FIRSTEK - Your LiFePO4 Battery 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.

 

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Purpose of Chain Sprockets

 

 

LiFePO4 battery is a rechargeable battery that is popular for its safety, long life and high efficiency. Such batteries are found in a variety of applications, including off-grid energy storage, backup power systems, portable electronics and electric vehicles. Lithium-ion Batteries have become the standard for solar and off-grid power applications due to their vast advantages over lead-acid battery technology. They require little maintenance and can run for ten years or more, depending on usage patterns. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, LiFePO4 batteries do not contain nickel and cobalt.

 

Main Features of LiFePO4 Battery
 

Safe and Stable
LiFePO4 batteries are known for their strong safety, which is the result of extremely stable chemical properties. Phosphate batteries have excellent thermal and chemical stability and are safer than lithium-ion batteries made of other cathode materials. The batteries are non-flammable, and they can also withstand harsh conditions, whether it's freezing cold, sweltering heat or rugged terrain.

 

Excellent Performance
Long life, slow self-discharge rate and lighter weight make lithium-iron batteries an attractive option as they are expected to have a longer shelf life than lithium-ion batteries. These batteries typically have a lifespan of five to ten years or more and run significantly longer than lead-acid and other lithium batteries. Lithium iron phosphate batteries offer significant advantages over lead-acid and other lithium batteries, including improved discharge and charge efficiency and the ability to deep cycle while maintaining performance. LiFePO4 batteries are generally more expensive, but have low maintenance costs and infrequent replacements over the life of the product.

 

Light Weight
It is worth mentioning the space-saving characteristics of LiFePO4 battery. At one-third the weight of most lead-acid batteries and almost half the weight of popular manganese oxide batteries, LiFePO4 provides an efficient use of space and weight, making your product more efficient overall. So, if you are looking for a battery that is lightweight and charges quickly, look no further than LiFePO4.

 

Environmental Friendly
LiFePO4 batteries are non-toxic, non-polluting and contain no rare earth metals, making them an environmentally friendly choice. Lead-acid and lithium nickel-oxide batteries pose significant environmental risks (especially lead-acid, as the chemicals inside can degrade the structure over time and eventually cause leaks). For this reason, these batteries have gained more popularity in the new energy industry.

 

 
Advantages of LiFePO4 Battery
 

 

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Wider Temperature Range
LiFePO4 batteries operate efficiently over a wide temperature range. Research shows that temperature has a strong impact on lithium-ion batteries, and manufacturers have tried various methods to curb this effect. LiFePO4 batteries can operate in temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C) and as high as 140°F (60°C). Unless you live somewhere extremely cold, you can use lithium iron phosphate year-round.

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Longer Service Life
LiFePO4 has a longer lifespan compared to other lithium-ion technologies and lead-acid batteries. LFP batteries can be charged and discharged 2,500 to 5,000 times before losing approximately 20% of their original capacity. A typical lead-acid battery may only provide a few hundred cycles before capacity and efficiency decrease. This results in more frequent replacements, wasting the owner's time and money, and leading to electronic waste.

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High Energy Density
LiFePO4 batteries have high energy density, which means they can store more power in less space than other battery chemistries. High energy density benefits portable solar generators because they are lighter and smaller than lead-acid and traditional lithium-ion batteries. High energy density also increasingly makes LiFePO4 a top choice for electric vehicle manufacturers, as they can store more power while taking up less valuable space.

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Safer

LiFePO4 batteries are safer than other lithium-ion batteries because they offer better protection from overheating and thermal runaway. LFP batteries also have a much lower risk of fire or explosion, making them ideal for residential installations. Additionally, they do not release harmful gases like lead-acid batteries. You can safely store and handle LiFePO4 batteries in an enclosed space such as a garage or shed, but some ventilation is still recommended.

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Low Self-Discharge
LiFePO4 batteries have a low self-discharge rate, which means they won't lose charge when not used for long periods of time. They are ideal as a battery backup solution that may only be needed during occasional power outages or for temporary expansion of existing systems. Even when it's stored away, it can be safely charged and set aside until needed.

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Various Charging Methods
LiFePO4 batteries can be charged in a variety of ways. In addition to ordinary grid charging, some manufacturers of LiFePO4 batteries in portable power stations allow solar charging by adding solar panels. When connected to a sufficient solar array, LiFePO4 batteries can provide off-grid power to an entire home.

 

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Working Principle of LiFePO4 Battery in Charge and Discharge State

Charging State

The positive electrode (i.e. cathode) is composed of lithium iron phosphate. Iron and phosphate ions form a grid, and lithium ions are loosely trapped. As the battery charges, these lithium ions are pulled through the film and to the negative graphite electrode, which traps and retains these intersecting lithium ions. The membrane is made of a polymer (plastic) with many tiny pores that allow lithium ions to pass through easily. The battery is fully charged when all the positive lithium ions available in the cathode terminal reach the anode terminal and are stored accordingly between the graphene layers.

Constant Current Charging

In the first stage of charging, the current is kept constant at a charging rate of 0.5C, indicating that the battery will be charged at half the capacity. For example, when charging a 200Ah capacity battery, the charging rate will remain constant at 100Amp. During constant current charging, the charging voltage of the battery will slowly rise, and the voltage value will reach the "absorption" voltage.

Saturation Charge

Once the battery reaches 90% charge, i.e. the absorption voltage, the battery will enter the second stage of charging, called saturation charge. At this time, the battery voltage remains constant and the current will steadily decrease. Once the current drops to around 5% – 10% of the battery Ah rating, 100% state of charge (SOC) is reached.

Discharge State

During the charge cycle of a LiFePO4 battery, the positive lithium ions released from the positive electrode move through the electrolyte to the negative electrode and remain there. When all available lithium ions reach the negative electrode, the battery is fully charged. When a rechargeable battery is connected to an electrical load, positive ions move from the negative electrode back to the positive electrode through the separator. At the same time, electrons flow through the external circuit, causing current to flow through the electrical load circuit, and the battery releases its stored energy. Electrons cannot flow through the electrolyte due to the presence of an insulating barrier (i.e. separator). When the battery is fully discharged, all the lithium ions move back to the lithium iron phosphate electrode.

 

Applications of LiFePO4 Battery

LiFePO4 batteries have become an ideal choice for many products and applications.

 

Electric Vehicles

LiFePO4 batteries are commonly used in electric vehicles such as cars, buses, motorcycles and scooters. These batteries have high energy density and long service life, making them ideal for powering electric vehicles.

Portable Devices

LiFePO4 batteries are the power source of choice for a variety of portable electronic devices, including but not limited to smartphones, laptops, tablets, and digital cameras. The lightweight nature of these cells makes them ideal for such applications, as they are able to provide large amounts of power in a small package.

Industrial Applications

LiFePO4 batteries are able to withstand high temperatures and retain a charge for long periods of time, making them ideal for powering machinery and equipment in industrial settings.

Fishing Boats and Kayaks

LiFePO4 batteries are lightweight and capable of delivering large amounts of electricity, making them ideal for powering the engines of these vessels.

Business and Commercial

LiFePO4 batteries are commonly used to power commercial and commercial applications such as alarm systems, solar panel systems, and security lights.

Medical Devices

LiFePO4 batteries are commonly used to power medical devices such as hearing aids and pacemakers. These batteries provide excellent safety and reliability for these sensitive applications.

Other Applications

LiFePO4 batteries can also be used in a variety of other applications such as drones, robots, e-cigarettes, and portable electronics.

 

Factors to Consider While Buying a LiFePO4 Battery
Different users have different preferences when purchasing lithium iron phosphate batteries. Your decision should be based on the following factors:
 

Capacity
The capacity of a battery indicates how many appliances it can power and for how long. It is measured in Watt Hours (Wh). Capacity is the primary consideration and the main factor driving up the cost of lithium iron phosphate batteries. To find out how much capacity you need, you can add the wattage of all the equipment you use. You can then multiply this by the number of hours you want to run them without recharging the battery. This will give you the minimum watt-hour number of lithium-ion batteries you should purchase.

 

Value for Money
Many users cite "price" as a deciding factor. However, a better consideration would be the battery's price/performance ratio. Lead-acid batteries are the cheaper option on the market today. However, their lifespan is only one-tenth that of lithium iron phosphate batteries. Plus, there's always the risk of cheap batteries dying while working. Therefore, choose cost-effectiveness rather than price as the deciding factor. It can save you countless headaches in the long run. This brings us to the next important criterion.

 

Battery Life
Battery life must be considered. If you want a short-term fix of a few months, you can save money and buy lead-acid batteries. However, most users don't want this. Instead, they need a long-term solution. In terms of battery life, LiFePO4 batteries are the best choice. A good quality LiFePO4 battery can easily last over 10 years. AGM and conventional lithium-ion batteries can operate normally for three to four years.

 

Cycle Life
Cycle life refers to the number of charge and discharge cycles a battery can withstand. Longer cycle life means the battery lasts longer. There is no indication of battery life on the battery box. However, they do mention cycle life. Choose options with longer cycle life for a better return on investment.

 

Depth of Discharge (DoD)
Depth of discharge (DoD) is an important factor that drives people to switch from existing lead-acid batteries to lithium iron phosphate batteries. Depth of discharge indicates the usable capacity of the battery. For example, lead-acid batteries have a depth of discharge of 50%. For LiFePO4 batteries, the DoD is up to 100%. You can use LiFePO4 at full rated capacity. Let's say your capacity requirement is 200 Ah. This requirement is met using a 200 Ah LiFePO4 battery. However, if you choose a lead-acid battery, you will need a battery capacity of 400 Ah due to its semi-deep discharge.

 

Size
Battery size is very important for applications such as RVs. The battery box accommodates specific sized battery packs. LiFePO4 batteries have a prefix size group to indicate the standard size of the battery. Match the lithium battery pack according to your requirements.

 

Weight
Weight is not always on the priority list of important parameters. However, some users find lighter batteries better. If that's the case, any lithium battery would be better than a lead-acid battery. For example, a 500 Ah lead-acid battery pack weighs approximately 850 kg. A 250Ah lithium-ion battery weighing 210kg can do the same job. This means there is a considerable difference in weight. The main difference is the reduced weight of the lead plate and electrolyte. In addition, the electrodes of lithium iron phosphate batteries are lighter.

 

Safety
Safety becomes critical when you operate batteries near life and property. There have been instances where lead-acid batteries have leaked fluid causing corrosion in the battery and nearby appliances. Traditional lithium batteries present a risk of fire and explosion. However, lithium iron phosphate batteries are made using a very stable iron and phosphate compound. These will never explode or cause fire damage.

 

Rated Voltage
The voltage of the battery pack is important as it determines its usability. For example, you cannot replace a 24V battery with a 48V battery or vice versa. Each type of voltage rating has unique applications, advantages, and disadvantages. If you are replacing an old battery, you will need to find the old voltage rating and match it with a new battery of the same rating to get a constant voltage.

 

Battery Management System (BMS)
Always choose LiFePO4 batteries with BMS. Battery management systems have many safety protocols for potential hazards. All batteries are susceptible to irreversible overcharge and overdischarge damage. BMS protection cuts the circuit to eliminate any possibility of damage.

 

 
Simple Ways to Extend Your LiFePO4 Battery Longevity
 

 

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Use the Correct Charger
A suitable charger should be used to obtain the best performance from lithium-ion batteries. It is important to understand the difference between a universal charger and a LiFePO4 battery specific charger, as some universal chargers may not provide the correct voltage for LiFePO4 batteries.

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Avoid Overcharging
It is important to take steps to avoid overcharging LiFePO4 batteries in order to achieve their maximum potential lifespan. LiFePO4 batteries are very sensitive and must be charged carefully to prevent damage. Overcharging or discharging a battery can lead to reduced capacity, degraded performance, or even battery failure. To ensure long-term success, you must develop safe charging habits with these types of batteries.

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Maintain Proper Temperature
Exceeding the recommended temperatures for LiFePO4 batteries can have disastrous consequences, so it is crucial to maintain the proper temperature at all times. You'll need to take steps to ensure proper maintenance will help you get the most out of your LiFePO4 battery's life cycle, while ensuring safety precautions are taken every time you use it.

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Monitor Battery Life
To ensure optimal performance and longest service life, monitoring the life cycle of LiFePO4 batteries is critical. Battery life can be determined by regularly checking factors such as voltage, current, internal resistance, temperature and capacity. Additionally, tracking the number of full charge/discharge cycles will help indicate when the battery needs to be replaced. This can be done manually or using specialized equipment such as a BMS that can record data over an extended period of time for further analysis.

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Keep the Battery Clean
Regular cleaning of your LiFePO4 battery will help maintain its peak efficiency and maximize its lifespan. The battery should be wiped with a dry cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have accumulated on the battery surface. In addition, check the terminals for corrosion. If corrosion is found, clean it with a soft brush dipped in baking soda solution. Performing this simple maintenance task regularly can help keep your battery in top condition and significantly extend its life.

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Avoid Excessive Discharge
Exceeding the recommended discharge levels of a LiFePO4 battery will significantly shorten its service life, similar to reducing the expected shelf life by several years. You need to take the time to understand and follow the manufacturer's recommended discharge rates which can have a huge impact on the life of your LiFePO4 battery.

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Store the Battery Properly
Proper storage of LiFePO4 batteries is critical to maximizing their lifespan and performance. Should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Storage temperature should not exceed 68°F (20°C) and humidity should be maintained below 65%. For best results, it is also recommended to store the battery at around 50% charge. If stored for an extended period of time, be sure to check voltage levels every two months and recharge as needed to ensure the battery does not drop too low.

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Monitor Charging Practices
Monitoring charging practices is critical to maintaining the life and performance of LiFePO4 batteries, just like a gardener tending their garden regularly. It's important for users to know how much charge a battery can hold at any given time to avoid overcharging or undercharging. Overcharging can cause the battery to age prematurely, while undercharging can reduce the battery's capacity over time. Additionally, investing in a quality charger designed specifically for LiFePO4 batteries will help ensure a safe and efficient charge every time.

 

LiFePO4 Battery Usage Tips

 

 

Charging and Discharging
● Every LiFePO4 battery comes with a set of instructions for optimal charging. Follow the instructions and use the lithium charger provided by the manufacturer to charge lithium iron phosphate batteries correctly.
● During the initial charging, monitor the battery’s charge voltage to ensure it is within appropriate voltage limits, generally a constant voltage of around 13V. In later years when the battery is at the end of its lifespan, the charge voltage can be a lower voltage than that used when new. If the charge voltage drops below the original value within the warranty period, contact the manufacturer to check if the battery has a defect.
● Only use the battery charger provided by the manufacturer or recommended in the user manual. Using non-recommended chargers may cause improper charging and damage the battery’s capacity.
● It is a common mistake for caravan owners to charge LFP batteries with the in-built charger of the caravan. This should be avoided. Use only chargers that battery manufacturers recommend.
● Lithium-ion batteries are designed for opportunity charging. This means that you should charge the battery whenever possible, in shallow cycles. Shallow cycle charging is better than rapid charging or deep cycle charging, as fast charging can reduce the cycle life of an LFP battery pack.

 

Handling Precautions
● The battery cell compartment should never be disassembled for any purpose whatsoever. If the battery has any problems, it is vital to contact the battery manufacturer for assistance.
● Never short the external battery terminals. When connecting the battery, it is essential to ensure that each cable is correctly connected to the appropriate battery terminal. No conductive surface should be present between the terminals that can short the battery.
● Every battery’s user manual contains instructions on how to dispose correctly of the battery. Follow the conditions in the user manual for correct disposal and recycling. Under no circumstances should an old battery be thrown into fire or water.
● Avoid extreme temperatures. The temperature limit in the battery compartment should be checked to ensure that it is in the safe operating range. Keep a temperature compensation of a few degrees to account for any environmental changes.
● Keep the battery away from excessive physical shocks or vibration. These can damage the battery’s internal structure and hamper its operation.
● If the battery is damaged, contact the manufacturer for repairs or replacement. Avoid using a defective battery, as it can lead to improper battery voltage ruining your appliances. Damaged batteries can also cause a fire.
● If a battery begins to leak fluid, do not make contact with these fluids. Generally, unlike other lithium batteries, LFP batteries do not leak any toxic or acidic fluids. Despite this, any fluid leak can be a sign of damage. Contact the manufacturer for replacement or dispose of the battery according to the guidelines.
● If, in any case, the battery fluid makes contact with your eyes, do not rub them. Flush your eyes immediately with water for at least fifteen minutes. Lift the eyelids and flush underneath to ensure no traces of fluid remain. It is advisable to consult a physician as a precautionary measure.

 

Transportation
● Transporting any kind of battery, including an LFP battery, can be prohibited in specific areas such as airports. Check the local and institutional laws before transporting an LFP battery pack.
● Some governments and local laws are specific regarding transporting a dead battery. Ensure that you follow these laws when transporting a lithium battery.

 

Mistakes to Avoid with LFP Lithium Batteries
There are common mistakes that users make which can affect the health of an LFP battery. If you own an LFP battery, ensure you avoid these mistakes to prolong battery life.
● There are many differences between lithium-ion batteries and sealed lead acid batteries or AGM batteries. Do not use the guidelines for a sealed lead acid battery to maintain an LFP battery, and vice versa. In particular, never use a lead acid charger for charging a lithium battery.
● A lithium-ion battery, in general, has a low self-discharge rate. Therefore, it does not significantly discharge when left in storage. Fully charging lithium-ion batteries before storage is not required. Fully charged lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous when left unused for long periods. On the other hand, a lead acid battery slowly discharges in storage every day and can run out of juice quickly.
● An overcharged lifepo4 battery pack is just as bad as an undercharged battery. Never overcharge the battery, regardless of the type. High-quality LFP batteries, such as those provided by Eco Tree Lithium, have a BMS that provides overcharge protection so that the battery cannot be overcharged.
● Dirty battery terminals can lead to improper flow of current during operation. Therefore, it is recommended that you clean the terminals while installing the battery pack.
● Do not throw the battery away just because its cells appear swollen. Swelling of an LFP battery bank is a common occurrence and, usually, a sign of an overcharged or undercharged battery. The swollen battery cells will likely reduce performance but not degrade the battery bank enough that you need to dispose of it.
● Using the right terminal mounting tools is just as important as using the correct charger for the battery. Many people think that nuts and bolts do not make any difference but, in fact, even the thread depth of these tools matters.

 

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 is the life expectancy of LiFePO4 batteries?

A: At 80% depth of discharge, the life expectancy of a LiFePO4 battery is approximately 2,500 to 5,000 cycles. However, some options offer 6500 cycles until 50% of original capacity is reached. Over time, any battery loses efficiency and reduces capacity, but lithium iron phosphate batteries have the longest lifespan of any consumer battery chemistry.

Q: Are lithium iron phosphate batteries suitable for solar energy?

A: LiFePO4 cells are popular in solar applications due to their high energy density, low self-discharge rate and long cycle life. They are also highly compatible with solar charging, making them ideal for off-grid or backup power systems that utilize solar panels to generate solar energy.

Q: Are lithium iron phosphate batteries better than lithium batteries?

A: LiFePO4 batteries outperform lithium-ion batteries in terms of cycle life (4-5 times longer) and safety. This is a key advantage because lithium-ion batteries can overheat and even catch fire, while lithium iron phosphate cannot.

Q: I want to upgrade to lithium iron phosphate batteries, what do I need to consider?

A: As with any battery replacement, you need to consider capacity, power and size requirements, and make sure you have the right charger. Keep in mind that when upgrading from lead acid to LiFePO4, you may be able to reduce battery size (up to 50% in some cases) and maintain the same run time.

Q: What is a battery management system? What does it do for the LiFePO4 battery?

A: BMS stands for Battery Management System. BMS protects the battery from damage, most commonly over- or under-voltage, overcurrent, high temperature, or external short circuit. The BMS will shut down the battery to protect the battery from unsafe operating conditions.

Q: What are the terminal and bolt dimensions for LiFePO4 batteries?

A: LiFePO4 batteries have M6, M8 or M10 terminals. These types of terminals are plug-in terminals, also known as female terminals, and come with screws. Terminal and bolt dimensions are metric, with numbers indicating dimensions in millimeters. For example, the diameter of M8 terminal is 8mm. Bolts have coarse threads (1.25tpi). Longer bolts can be found at most hardware stores if needed.

Q: Can LiFePO4 batteries be installed anywhere?

A: Yes, because LiFePO4 batteries have no liquid inside. This gives you the flexibility to mount the battery where best suited for your application.

Q: Under the same conditions, will a 12V, 100Ah lithium iron phosphate battery run longer than a 12V, 100Ah lead-acid battery?

A: Yes. Lithium iron phosphate batteries offer more usable capacity than equivalent lead-acid ratings. Run times are expected to double.

Q: How to prepare LiFePO4 batteries for off-season storage?

A: Simply charge the battery to 14.4 volts, disconnect the battery from the charger and device, and store it within the permitted temperature range. For storage longer than 3 months, the recommended temperature range is 32°F to 77°F, and then can be safely stored at 50% charge. Unlike lead-acid batteries, a partial charge state will not harm lithium batteries.

Q: How do LiFePO4 batteries perform at low temperatures?

A: As with all batteries, low temperatures can cause performance degradation. Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries have significantly higher capacity and voltage retention in cold conditions.

Q: How do LiFePO4 batteries perform at high temperatures?

A: LiFePO4 batteries will provide their full capacity and performance until battery management (BMS) protection levels are reached. LiFePO4 batteries generate less heat than other lithium chemistries, but the battery's BMS will protect the battery by shutting down if the upper limit is reached.

Q: Do I need certification to ship lithium iron phosphate batteries in the United States?

A: Yes, the Department of Transportation requires UN38.3 certification. All batteries must be UN38.3 certified in order to be legally shipped by land, sea or air.

Q: What is the life expectancy of LiFePO4 batteries?

A: Battery life is measured in life cycles, with LiFePO4 typically rated to deliver 3500 cycles at 100% depth of discharge (DOD). Actual life expectancy depends on several variables based on your specific application. LiFePO4 batteries last 10 times longer than lead-acid batteries when used in the same application.

Q: Can I use an existing lead-acid battery charger (wet, AGM or gel) to charge a lithium iron phosphate battery?

A: New lithium battery owners are encouraged to use a charger with a lithium-specific charging profile for LiFePO4 batteries. These are easy to find as most chargers on the market today have lithium charging properties and LiFePO4 is the predominant lithium battery chemistry on the market. Although many existing lead-acid chargers can still charge lithium batteries, doing so is generally discouraged.

Q: How to determine the state of charge (SOC) of a LiFePO4 battery?

A: The best way to determine a battery's SOC is to use a battery indicator - a highly accurate instrument that captures instantaneous and comprehensive data in real time.

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

residential energy storage systems, , Deep Cycle 12V4AH LiFePO4 Battery

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