1. What is Deep cycle lithium Battery? and included types.
For the long cycle life features of Lifepo4 battery Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, we generally use lifepo4 battery as replacement of deep cycle lead acid battery, so we call lifepo4 battery also deep cycle lithium batteries.
What are they used for:
LFP battery cells have a nominal voltage of 3.2 volts, so connecting four of them in series results in a 12.8-volt battery. This makes deep cycle lithium battery (LiFePo4 batteries) the most common type of lithium battery for replacing lead-acid deep-cycle batteries.
It is a high-power lithium-ion rechargeable battery for energy storage, EV, electric tools, yacht, solar systems that uses lithium iron phosphate as the positive material. LiFePo4 Battery has excellent safety and cycle life performance advantages and is the most critical technical index of a power battery.
Deep cycle lithium batteries typically have a life cycle rating of 3,000 cycles or more. Unlike lead-acid batteries, depth of discharge has a minimal impact on the lifespan of LiFePo4 batteries. Most LFP manufacturers rate their batteries at 80% depth of discharge, and some even allow 100% discharging without damaging the battery.
Deep cycle lithium battery has cylindrical cells, prismatic cells types, these are widely used in energy storage system, solar home energy station, UPS and Uninterruptible power station, communication base station. EVE, CALB, CATL, Lishen are the leading manufacturer in the industry.
2. Why choose Deep cycle lithium battery (LiFePo4 battery) as energy storage system battery?
LiFePO4 battery chemistry is one of the best options for energy storage battery for a number of reasons.
1) Long Battery Life
Through Lifepo4 batteries has higher initial cost, A high-quality LiFePO4 general been designed to last 3000-5000 cycles of deep discharging and still retain 80% of its original capacity. This is critical for a solar system because the batteries are used every single night and recharged every day.
In usage, the battery cycle life will longer for in most time, battery not been full discharged. 10,000-15,000 cycles are common for LiFePO4 in a solar energy storage system application making them work for many years.
2) Free Maintenance
Because deep cycle lithium battery come with a built-in battery management system, they’re highly efficient. This also means that they require little to no maintenance. Even if you’re using your battery for RV or marine capacities with constant movement and jostling, deep cycle lithium batteries still hold up well. For a long time use solar power battery, free maintenance is important for end user.
3) Light weight
Compare with traditional Lead-Acid battery, deep cycle lithium batteries also come with considerable weight savings. They generally weigh about one-third to one-half of what a lead-acid battery weighs. This means you can ramp up your battery bank since it takes two or three deep cycle lithium batteries to equal the weight of one lead-acid battery. They also have more usable capacity, which maximizes their weight to energy storage ratio.
4) Fast Charging Time
Deep cycle lithium batteries offer lower resistance, and they don’t require a float charging cycle. So they charge much faster than lead-acid batteries. When you’re relying on solar power, a solar power battery that recharges faster is significant. If there are only a few hours of pure sunlight per day where you are, a shorter charge time is gold. Lead-acid battery need longer time to charge it full than lithium battery.
5) Environmentally Friendly
Deep cycle lithium batteries are non-toxic and recyclable. Many of us want to use solar energy for its environmental benefits, so it only makes sense to utilize solar battery storage that’s detrimental to the environment. There are fewer gas emissions from them and no risk of acid spills. This is important solar power system battery for what’s one of main reason we use Solar power replace other energy resources like: oil, coal, for we want to protect our earth better.
3. The comparison between Deep cycle lithium battery with Lead-acid battery for solar power system application?
As you might have gathered from the FAQ above, deep cycle lithium battery have many features make it suitable work as solar power storage battery. It stands head and shoulders above traditional lead-acid batteries of all types, and we consider it the best lithium battery for solar power system.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are likely the most familiar type that can be used for storage. The vast majority of gas-powered passenger vehicles operate with a lead-acid battery to power the starter and other electrical components.
The battery chemistry is tried and true, having been around for generations. It’s easy to find, and they tend to be less expensive than lithium options. There are many different types of lead-acid such as flooded, Gel, AGM, or crystal but they all perform similarly for storage.
Here we compare in detail between Lead-acid battery with LiFePo4 battery (it have another name: Deep cycle lithium battery according to its features) to help your choice:
1) The cost. while lead-acid is less expensive upfront, there are many drawbacks to solar storage. Chief among these is their usable capacity; you can only discharge them to 50% before they suffer damage. They also last for many fewer life cycles than lithium batteries. Charge rates are also slower and they suffer damage when not fully recharged properly a common occurrence with solar energy systems. LiFePo4 battery have no memory effect, the capacity attenuation very slow, When capacity left 80%, lifepo4 battery have cycle life 3000-5000 times in the test. they last thousands of more cycles than lead-acid. Deep cycle lithium battery, have a more advanced chemical makeup. Though they’re generally more expensive upfront, lithium batteries have proven their worth over the years in both small applications like cameras and cell phones as well as in large appliances and vehicles. From long term consider, deep cycle lithium battery will save cost for us. And save the work to replace new battery.
2) Application. Deep cycle lithium battery have higher energy density, for same weight and volume, lead-acid battery only have 1/3-1/5 energy of deep cycle lithium battery. For example, if you need one battery for your electric boat, if you choose lead-acid battery, need arrange at least 3 times space to put it. For more weight of boat, you need design larger energy to guarantee its endurance. What is the advantage of deep cycle lithium battery (LFePo4 battery) on EV and E boat applications.
3) Maintenance. Some of deep cycle lead acid battery need maintenance frequently, some just need a few maintenance.
Lithium are totally free maintenance. You can use it 10-15 years, if you don’t require too much power, even can work longer time. Save the work to replace new battery, that is one really trouble work, and will delay things.
As you can see, except the upfront cost, deep cycle lithium battery almost take all advantages than lead-acid battery. the positives of lithium batteries greatly outweigh the negatives. Their efficiency and consistent energy output make it a clear winner.
4. The Maintenance Precautions of LiFePo4 Battery (Deep cycle lithium battery)?
From a safety perspective, lithium iron phosphate /LiFePo4 batteries ( Deep cycle lithium battery) are more stable than other types. They can withstand higher temperatures, short circuits, and overcharging without combustion. This is important for any kind of battery.
Except the precautions of Lithium ion battery we mentioned above, according to the features of LiFePo4 battery (deep cycle lithium battery), we need take care of below points.
1) Stay Out of the Heat
Batteries operate best in temperatures that are also comfortable for people, around 20°C (68°F). You’ll still have plenty of lithium power at higher temperatures, but once you get past 40°C (104°F), the electrodes may start to degrade.
The exact temperature differs based on the type of battery. Lithium iron phosphate batteries can operate safely at 60°C (140°F), but even they will suffer problems after that.
If you’re using a device, such as a phone, with a lithium-ion battery, you won’t have much trouble keeping it out of those high temperatures.
For a vehicle or renewable energy system, though, it becomes difficult, which is why it’s important to have a battery management system (BMS). The BMS protects the cells from getting damaged --most commonly from over or under-voltage, over-current, high temperature, or external short-circuiting. The BMS will shut off the battery to protect the cells from unsafe operating conditions.
2) Avoid Sub-Freezing Temperatures
On the other extreme, operating and charging lithium batteries in cold weather also presents some challenge.
Batteries in temperatures below freezing (0°C or 32°F) don’t operate as well. If the temperature gets down to -4°C (-20°F), most batteries are only operating at 50% of their usual performance.
This is an important safety consideration if you’re driving an electric vehicle in cold temperature since you don’t want to assume you can go your usual range. You’ll need to stop and recharge more often.
Charging batteries in cold weather, though, can also be problematic. When charging below freezing, plating forms on the anode of a deep cycle lithium battery, and that plating can’t be removed. If this type of charging is done more than once, the battery will be more likely to fail if it suffers an impact.
For the best battery maintenance, wait to charge your battery until the temperatures are warm enough to avoid damage.
3) Safe Storage
If you need to store or ship deep cycle lithium batteries, the biggest concern is avoiding overheating, or what’s called thermal runaways. When this happens, the flammable electrolytes vaporize, and the reaction pressurizes the battery cells. If the case fails, the gases in the cells are released, leading to fire and possible explosion.
This is less likely with lithium iron phosphate batteries.
From a storage perspective, overheating is still the main concern. You should discharge the battery to about 50% before long-term storage, and keep it within a comfortable temperature range, between 4°C and 27°C (40°F and 80°F).
You should also wear protective clothing when handling the batteries, in case they’re damaged. To help keep them stable, make sure they’re stored in a dry, well-ventilated place, and in a way that they won’t be knocked over.
5. What is our Warranty time and detail Warranty Policy for Lithium ion battery and LiFePo4 battery (deep cycle lithium battery )?
The service life of Lithium ion 18650, 21700, 26650 battery is 2 years or 500-800 times cycle.
The service life of Lithium ion prismatic battery is 3-5 years or 2000 times cycle.
The service life of Lithium iron phosphate prismatic battery for electric vehicles application is 8-10 years or 2000-4000 times cycle.
The service life of Lithium iron phosphate prismatic battery for energy storage application is 10-15 years or 3000-5000 times cycle.
According to this, Our warranty time is differ from battery types and applications:
For Lithium ion and LiFePo4 cell, we supply one year warranty, make sure its voltage, internal resistance and capacity in promised range. Supply compensation or return for qualified one.
For Lithium ion battery pack, we supply one year warranty. If have cells broken in warranty time, we supply replace new one. If BMS not work normally, we supply replace BMS, parts and technology support for maintenance.
For LiFePo4 battery pack of EV application, supply three years warranty. If cells or BMS not normally in warranty time, we supply replace new one and technology support for maintenance.
For LiFePo4 solar power battery module, we supply five years warranty for new developed ESS battery module to let our customer be assured for our quality. And supply three years warranty for proven solar power battery module.
6. As dangerous products, What is the shipment ways you can choose for Lithium Batteries?
From fast to slow delivery time, there are 4 channels for Lithium battery shipment:
1) By UPS or DHL express service to door, the fastest way, need 5-10 days, to door but don’t include Tax and custom fee, customer need pay it himself.
2) By Air to door, this shipment is not cheap than by express to door service, need 10 days around. but it is DDP service, customer no need pay Tax and custom fee. Above two ways are suitable for sample or urgent orders.
3) By sea to door or by train to door, this is cheapest door to door service, need 40-45 working days. The cost just 1/3 of UPS or DHL with DDP service.
4) By sea to port, customer need arrange clearance and picking up goods for this shipment way, also the cheapest. It is suitable for batch order or full container shipment.
For shipment way 1) 2) 3), no need any special documents for clearance in China, can ship via HongKong. For shipment way 4), need MSDS, UN38.3 and dangerous goods package certificate to book container.
