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Embedded devices, like cellphones and electric cars, need powerful, lightweight, and safe batteries. Lithium batteries provide these qualities for various applications, including mobile devices, vehicles, medical equipment, and energy storage. There are two main types: lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate. While both offer high energy density and long life cycles, they differ in safety and cost. Most people are familiar with lithium-ion batteries from their phones and computers. However, lithium iron phosphate batteries are becoming popular in industries due to their affordability and resistance to high temperatures.
LiFePO4 vs Lithium Ion Battery Charging
The charging of lithium ion and lithium iron phosphate batteries is quite similar. For charging, both use constant voltage followed by constant current. Using one of the DIY battery packs from the channel often necessitates the use of two pieces of equipment for solar or desktop charging. The source of the voltage and current comes first. This might, for instance, be a solar panel or an adjustable buck. Next is the charging controller. This supplies the BMS, which regulates the voltage and current that leave our voltage/current source.
The pack is then sent by the BMS at the required voltage. Also, because of this occurrence, cells with greater voltages than the others lose voltage. It is the time for the rest to catch up. Whether or whether your battery includes a BMS, you should never connect an unregulated source directly to it.
Lithium Ion Energy Density vs. LiFePO4
Energy density measures a battery’s power-to-weight ratio (Wh/kg). It indicates how much power it holds relative to its weight. Power density, on the other hand, measures how quickly energy is delivered. Although often used interchangeably, understanding their difference is important. A high energy density means a longer-lasting battery for its size.
Higher energy density means more energy stored in a smaller space, increasing battery utilization. Lightweight forklift batteries improve handling and safety. However, higher energy density can also increase the risk of thermal events. Lithium-ion batteries have an energy density of 150-200 Wh/kg, while lithium-iron phosphate batteries have 90-120 Wh/kg. LiFePO4 batteries discharge more slowly than lithium-ion batteries and have lower voltage discharge capacity. Although lithium-ion batteries share the same lithium component, their chemical makeup varies. Most lithium-ion batteries consist of a carbon/graphite anode, separator, aluminum-backed cathode, and lithium salt electrolyte in an organic solvent.
The cathode and anode’s constituent parts have been examined by the manufacturers. The electrolyte’s chemical makeup has also altered. The various energy densities of lithium-ion batteries are a result of these variations.
Safety of LiFePO4 vs. Lithium Ion
Phosphate batteries have a superior chemical and mechanical structure that doesn’t overheat in a risky way. Hence, compared to lithium-ion batteries made with alternative cathode materials, it offers more safety. This is because LiFePO4’s charged and uncharged states are physically equivalent and very resilient, allowing the ions to remain stable during the oxygen flux that takes place along with charge cycles or possible failures. Overall, the iron phosphate-oxide link is stronger than the cobalt-oxide bond, allowing it to withstand physical damage or overcharging without losing structural stability. In contrast, the bonds begin to disintegrate in other lithium chemistries and release excessive heat, which finally results in thermal runaway.
Lithium phosphate batteries’ incombustibility is an essential feature to have un case of careless handling during charging or discharging. They can also endure unfavorable weather, such as bitter cold, sweltering heat, or rugged terrain. They reduce the possibility of damage by not exploding or catching fire when exposed to hazardous conditions like crashes or short circuits. If you’re picking a lithium battery and want to use it in hazardous or unstable situations, LiFePO4 is definitely your best option. LiFePO4 batteries are an ecologically safe choice since they are non-toxic, non-contaminating, and don’t include rare earth metals, which is another crucial point to remember.
