It is safe to use LiFePO4 batteries. The design and purpose of this battery is to maximize the risk of explosion and fire, compared with other lithium-ion batteries with high safety and long cycle life, its unique safety features make them have a smoother and superior performance in the working process.
1. What are the safety characteristics of LiFePO4 battery?
1.1 Stable chemical properties of battery materials
Compared with the use of other cathode materials made of lithium batteries, LiFePO4 batteries have safe and stable chemical properties. This is mainly due to the thermal and structural stability of the electrode material LiFePO4. As the battery is constantly charging and discharging, the cathode material is constantly transformed between the charging state and the uncharged state, and the physical structure of these two states is very similar, and due to the bond energy of the iron phosphate-oxide bond is large, so this battery cathode in both states of the chemical structure is very strong.
Therefore, when the battery is overcharged or the life of the battery is gradually reduced, the iron phosphate oxide can still be structurally stable. For other lithium batteries, those cobalt oxides begin to break chemical bonds and emit large amounts of heat, and these materials may release oxygen when heated, which may ultimately lead to thermal runaway and explosion of the battery.
1.2 Internal Protection Circuit and Battery Control System
The internal protection circuit module (PCM) and battery control system (BMS) are important control systems installed inside the LiFePO4 battery for detecting and controlling the internal voltage, current and operating temperature of the battery. These two control systems can balance the voltage of each cell in the LiFePO4 battery pack, ensure that the battery does not exceed the controllable range during operation, and prevent over-charging and over-discharging, short-circuiting, and physical damage to the battery, which can help to reduce the chance of battery damage and prolong the life of the battery.
1.3 Less likely to emit toxic gases
In the explosion caused by lithium battery safety accidents, in addition to thermal runaway, due to its overcharge and over-discharge or physical damage to the exhaust gas is flammable and toxic, these exhaust gases usually include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other volatile organic compounds. Thanks to the strong metal shell and stable chemical properties of LiFePO4 battery, the possibility of releasing toxic gases is very small.
1.4 Low charging and working temperatures
In order to ensure the best operation and service life of the battery, we usually choose the most suitable temperature to use and store the battery, which helps to maintain the capacity and health of the battery. The charging temperature and operating temperature of LiFePO4 batteries can be maintained at a lower level, which greatly reduces the thermal runaway situation during operation.
1.5 Stronger abuse resistance
LiFePO4 battery has a strong resistance to abuse. LiFePO4 batteries can withstand harsh environments, it can be used in the temperature range from -15℃ to 70℃, spanning the temperature range of 85℃, whether it is extremely cold or extremely hot environments you can choose to use LiFePO4 batteries.
Secondly, LiFePO4 batteries are usually encapsulated in a hard metal casing, which is highly resistant to severe collisions and mechanical shocks, and at the same time protects the battery from internal leakage. Compared with other lithium batteries, its cathode material LiFePO4 and electrolyte lithium salt solution are non-flammable, even if the battery is damaged by violent impact will not explode or catch fire, greatly reducing the possibility of damage to personal safety and property safety.
2. In the safe use of LiFePO4 battery which need to pay attention to
2.1 Temperature management for specific applications
The temperature management of LiFePO4 battery may be different in different applications. For example, in the field of electric vehicles, the temperature of the battery pack plays an important role in terms of vehicle range and vehicle performance. The implementation of an efficient temperature management system in the battery pack of an electric vehicle can help regulate the temperature of the battery pack and optimize the range and performance of the vehicle.
In the application of other clean energy generation and storage issues such as solar power systems, the temperature of the battery pack can affect the storage efficiency of the produced electricity. Need to examine the local climate, add appropriate insulation or heating devices, conducive to maintaining the ideal temperature range in different environments did not realize the best energy storage and recovery efficiency.
2.2 Choose the right charger
Generally speaking, LiFePO4 batteries need to choose a special charger with a built-in control system to ensure that the use of overcharging and overheating brought about by the risk of overcharging.
2.3 Regular detection of signs of venting
Although the possibility of gas leakage in LiFePO4 batteries is very small, the presence of gas leakage is often one of the early signs of battery failure. The accumulation of these gases can lead to increased pressure inside the battery, which can lead to an explosion in the event of static electricity or an open flame.
Early detection and identification of venting traces can help identify potential problems in the battery system, and proactive repairs can reduce the risk of damage, while avoiding costly repairs due to battery damage at a later stage, prolonging the life of the battery, and optimizing battery performance. Therefore, early detection of battery venting in accordance with safety regulations can go a long way toward preventing catastrophic battery accidents.
