EL
BG
DE
ES
FR
ITGlossary · Batteries
LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) Battery
A lithium battery with an iron phosphate cathode, a nominal 3.2 V per cell, high thermal stability and thousands of cycles.
Technical level:Intermediate
LiFePO4, also known as LFP, is the lithium chemistry that dominates energy storage today. Four cells in series give 12.8 V, so it can replace a 12 V lead-acid battery at a much lower weight.
It tolerates deep daily discharges and is thermally more stable than other lithium chemistries such as NMC. This is why it is preferred for solar systems with storage and, more and more often, for UPS units. It always works with a BMS that protects each cell against overcharge, deep discharge and extreme temperatures.
Do not charge it below 0 °C unless it has built-in heating, and make sure the charger or inverter has a LiFePO4 charging profile.
Related articles
Related terms
- Lithium-ion BatteryA rechargeable lithium-ion battery with high energy density, long life and faster charging than lead-acid batteries.
- Battery Service LifeThe years a battery keeps enough capacity, typically 3–5 years for VRLA at 20–25 °C, shortened by high temperatures.
- Cycle LifeThe number of charge and discharge cycles a battery withstands until its capacity falls, usually, to 80% of the original.
- Deep-Cycle BatteryA battery designed to be discharged deeply and recharged again and again without wearing out quickly.
- Flooded Lead-Acid BatteryA battery with liquid electrolyte and vent caps that needs regular checks and topping up with deionised water.
- GEL BatteryA sealed lead-acid battery with its electrolyte in gel form, well suited to deep and repeated discharges.