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XingCell GH7 12V Group 94R LiFePO4 Lithium-ion Car Battery Lightweight
Yes, LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries can be used as starter batteries for vehicles and other applications. They provide high discharge rates, lightweight design, and longer cycle life compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. However, it’s essential to ensure that the battery’s specifications meet the starting requirements of the engine or equipment.
Using LiFePO4 Batteries as Starter Batteries: A Comprehensive Guide
As technology advances, the use of LiFePO4 batteries in various applications has gained popularity, particularly as starter batteries for vehicles. Understanding the benefits, limitations, and appropriate applications of LiFePO4 batteries can help users make informed decisions. This article will explore why LiFePO4 batteries are suitable for starting engines and how they compare to traditional lead-acid batteries.
As experts at Redway Battery, we recognize that using a LiFePO4 battery as a starter battery offers numerous advantages, including rapid discharge capabilities and longevity. However, it is crucial to ensure compatibility with your vehicle’s systems and utilize appropriate charging methods. Our commitment is to provide high-quality lithium solutions tailored to meet diverse energy needs efficiently.”
In conclusion, using a LiFePO4 battery as a starter battery can be an excellent choice due to its lightweight design, high discharge rates, and long cycle life. While there are some considerations regarding cost and compatibility, the benefits often outweigh these factors for applications requiring reliable starting power. By following best practices in battery management, users can maximize performance and longevity from their LiFePO4 starter batteries.
Shenzhen Redway Power, Inc
I''ve had an idea of using LiFePO4 battery as replacement for car battery, since 4 of those in series make nominal 12.8V which is very close to standard 12V voltage. And depending on the cell we can parallel some to get required starting current. Since LiFePO4 have much longer life then Lead-Acid, such battery should last much longer.
But there comes few problems:
Charging voltage. Since most alternators produce around 14V volts when charging it should be fine with LiFePO4 battery since maximum voltage for those is 3.6V which gives us little headroom up to 14.4V (4*3.6V=14.4V). Individual cell balancing can be done with simple dissipative BMS which dumps excessive charge to resistor. But we don''t have possibility to disconnect alternator when battery is charged, so here is first Question: is it OK to hold LiFePO4 battery at floating charge with voltage which is close to maximum battery voltage? Or this will significantly decrease battery life?
Charging current. Some LiFePO4 cells can be configured so they can easily take all charge current produced by alternator. (assuming 70A output and 3 parallel 40152S cells) So second question: Can it overload alternator or modern alternators are smart enough to lower voltage to avoid being overloaded?
No over discharge protection. Currently have no idea how to deal with it besides not letting it to discharge completely.
LFP4 (LiFePO4) 4 cell batteries do make excellent replacements for normal 12V lead acid car batteries BUT proper attention to care and feeding is necessary to achieve the very long cycle and calendar lifetimes that they are capable of. They are far more "whole of life cost effective" than any lead acid cells in (probably) any application when properly used. Wrongly used they will die an early and expensive death.
As Mike noted (August 2022) low temperature operation must be managed properly. Most liFePO4 batteries allow discharge to -20 degrees C (4 degrees F) but charging usually must not occur below 0 degrees C. This limitation can be overcome (and often is) by providing battery heating to ensure that temperature limits are met.The system controller must have this feature as part of its design if sub zero temperature use is envisaged.
A few manufacturers of cells or batteries suited to this use are
Thundersky, Winston & SinoPoly
There are others which I can list but a search on those names will get you into the right area. All those brands started out as Thundersky but there have been partings of the way and expensive litigation is happening.
Winston make 12V 4 cell batteries with no access to the inter-battery connections. Their 40 Ah and 60 Ah sizes are claimed to be well suited to automotive use. Sinopoly an Winston both make single-cell batteries in sizes from around 10 Ah up to vastly-huge_Ah and you can strap these together as required. I am currently experimenting with 2 x SinoPoly 12v, 40Ah batteries each comprising 4 x 40 Ah single cells with strapping to produce a physical pack. A 12V, 40Ah 4 cell battery is about the size of a Ford-Prefect battery and less weight but is equal to about the largest LA battery you will see in a say 4 cylinder car.
Charging voltage. Since most alternators produce around 14V volts when charging it should be fine with LiFePO4 battery since maximum voltage for those is 3.6V which gives us little headroom up to 14.4V (4*3.6V=14.4V).
Some claim Winston LFP4 needs higher V than car systems provide. Others use them regardless.
SinoPoly OK on car voltages BUT
Individual cell balancing can be done with simple dissipative BMS which dumps excessive charge to resistor.
Winston cannot balance as sealed but claim superbly balanced cells are OK. Numerous dealers sell them and say this but at least one large site says not to use for deep discharge due to this inability. I''d be very wary. I made a Winston/SinoPoly initial choice for experience gaining based on this and strange Winston voltages and bought SinoPoly - despite apparently superior Winston specs.
But we don''t have possibility to disconnect alternator when battery is charged,
so here is first Question: is it OK to hold LiFePO4 battery at floating charge with voltage which is close to maximum battery voltage? Or this will significantly decrease battery life?
Opinions varySmall LFP4 - say < 1 Ah to few Ah MUST NOT be floated or they DO die early.Some LFP4 large battery makers claim floating is OK.Thou shalt not float LiIon or LiPo or else and while LFP4 has differences I''m uneasy.
No over discharge protection. Currently have no idea how to deal with it besides not letting it to discharge completely.
This is essential. There are various ways of doing this but a LFP4 large Ah cell MUST NOT be taken under around 2.75V. If you cannot be SURE of that, do not use them. They cost far too much and are too light per volume to make good boat anchors.
References re low temperature operation of LiFePO4 batteries.As ever, quality of information is unknown.
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