LiFePO4 batteries and Marine Batteries Overview
mikal jason
LiFePO4 batteries - often known by its initials LFP batteries - have become one of the top batteries on the market, becoming an LFP battery's go-to choice. But just what is this innovative lithium iron phosphate battery type capable of? (Don't mistake LiFePO4s with lithium ion ones; these two types differ.)
What Are LiFePO4 Batteries? LiFePO4 batteries are one type of lithium battery constructed using lithium iron phosphate; other options in the category include Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO22).
* Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2)* Lithium Titanate (LTO)
Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4) and * Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (LiNiCoAlO2).
Chemistry & Battery Innovation
Perhaps some of these elements bring back memories from your chemistry class days? Memorizing the periodic table (or staring at it on the teacher's wall) or performing experiments may come back into mind; or maybe looking away while pretending you were paying attention during experiments was your way out?
Now and then a student who enjoys performing experiments becomes entranced by chemical science; ultimately becoming one. Chemists were responsible for discovering optimal lithium combinations for batteries.
Long story short, that's how LiFePO4 batteries were first invented (in 1996 by University of Texas to be exact). Since their inception, these cells are known for being safest, most reliable lithium based battery options available today.
A brief history of LiFePO4 Batteries
It all started with John B. Goodenough and Arumugam Manthiram who were among the first to discover lithium-ion materials used as anodes; these anode materials can lead to early short circuiting due to being susceptible.
Scientists discovered that cathode materials provide superior solutions for lithium-ion batteries - as evidenced by LiFePO4 battery variants. With increased stability, conductivity and general performance improvements being realized across many aspects of performance improvement - LiFePO4 batteries were officially born!
Today's world is filled with rechargeable LiFePO4 batteries which find usage across boats, solar systems, electric vehicles and regular vehicles alike. They even make for great gift options!
LiFePO4 batteries are cobalt-free and less costly over time than their alternatives; furthermore they're nontoxic and long-lived (but more on that soon!). Their future holds much promise - these battery technologies look set for success!
My marine battery is leaking; why?
Overfilling of electrolyte or overcharging are often to blame for battery leakage. When discharging, the sulphuric acid separates from water in electrolyte to be absorbed directly onto plate surfaces; when this separation takes place, fluid levels drop as more acid percolates through. If fluid levels were top up when charging resumed however, overflow and seepage will occur once levels combine again leading to overflow and seepage of excess acid and fluid back out.
Overcharging can also cause batteries to leak. When charging rates of alternators or alternative sources (battery charger / solar panel) exceed their recommended limits for marine battery charging rates, electrolyte gassing occurs and fluid overflow and seepage occurs as a result.
How should a battery be stored when not being used? For seasonal applications and long term storage applications, fully charge it before placing in an airtight cold dry location for long-term storage.
Regular battery check up and maintenance procedures must also be adhered to; should its voltage drop below 12.50 Volts, recharge using an appropriate charger before returning it into service using care and maintenance guidelines before using for applications.
How often should my battery be checked?
The average lifespan for lead acid batteries is 42 months; we advise testing yours annually to make sure it's performing to its potential and meeting starting requirements of your application. To locate an authorised dealer that can test it near you enter your post code into Century Battery's "FIND A RETAILER" search and connect your leads directly into it for testing.
Marine Pro vessels feature dual terminals consisting of standard lead posts and threaded terminals; it's important to connect your starter leads to one while all onboard accessories connect via threaded terminals. For optimal operation, always connect starter leads via standard lead posts while connecting any additional accessories via threaded terminals.
Reconnecting starter leads with threaded terminals may result in overheating of internal components that could potentially damage a battery during vigorous cranking of its cranking mechanism.