Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) compared with Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Batteries

 
  1. LiFePO4 cells are much lighter and smaller than VRLA. 
  2. LiFePO4 contains no toxic or hazardous materials and can be disposed of in domestic waste.
  3. LiFePO4 are safe technology that will not catch fire or explode with overcharging - they do not produce any flammable gasses under any circumstances.
  4. LiFePO4 weigh one third to one quarter of the weight of a lead-acid battery of equivalent power
  5. LiFePO4 can deliver more than 5000 deep discharge cycles, compared to typically around 300 to 800 for ten year design-life VRLA, or 1500 cycles to 50% depth of discharge for 20 year design-life VRLA.
  6. In higher discharge rate applications LiFePO4 can produce double the usable capacity of similarly rated lead-acid batteries.
  7. Virtually flat voltage discharge curve means maximum power available until fully discharged (no "voltage sag" as with lead-acid batteries)
  8. LiFePO4 have a higher discharge rate capability, 10C continuous, 20C pulse discharge, compared with VRLA which have 0.1 C to 0.25 C maximum charge rate recommendations.
  9. LiFePO4 accept higher continuous charge rates - up to 3C = much faster recharging possibilities
  10. Unlike lead-acid batteries, LiFePO4 can be left in a partially discharged state for extended periods without causing permanent reduction of battery capacity.
  11. LiFePO4 extremely low self discharge rate (unlike lead-acid which will go flat quite quickly if left sitting for long periods)
  12. LiFePO4 do not suffer from "thermal runaway". To minimise the risk of their thermal runaway, in standby applications VRLA charge rates should be limited to 0.1C.
  13. LiFePO4 can be used safely in high ambient temperatures, up to 85 deg.C without any performance degradation. VRLA should be maintained at around 25 deg C to deliver their design-life.
  14. LiFePO4 operate down to -40 deg. C without performance degradation. VRLA may deliver only 20% C at between -20 to -40 deg. C, depending on quality.
  15. LiFePO4 are 100% maintenance-free for the life of the battery, VRLA yearly capacity and impedance checking.
  16. LiFePO4 can be operated in any orientation, including inverted. Some VRLA can be positioned horizontally.
  17. LiFePO4 do not contain any toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, nor any corrosive acids or alkalis.
  18. LiFePO4 batteries are the most environmentally friendly battery chemistry available today.
Current rating: 3.3

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