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LiFePO4 Battery Cell

FIRSTEK - Your LiFePO4 Battery Cell Manufacturer with Reliable Solutions

With 20 years of industry experience, FIRSTEK enjoys a high reputation in the manufacturing and research and development of lead-acid batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries.

High R&D Level

Our FIRSTEK R&D Institute is a comprehensive R&D center integrating material R&D and testing verification functions. We are committed to becoming a national-level technology incubation center and testing center, with research branches such as battery technology, battery applications, and battery equipment under our jurisdiction. At present, we have applied for and obtained a number of patents, and our research and development level is at the leading level in the industry.

Customize and OEM/ODM Your Project

FIRSTEK not only produces automotive batteries, VRLA/SLA batteries, LiFePO4 batteries, ESM (energy storage modules) and ESS (energy storage systems), solar home systems, but also customizes lithium-ion batteries and develops BMS to meet the battery needs of different applications.

 

 

 

Multiple Certifications

Our company has obtained multiple international certifications, including ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001, OHS MS18001, UL, CE, KS, VDS, CB, BIS, SASO. All our batteries are produced to strict standards. Our company has also won the title of high-tech enterprise.

 

Environmental Friendly

FIRSTEK closely integrates its business philosophy with the social environment and establishes an industrial chain including materials, batteries, system integration, recycling, etc. By mastering the echelon utilization technology of the entire industry chain, we form a closed loop of the echelon utilization industry chain, aiming to contribute to environmental protection.

 

Brief Introduction to LiFePO4 Battery Cells

 

 

LiFePO4 battery cell is a battery that encapsulates lithium iron phosphate in a square or circular casing. The electrode sheets (anode, separator, cathode) in the casing are mainly stacked to form a battery pack. They contain more energy and offer greater durability because they are more compact. For the same volume, stacked bonded cells can release more energy at once and provide better performance. The common shapes of this kind of battery are prismatic and cylindrical.

 

 

Working Principle of LiFePO4 Battery Cells

LiFePO4 Battery Cell mainly uses anode (negative electrode), cathode (positive electrode) and electrolyte as conductors. The anode of a discharge battery is the negative electrode, and the cathode is the positive electrode. The separator forms a barrier between the cathode and anode, preventing the electrodes from touching while allowing charge to flow freely between them. The cathode is a metal oxide and the anode is composed of porous carbon. During discharge, ions flow from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte and separator. The charge reverses direction and ions flow from the cathode to the anode.

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Main Features of LiFePO4 Battery Cells
 

Lightweight
LFP cells do have 50% more usable power, making them 70% lighter than lead-acid batteries. Plus, they're lighter than some lithium-ion batteries. They also feature smaller battery packs, providing more space. If also compared to lead-acid batteries, a battery box and wiring are required for installation. This is not the case with LiFePO4 battery cells. They usually have a prismatic or cylindrical design, so they are very compact.

 

Environmentally Friendly
The highlight of these batteries is that they are rechargeable. Plus, they don't leak, are non-toxic and recyclable. These batteries do not contain heavy or rare earth metals such as cobalt, nickel or lead. They are composed of materials such as graphite, iron, and copper. Lead-acid and nickel oxide batteries pose significant environmental risks. Since their internal chemicals degrade the structure over time, this can lead to toxic leaks. Another environmental advantage of LiFePO4 batteries is that the battery pack is easy to recycle at the end of its life.

 

Stable Chemical Properties
LFP battery cells are made of phosphate, which has excellent thermal and chemical stability and the safest lithium chemistry. To make it easier to understand, phosphate cells are non-flammable. This is relevant because lithium iron phosphate batteries will not explode or catch fire even in the event of a short circuit or collision.

 

High Charging Efficiency
Compared with other batteries, lithium iron batteries have higher discharge and charging efficiency. They last longer and also have the ability to cycle deeply while maintaining performance. In terms of battery life, the self-discharge rate is only 2% compared to 30% for lead-acid batteries. If the battery life is less than 50%, the power remains consistent. Furthermore, if we consider the charging time, they can be fully charged in just two hours, sometimes even less.

 

 
Advantages of LiFePO4 Battery Cells
 

 

01/

Long Lasting
LiFePO4 Battery Cells can be recycled up to 5,000 times at 80% depth of discharge without performance degradation. They require no active maintenance to extend their service life. Additionally, the batteries have no memory effect and you can store them for longer periods of time due to their low self-discharge rate (<3% per month). Lead-acid batteries require special maintenance. Otherwise, their lifespan will be shortened even more.

02/

Good Flexibility
LiFePO4 Battery Cells are usually designed in cylindrical or prismatic shapes, so they are easy to assemble. They can meet the needs of small capacity battery packs. For example, lithium iron phosphate battery pack products require a 12.8V 2000mAh battery pack. Ordinary batteries generally cannot meet the requirements, but several lithium iron phosphate cells connected in series or parallel can meet the needs.

03/

Good Stability
When these battery packs are combined, the gap between the cells is large, so heat dissipation is good. These batteries have high capacity, so when they are combined into a large lithium iron phosphate battery pack, fewer cells are used, which means the consistency of the battery pack is better. Generally speaking, the greater the number of cells, the worse the consistency and the worse the performance of the battery pack.

04/

High Efficiency
Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) have 100% usable capacity. Additionally, their fast charge and discharge rates make them ideal for a variety of applications. Fast charging reduces downtime and increases efficiency. High discharge pulse currents provide bursts of power over short periods of time.

05/

Wide Operating Temperature Range
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) operates over a wide temperature range, making lithium batteries ideal for a variety of applications, including those withstanding extreme temperatures. Lithium is the best choice for applications that run out of battery or operate in extreme weather conditions.

06/

Safety
To achieve high battery safety, we use only the highest quality batteries using the safest technology available today: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP). Combined with the battery management system (BMS) developed by our innovative engineering team, we can ensure battery safety and reliability.

 

Two Common LiFePO4 Battery Cells

 

25.6V6Ah 8S1P LiFePO4 Solar Tracker Battery

LiFePO4 Prismatic Battery Cells

 

A prismatic battery is a battery with chemicals encapsulated in a rigid casing. Its rectangular shape allows efficient stacking of multiple cells in a battery module. There are two types of prismatic batteries: the electrode sheets (anode, separator, cathode) inside the casing are either stacked or rolled up and flattened. For the same volume, stacked prismatic cells can release more energy at once and provide better performance, while flat prismatic cells contain more energy and provide more durability. Prismatic batteries are mainly used in energy storage systems and electric vehicles. Their larger size makes them unsuitable for small devices such as e-bikes and cell phones. Therefore, they are more suitable for energy-intensive applications.

LiFePO4 Cylindrical Battery Cells

 

Cylindrical batteries are batteries enclosed in a rigid cylindrical can. Cylindrical batteries are small and round, allowing them to be stacked in devices of various sizes. Unlike other battery formats, their shape prevents swelling, an unwelcome phenomenon in batteries as gas can accumulate in the casing. Cylindrical batteries were first used in laptop computers, which contained three to nine cells. Cylindrical batteries are also used in electric bicycles, medical equipment and satellites. Due to their shape, they are also important in space exploration. Other cell formats are deformed by atmospheric pressure. For example, the last rover sent to Mars ran on cylindrical batteries. Formula E high-performance electric race cars use the exact same batteries as the rover.

Low Temperature 26650 3.2V3350mAh LiFePO4 Battery Cell

 

Typical Applications of LiFePO4 Battery Cells

 

Passenger Cars

LiFePO4 battery cells are widely used in electric passenger cars. One of the main considerations in electric vehicle design is to achieve the best balance between energy density, power output and safety. LiFePO4 batteries excel in this regard. Its impressive energy density allows electric vehicles to travel greater distances on a single charge, solving a common concern among EV owners about range anxiety. In addition, its stable chemical composition reduces the risk of thermal runaway, ensuring the safety of occupants and vehicles.

Commercial Electric Vehicles

LiFePO4 battery cells have made significant progress in the field of commercial electric vehicles. Electric buses, vans and trucks require powerful and reliable battery systems to support their intensive usage patterns. LiFePO4 batteries have a long cycle life and are suitable for vehicles with frequent charge and discharge cycles. Additionally, their thermal stability and safety properties are critical for applications involving large battery packs that need to perform flawlessly in a variety of conditions.

Two-Wheelers: Electric Bikes and Scooters

LiFePO4 battery cells are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for e-bikes and scooters. These vehicles require batteries that are both efficient and space-saving. LiFePO4 batteries meet these requirements, providing sufficient power for short commutes while maintaining a small form factor. Their inherent safety features are particularly valuable in applications where the battery is located close to the rider.

Energy Storage Systems

LiFePO4 battery cells are not limited to vehicle applications, they are also used in stationary energy storage systems. These systems store renewable energy or excess energy generated during off-peak hours and release it when demand is high. LiFePO4 batteries excel in this area due to their high charge and discharge efficiency, fast response time and long cycle life. They contribute to grid stability and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources.

Recreational Vehicles (RVs) and Marine Applications

LiFePO4 battery cells are increasingly used in recreational vehicle and marine applications. In an RV, these batteries provide reliable, efficient power for lighting, appliances, and climate control systems. Likewise, in marine environments where safety and durability are critical, lithium iron phosphate batteries provide a trusted solution for electric propulsion, lighting and shipboard systems.

Specialty Vehicles

Specialty electric vehicles, including golf carts, forklifts and airport ground support equipment, all benefit from the properties of LiFePO4 battery cells. These batteries can handle frequent charge and discharge cycles, ensuring extended working hours. Their ability to provide stable power output increases the efficiency of these vehicles, thereby reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

 

Main Differences Between Prismatic and Cylindrical LiFePO4 Battery Cells
Shape is not the only factor that distinguishes prismatic and cylindrical LiFePO4 battery cells. Other important differences include their size, number of electrical connections, and power output.
 

Size
Prismatic cells are much larger than cylindrical cells and therefore contain more energy per cell. To give a rough idea of the difference, a single prismatic cell can contain the same energy as 20 to 100 cylindrical cells. The smaller size of cylindrical cells means they can be used in applications that require less power. Therefore, they are used in a wider range of applications.

 

Connections
Because prismatic cells are larger than cylindrical cells, fewer cells are needed to obtain the same amount of energy. This means that, for the same volume, cells using prismatic cells require fewer electrical connections to be soldered. This is a major advantage of prismatic cells, as there are fewer opportunities for manufacturing defects.

 

Power
Cylindrical batteries may store less energy than prismatic batteries, but they are more powerful. This means that cylindrical batteries can release energy faster than prismatic batteries. The reason is that they have more connections per ampere hour (Ah). Therefore, cylindrical cells are ideal for high-performance applications, while prismatic cells are ideal for optimizing energy efficiency. Examples of high-performance battery applications include Formula E racing cars and the Ingenuity helicopter on Mars. Both require extreme performance in extreme environments.

 

A Guide to Choose LiFePO4 Battery Cells

 

LiFePO4 battery cells have a number of specifications that are important to consider when selecting a battery for a particular application. Here are some common specifications to consider:
Capacity
This is the amount of energy the battery can store. Higher capacity means the battery can store more energy and provide more operating time for the device.


Voltage
The voltage and current of a battery determine the amount of power it can deliver. For the same current, higher voltage can provide more power to the device.


Energy Density
Energy density is a measure of how much energy can be stored in a given volume or mass of the battery. The cell with high energy density will be more compact and lighter, but it may also have a shorter lifetime and may be more expensive.


Discharge Rate
This is the rate at which a battery can discharge its stored energy. It determines how quickly it can deliver its stored energy. For example: If the battery capacity is 1Ah, 1C is 1A discharge 1h to complete the discharge, 5C is 5A discharge 0.2 hour to complete.


Charge Rate
This is the rate at which a battery can be charged, typically measured in amperes (A). Higher charge rate means the battery can be charged more quickly. Similar to discharge rate: 1C is 1A charge 1h to complete charge, 5C is 5A charge 0.2 hour to complete.


Self-Discharge Rate
Self-discharge rate of a battery is the loss of power when the battery is not working, which is unavoidable. The lower the self-discharge rate, the longer the battery can maintain its power.


Maximum Pulse Discharge Current
Maximum pulse discharge current is the battery in order to meet the conditions of use and the need for a short period of high current pulse discharge. Pulsed current can provide a strong current in an instant to start certain devices. Like engines.


Operating Temperature Range
This is the range of temperatures over which a battery can be used without damaging it. Such as charging temperature, discharging temperature, maximum current operating temperature, etc.


Internal Resistance
All batteries have internal resistance, and lithium batteries are no exception. The resistance value of the internal resistance of lithium batteries also determines the quality of lithium batteries.


Life Cycle
The life cycle of a battery is a measure of how many times it can be charged and discharged before it fails. More cycles means that the battery will last longer before it needs to be replaced.


Safety
The safety of a battery is an important consideration, especially for applications where the battery is being used in a high-risk environment. It’ s generally related to the material of the cell: LFP( LiFePO4 ) is more stable than NCA ( LiNiCoAlO2 ).


Size and Weight
Suitable size and weight are important considerations in design and practical applications.


Cost
The cost of a battery is an important consideration for many applications. Cheaper battery cells may not provide the same performance or life as more expensive batteries, but the right cost to choose a cell is the best choice.

 

Maintenance Tips for LiFePO4 Battery Cells

 

 

14500 3.2V600mAh LiFePO4 Battery Cell

Use the Correct Charger

When choosing a charger, please use a dedicated LiFePO4 charger. Other types of battery chargers may exceed the charging voltage of lithium iron phosphate batteries and damage the battery. (How to charge lithium iron phosphate battery?)

Best SOC Range

Although LiFePO4 battery cells allow users to use them until completely exhausted without immediate damage to the battery, there is still an optimal charge/discharge range. The optimal SOC range for LiFePO4 is 10%-90%. In order to maintain the stable operation of the internal chemistry of LiFePO4, it is recommended to stop charging when charging to 90% SOC and stop discharging when 10% SOC is reached.

Avoid High Current Discharge

Unlike lead-acid batteries that can easily output large currents, LiFePO4's maximum continuous output current is usually 1C and its maximum pulse current is 2C (sustainable for 30 seconds). Therefore, pay attention to the relationship between load and battery pack capacity. If the load requires more than 1C current, please consider increasing the number of parallel battery packs to reduce the pressure on a single battery pack.

Use BMS

Many users have found that their battery packs seem to work fine without a BMS. This is because most batteries are consistent and have close SOC status when they leave the factory. is close to equilibrium. However, we still recommend using BMS because BMS has multiple protection functions to prevent LiFePO4 from overcharging and over-discharging.

Suitable Working Environment Temperature

Ambient temperature has a great impact on lithium iron phosphate battery packs. To avoid damage, please use it within the range of 0 to 60 degrees Celsius. LiFePO4 will be damaged when charged below 0 degrees Celsius, so please charge it above 0 degrees Celsius. In the cold winter, the environment around the battery pack needs to be heated to protect the lithium iron phosphate battery.

Proper Compression for Cells

Lithium iron phosphate battery cells may experience delamination during operation. Delamination can cause the battery to swell and reduce its capacity. Applying pressure to the battery cells prevents delamination from occurring, thereby extending the cycle life of the battery. According to the specifications of the battery core, it is best to apply a force of 300kgf (kilogram force) to the battery core.

 

Reasons for the Failure of Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries
 

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are generally considered to be reliable and have several advantages over other lithium-ion battery chemistries. However, like any technology, they can experience failures due to various reasons. Here are some common causes of failure for lithium iron phosphate batteries:

Overcharging

Exceeding the recommended voltage limits during the charging process can lead to the degradation of the battery and potential failure. LiFePO4 batteries are sensitive to overcharging, and if not properly managed, it can cause the formation of metallic lithium, which can lead to internal short circuits and thermal runaway.

Over Discharging

Similar to overcharging, discharging a LiFePO4 battery beyond its recommended voltage limits can cause damage to the cells. Over discharging can result in the formation of lithium plating on the anode, which can lead to reduced capacity, increased internal resistance, and potential cell failure.

High Temperatures

Elevated temperatures can accelerate the aging process and reduce the overall lifespan of LiFePO4 batteries. Heat can promote side reactions within the cells, causing degradation of the electrode materials and electrolyte, leading to capacity loss and decreased performance.

Mechanical Stress

Physical damage to the battery, such as dropping or crushing, can cause internal shorts, compromising the integrity of the cell and leading to failure.

Manufacturing Defects

Faulty manufacturing processes or quality control issues can result in defective batteries with internal inconsistencies, such as variations in cell voltage or capacity. These defects can lead to premature failure or reduced overall performance.

Poor Cell Balancing

In multi-cell battery packs, if individual cells are not balanced properly, it can result in some cells being overcharged while others are over-discharged. This imbalance can cause stress on the cells and lead to failure.

 

Process Quality Management

We implement the following quality management processes:

 

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Factory Photos

The picture below is our factory:

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What does LiFePO4 mean on a battery?

A: Lithium Iron phosphate. Lithium Iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are a type of lithium ion (Li-Ion) rechargeable battery.

Q: What are the advantages of square LiFePO4 Battery Cells?

A: This kind of battery has larger single capacity, higher stability, higher safety, higher space utilization and lighter weight.

Q: Are LiFePO4 Battery Cells safe?

A: There is no doubt that LiFePO4 Battery Cells are one of the safest lithium-ion batteries. Due to its chemical properties and safe internal structure, LiFePO4 Battery Cells will not explode even if severely damaged (such as puncture/strong impact).

Q: Do my LiFePO4 Battery Cells need to be compressed?

A: This needs to be done. Compressing batteries helps preserve battery performance and extend battery life. What's more, battery compression avoids battery bulging.

Q: Why are my LiFePO4 Battery Cells swelling?

A: Reasons for LiFePO4 battery expansion include overcharging, over-discharging and other abuse. Environmental factors such as high temperature, high humidity, and ultra-low pressure may also be the cause.

Q: How are LiFePO4 Battery Cells stored?

A: The most important thing is temperature. LiFePO4 batteries store well at room temperature (15~25 degrees Celsius), but too low a temperature may damage the battery. In freezing conditions, you need to pay attention to battery insulation. Alternatively, you can store the battery in a dry, ventilated room at 50% SOC.

Q: What should I do after receiving LiFePO4 Battery Cells?

A: After receiving the battery, please immediately check whether the insulation layer of the battery (usually the blue film) is damaged and whether the QR code is scratched. You will also want to use a multimeter to check voltage/internal resistance/capacity. Please be sure to charge the battery to full voltage before first use.

Q: What is the life expectancy of LiFePO4 Battery Cells?

A: The typical estimated life of LiFePO4 Battery Cells is 5-15 years or 4000 to 8000 charge cycles. A charging cycle is a usage cycle from full charge to full discharge to full charge.

Q: What are the advantages of LiFePO4 Battery Cells over other lithium-ion batteries?

A: LiFePO4 Battery Cells have long life, high safety and low self-discharge rate, making them more stable and durable than other lithium-ion batteries.

Q: What are the typical uses of LiFePO4 Battery Cells?

A: It is commonly used in electric vehicles, solar energy storage systems and portable devices.

Q: How fast do LiFePO4 Battery Cells charge?

A: LiFePO4 batteries have faster charging speeds and can typically achieve up to 80% charge in a short period of time.

Q: Are LiFePO4 Battery Cells environmentally friendly?

A: Yes, LiFePO4 batteries do not contain harmful heavy metals and are more environmentally friendly.

Q: Are LiFePO4 Battery Cells recyclable?

A: Yes, LiFePO4 Battery Cells are recyclable. LiFePO4 batteries contain substances such as copper, cobalt, nickel and rare earths, up to 96% of which can be recycled. Therefore, through recycling, we can reuse these materials, thereby reducing the pressure on the environment.

Q: How and where do I recycle my LiFePO4 Battery Cells?

A: Start by taping all LiFePO4 battery terminals to prevent them from discharging. Then place them in the nearest battery recycling bin. Or you can go to an electronic hardware store/battery recycler for help.

Q: What is BMS? Why do LiFePO4 Battery Cells require BMS?

A: A battery management system (BMS) is a device that manages rechargeable batteries (cells or battery packs). It can monitor the status of the battery to obtain calculation data to protect the battery. It prevents battery overcharge/overdischarge/overcurrent and also provides battery balancing to a certain extent.

Q: Can LiFePO4 Battery Cells be fully discharged?

A: The cycle life of most lead-acid batteries is significantly reduced if discharged beyond 50%, which may result in a total cycle count of less than 300 cycles. In contrast, LIFEPO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries can be continuously discharged to 100% DOD with no long-term effects.

Q: What are the characteristics of LiFePO4 battery compared with other Lithium base batteries?

A: There are three types of Lithium Ion Cells based on different cathode materials. They are lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide and lithium iron phosphate types. Although lithium cobalt oxide cell has the advantage of high energy density, it suffers from safety concerns. Lithium manganese oxide cell has been evaluated for the application on high rate due to the better safety characteristics. However, its high temperature performance is the major drawback. While Lithium iron phosphate cell has the best safety characteristics, long cycle life (+2000 cycles) and good availability. It has higher discharge current, but it has lower voltage and energy density than normal Li-ion cells. It is the safest and most suitable for high output usage. It is also the best for storage battery usage. It is not necessary to use the equalizer and the protecting PC Board module.

Q: How safe are LiFePO4 battery?

A: LiFePO4 battery are considered to be safe, non-flammable and non-hazardous for superior chemical and mechanical structure. They can also withstand harsh conditions, be it freezing cold, scorching heat or rough terrain. When subjected to hazardous events, such as collision or short-circuiting, they won’t explode or catch fire, significantly reducing any chance of harm. If you’re selecting a lithium battery and anticipate use in hazardous or unstable environments, LiFePO4 battery is likely be your best choice. It’s also worth mentioning that they are non-toxic, non-contaminating and contain no rare earth metals, making them environmentally conscious.

Q: Why my lithium batteries do not charge?

A: The normal voltage range for the battery is between 12.8 and 13.5 volts. After discharging when connected to a load, the voltage may drop as low as 10V, causing the battery's Battery Management System (BMS) to enter a protection state. The voltage range for discharge protection is 0-2V. In this situation, you will need to use a charger with a 0V charging function to activate the battery for charging. If you do not have a charger with 0V charging functionality, you can parallel the 0V battery with another fully charged 12V battery (either a lithium-ion or lead-acid battery). Then, connect the charger to initiate charging. After approximately 10 minutes of charging and once the lithium-ion battery voltage has recovered to above 12V, you can proceed to charge the lithium-ion battery separately. Many customers use smart chargers that require identification of 6V or 12V batteries before initiating charging. These chargers can charge lithium-ion batteries with normal voltages, but they cannot detect batteries in protection mode, which have voltages in the range of 0-2V and, therefore, cannot be charged by these chargers.

As one of the most professional lifepo4 battery cell manufacturers and suppliers in China, we're featured by high quality and good service. Please rest assured to buy lifepo4 battery cell at reasonable price from our factory. Contact us for datasheet and quotation.

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