LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE
Not yet available
The lithium iron phosphate battery is a type of rechargeable battery based on the original lithium ion chemistry, created by the use of Iron (Fe) as a cathode material. It is not yet widely in use. LiFePO4 cells have a higher discharge current, do not explode under extreme conditions and weigh less but have lower voltage and energy density than normal Li-ion cells.
Iron (Fe) is an intrinsically sager cathode material than Cobalt (Co). The Fe-P-O bond is stronger than the Co-O bond so that when abused (short circuited, overheated, etc.) the oxygen atoms are much harder to remove. This stabilization of the redox energies also helps fast ion migration. Only under extreme heating, generally over 8000C, does breakdown occur which prevents the thermal runaway that LiCoO2 is prone to.
LiFePO4 is highly resilient during oxygen loss which typically results in an exothermic reaction in other lithium cells. No PCM needed.
Emerging Technology (Not in Full Production)
- Limited Cell Sizes Available Soon
- Customized Cell Size Will Be Available
Table 1
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Typical Application
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Extremely High Rate Capability
Safer Lithium Battery
No PCM needed
Good storage characteristics
Good High Temp performance
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Lower Capacity than standard Li-Ion
3.0V Nominal Voltage vs. 3.6V
New Technology that is emerging with limited availability
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Power Tools, Electric Vehicle applications, Autoclaveable devices, Laptops (as regulations stiffen)
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Typical Performance Characteristics of Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries
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Operational Battery Voltage
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3.9 to 2.3 Volts
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Specific Energy
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100 to 120 Wh/Kg
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Energy Density
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135 to 150 Wh/L
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Power Density
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2000 to 4500 W/Kg
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Continuous Rate Capability
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Typical: 30C
High Rate: 50C
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Pulse Rate Capability
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Up to 100C
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Cycle Life at 100% DOD
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Typically 300
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Calendar Life
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3 - 5 years
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Self Discharge Rate
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0.3% / month
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Operable Temperature Range
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-20 °C to 60 °C
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Memory Effect
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None
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Note: Characteristics can change according to improvements in chemistry or special niche requirements.
Contact Us to receive a detailed engineering specification sheets.
