Self-Discharge Rate of a 12V LiFePO4 Battery
When comparing the cost of batteries, lifetime costs are usually taken into account. This includes a battery’s cycle life, or number of times it is charged and discharged over its lifespan. While LiFePO4 batteries may have a higher initial cost than lithium polymer or nickel cadmium batteries, the longer lifespan and other benefits of LFP make it more cost-effective on a per-cycle basis.
Battery self-discharge is a common concern among potential users of energy storage systems. While it isn’t something that needs to be addressed in day-to-day usage, it is important to understand how a battery’s self-discharge rate relates to its overall longevity and performance.
To fully appreciate a battery’s self-discharge rates, it is important to consider the specific 12V LiFePO4 Battery chemistry and construction. For example, batteries made of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) have the lowest self-discharge rate of any lithium battery type, followed by lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2).
What is the Self-Discharge Rate of a 12V LiFePO4 Battery?
All batteries are comprised of three essential components: a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte. Lithium batteries use lithium salt as the electrolyte, while nickel and cobalt are commonly used in anode materials. The chemistry of a battery’s cathode and anode determines its self-discharge rate, but the rate at which these elements decompose and deteriorate is determined by the temperature and state-of-charge of the battery.
The best way to determine a battery’s self-discharge is to look at the datasheet on the specific battery or battery pack you are considering. This will provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of how the battery or battery pack will perform in its intended application, including its self-discharge rates.
LiFePO4 is the safest lithium battery chemistry by far. It is highly durable, long-lasting and will not catch fire. This is a significant improvement over other lithium batteries that can overheat or even explode.
As a general rule, a high battery self-discharge rate is an indicator that the battery is reaching the end of its lifespan. However, this can only be confirmed through a professional battery test conducted by a qualified technician.
The lifespan of a LiFePO4 battery is rated to 5,000 cycles, which translates into over 10 years of use. This makes them an excellent choice for solar power, electric vehicles, golf carts, RVs, bass boats, semi-trucks and many other applications. If you are interested in purchasing a premium deep-cycle lithium battery, contact the experts at Redodo Energy to discuss our wide range of options. We can help you find the perfect battery to suit your individual application and budget. You can also get a free quote from one of our battery specialists. Our battery experts can walk you through the entire process and answer any questions you may have about our batteries. To request yours today, simply click the button below. We look forward to hearing from you!