A few years back, people could only imagine carrying a computer with them, but thanks to the gradual modification in technology, we can literally carry computers in our pockets! It’s hard to tell what else the future holds for us.
Like everything else, there has been improvement and advancement in batteries as well. The use of lead-acid batteries restricted the use and had limited scope until the Lithium-Ion Batteries became a thing. The birth of Lithium-Ion batteries has given an upward surge to electronic industry and many such devices and gadgets have come into existence which was then beyond one’s wildest dreams.
Lithium-ion batteries are costlier than conventional lead-acid batteries. They really do end up costing us less in the long run due to a longer LiFe of approximately 5 to 7 years. It’s efficiency actually save us a great many bucks and is indeed a good investment.
What Are LiFePO4 Batteries?
LiFePO4 battery, a type of Lithium-ion battery, is known to contain Lithium Iron Phosphate as a cathode, thence it is named so. Although the LiFeP04 batteries are costlier up front, the best LiFePO4 battery will last much longer.
Since LiFePO4 is yet to be our only concern, before jumping onto the prerequisites of its charging system, let’s first bring to light some of its top-notch features which make it stand out:
- Smaller size, hence, it can even be designed to be incorporated into a mini gadget
- Lightweight
- High density, making it capable to store a great amount of energy
- Provision of a sufficiently high amount of current
- These have wide temperature ranges which make operating various tools possible
- Can hold charge not just for days or weeks but months
- Relatively inexpensive
- Environment friendly
How Fast Can You Charge LiFeP04 Batteries?
Charging a lead-acid battery and LiFePO4 batteries is quite similar. They both use similar voltage and current. However, the LiFePO4 battery has an edge over the traditional lead-acid batteries. They can be charged much faster than traditional batteries. You can charge a LiFePO4 battery in a much shorter time.
While it can take up to four hours for a lead-acid battery to clear the Stage 1 of charging, it takes only an hour for a LiFePO4 battery to pass it. In short, a LiFePO4 battery is charged four times faster,
Stage 2 of charging takes as much as 7 hours to complete in a lead-acid battery, but you will be surprised to know that a LiFePO4 battery takes only 15 minutes!
Charging Precautions for LiFeP04 Batteries
- Never leave the battery unattended while it’s getting charged
- Make sure the area where your LiFePO4 battery is getting charged is well ventilated
- No water should come in contact with the battery
- Look out for it not getting overheated and exceeding 60°C, or else it will get damaged permanently
- In case you notice any swelling in the battery, unplug the charger immediately
- Do not continue charging if the time limit exceeds much, or else it would result in heating and swelling which would indicate damage
How To Extend Battery’s LiFe?
When opting for a LiFePO4 battery, precautions and prerequisites go hand in hand. With time, your battery’s capacity and power would fade and one day or other, your battery has to die and that’s not in your hands, but extending its LiFe and making the most of it for sure is. Here are a few ways you can take which might assure great LiFe expectancy:
- Always keep your battery at room temperature. Battery prone to either extremely high or low temperatures may die as its components are then susceptible to degradation.
- It’s a fact that anything functioning more tends to have longer LiFe than the one not at all in use. It’s always a good idea to pick the battery which is in use rather than the one that has been left spare for long.
- Your battery loves partial discharges and that has something to do with its power gauge. So if you think discharging it completely and then recharging it from zero is of any good, no it’s not!
- The battery you are thinking to keep as a spare one, do not keep it fully charged or else it is more prone to damage. The reason behind that could be a chemical reaction, possibly oxidation of lithium-ion which tends to be at its highest in case of fully charged batteries. Storing at 40% discharge would do good.
- Avoid fast charging and discharging. Fast charging would heat or swell up your battery causing it to die.
- Avoid use in high moisture conditions.
Closing Word
Once you buy yourself a LiFePO4 battery, you have to live by the mantra ‘handle with care’ and then you stop worrying about getting a new one for no less than five years.