It is advised that lithium batteries be stored at room temperature, especially when they will be stored for a lengthy period of time. Go back to the first paragraph of this article to determine how long LiFePO4 may be stored at different temperatures. Your 10-year battery guarantee will be voided if you overdischarge the cells due to storage without a charge. This can cause irreparable damage and void the warranty. The Redway Power‘s integrated BMS records all battery activity, including storage. In addition to recording every charge and discharge, numerous additional parameters, such as temperature, are also recorded.
COOL-TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE
There is potential capacity loss when discharging LiFePO4 batteries in extremely cold temperatures (less than 0 degrees Celsius). In freezing temperatures, a 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery may only deliver 90Ah, 80Ah, or even 70Ah, depending on how cold it is. This is normal for the chemistry of LiFePO4 and is just transient. As the battery warms up again, its full capacity will return. A CLI100-12 battery (12V 100Ah) provides approximately 80 amp-hours at 0°C. At -20 degrees Celsius, the battery’s capacity declines to approximately 70 amp-hours. Lithium plating is a harmful phenomena that can lead to short circuiting if LiFePO4 batteries are charged at freezing temperatures. This is why all Redway Power LiFePO4 batteries include an integrated BMS that prevents charging in cold conditions. Moreover, the BMS is responsible for protecting against the following:
Temperature-intensive charging
Overcharge
Over-discharge
Internal overheating
COLD-TEMPERATURE LITHIUM BATTERY
Check out our Low-Temperature lithium batteries if you wish to charge LiFePO4 batteries in cold weather without the risk of capacity loss at freezing temperatures. They are cold-weather rated and suited for the frigid climes of Canada. The batteries can safely charge and discharge at temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit).
How? Redway Power LiFePO4 LT batteries feature an integrated heating system with patented technology that takes power from the charger. There are no other components required. The entire heating and charging procedure is entirely flawless. The heating system engages automatically when charging below 0°C is attempted and deactivates automatically when it is no longer required. The heating system draws power from the charger rather than the battery, preventing the battery from self-discharge. Merely connect the battery to a lithium charger, and the battery’s internal heating and monitoring systems will handle the rest.
When LiFePO4 is discharged at cold temperatures, the battery’s output capacity is diminished. Our exclusive technology resolves the issue. When discharging lithium in subzero temperatures, the heater pulls electricity from the battery to activate and warm the cells in order to give maximum capacity. Redway Power LiFePO4’s maximum discharge C rating is unaffected by temperature.
Up to four lithium batteries for cold weather can be connected in series or parallel. Whereas series connections increase voltage, parallel connections increase current. Purchase lithium batteries for cold weather online with free shipping to anywhere in Canada. Advanced LiFePO4 chemistry and an integrated battery management system deliver safe and dependable power, backed by the best 10-year warranty in Canada.
Redway Power is pleased to be the first and only Canadian battery manufacturer to develop lithium batteries that heat themselves. Our UL-certified lithium batteries ensure safety and dependability in all applications, including RV, marine, and off-grid solar. Check out our LiFePO4 batteries for cold weather and feel free to contact us if you have any queries.
