Table of Contents:
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LiFePO4 Batteries Overview
Pros and Cons of LiFePO4 Batteries
LiFePO4 Vs. Lithium-ion Batteries: Which One is Better?
How To Choose the Best LiFePO4 Batteries?
Can I Use Portable Power Stations as LiFePO4 Batteries?
Best LiFePO4 Batteries: POWEREPUBLIC T and T Models
Final Thoughts
In the quest for efficient and reliable energy solutions, LiFePO4 batteries stand out as a premier choice. Known for their remarkable stability and long lifespan, these batteries have surged in popularity among tech enthusiasts and eco-conscious users alike.
This comprehensive guide delves into the world of the best LiFePO4 batteries, offering insights from a broad overview to intricate comparisons with traditional lithium-ion counterparts. Whether you're weighing the pros and cons, seeking advice on choosing the right battery for your needs, or curious about innovative products like the POWEREPUBLIC T and T models, we've got you covered. Additionally, we explore the versatility of portable power stations as alternative uses for LiFePO4 batteries, ensuring you're equipped with all the knowledge to make an informed decision. Join us as we uncover the potential of LiFePO4 technology and guide you toward harnessing the best LiFePO4 batteries for a sustainable and empowered future.
LiFePO4 batteries, or Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, are a type of rechargeable battery that is revolutionizing the way we think about power storage. Distinguished by their robustness and safety, LiFePO4 batteries offer a compelling alternative to traditional batteries, making them among the best LiFePO4 batteries available for a variety of applications.
LiFePO4 batteries are made from lithium iron phosphate, providing a safer, more stable base for battery chemistry compared to the more volatile materials used in other lithium batteries. This stability not only enhances safety by reducing the risk of overheating and combustion but also extends the battery's lifespan, often outlasting their counterparts by several years.
At their core, LiFePO4 batteries operate like most rechargeable batteries, moving ions between a positive and negative electrode. However, the use of phosphate as a cathode material allows for a more stable structure, ensuring long-term integrity and reliability. This unique composition means that the best LiFePO4 batteries can withstand more charge cycles, offer consistent power output, and maintain their capacity over time, even under heavy use.
The initial cost of LiFePO4 batteries can be higher than traditional lithium-ion batteries, with prices varying widely based on capacity, quality, and brand. For example, a small, portable LiFePO4 battery for consumer electronics might start around $100, while larger units designed for home energy storage or electric vehicles can run into the thousands. Despite the upfront cost, the best LiFePO4 batteries often prove more economical in the long run, thanks to their extended lifespan and reliability.
To give you an idea of cost-effectiveness, consider this calculation: A LiFePO4 battery that costs $1,000 but lasts for over 2,000 charge cycles effectively costs 50 cents per cycle. In comparison, a cheaper battery that costs $500 but only lasts for 500 cycles costs $1 per cycle, making the best LiFePO4 batteries a smarter investment over time.
In short, the best LiFePO4 batteries represent a significant advancement in battery technology, offering unparalleled safety, durability, and value. Whether you're looking for a battery for your RV, solar power setup, or even a portable power station, LiFePO4 batteries provide a reliable and efficient power source that can meet the demands of virtually any application.
LiFePO4 batteries, or Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, are increasingly recognized as one of the best energy storage solutions available. They stand out for their safety, longevity, and performance, making them a superior choice for a wide range of applications. Below, we explore the pros and cons of these batteries, including examples and calculations to provide a clearer understanding of their value proposition.
Enhanced Safety: LiFePO4 batteries are renowned for their stability, significantly reducing the risks of overheating and combustion. This safety advantage makes them a preferable choice for homes, electric vehicles, and portable electronics, where safety cannot be compromised.
Longevity: One of the strongest suits of the best LiFePO4 batteries is their extended lifespan. These batteries can endure more than 2,000 charge cycles while retaining a high level of their original capacity. For instance, a LiFePO4 battery that lasts for 2,000 cycles, priced at $1,000, effectively costs 50 cents per cycle. This durability translates into considerable savings over time, as replacements are needed less frequently.
Stable Performance: Unlike other battery types that may experience significant performance dips as they discharge or age, the best LiFePO4 batteries maintain consistent power output. This stable performance ensures reliable use in critical applications like medical devices or emergency power supplies, where consistent energy delivery is vital.
Eco-Friendly: With a lower environmental impact than many alternative battery chemistries, LiFePO4 batteries represent a greener choice. They do not contain hazardous materials like cobalt, making them safer to produce and recycle.
Higher Initial Cost: The upfront cost of LiFePO4 batteries can be higher than that of traditional lithium-ion batteries. While a small, portable unit might start at around $100, more extensive systems for home energy storage or electric vehicles can be significantly more expensive. However, the long-term cost benefits, as demonstrated through their longer lifespan and cost per cycle, often mitigate the initial investment.
Weight and Size: For certain applications, LiFePO4 batteries might be heavier or larger than alternative lithium-ion batteries with similar energy capacity. This can be a drawback for applications where space and weight are critical factors, such as in some portable electronics or lightweight electric vehicles.
Cold Temperature Sensitivity: While the best LiFePO4 batteries excel in many environments, their performance can degrade in extremely cold temperatures. This sensitivity may require additional insulation or heating elements in applications exposed to cold climates, adding to the complexity and cost.
Limited High-Rate Discharge Performance: In applications requiring very high discharge rates, like certain power tools or high-performance electric vehicles, LiFePO4 batteries may not deliver the same level of performance as some alternative lithium-ion batteries. However, for most consumer, commercial, and industrial applications, they provide ample discharge rates.
In summary, the best LiFePO4 batteries offer a compelling array of benefits, particularly in terms of safety, longevity, and environmental impact. While the higher initial cost and some physical limitations present considerations for certain uses, the overall value proposition of LiFePO4 batteries is strong. Their advantages make them a wise choice for anyone seeking a reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy storage solution.
When it comes to choosing the right battery for your needs, the debate often comes down to LiFePO4 versus traditional lithium-ion batteries. Both have their merits, but which one truly stands out? To make an informed decision, it's crucial to understand their differences and how they perform in various scenarios. Let's delve into a comparison, highlighting why the best LiFePO4 batteries might be the superior choice for many users.
LiFePO4 Batteries: Known for their outstanding safety, the best LiFePO4 batteries significantly minimize the risks of overheating and combustion, thanks to their stable chemical composition. This makes them a reliable option for applications where safety is paramount.
Lithium-ion Batteries: While widely used, traditional lithium-ion batteries are more prone to overheating and can pose safety hazards if damaged or improperly handled.
LiFePO4 Batteries: With the ability to endure more than 2,000 charge cycles, the best LiFePO4 batteries offer remarkable longevity. Considering a LiFePO4 battery costing $1,000 can last for 2,000 cycles, the cost per cycle is just 50 cents, showcasing their long-term cost-effectiveness.
Lithium-ion Batteries: Typically, lithium-ion batteries have a shorter lifespan, lasting around 500-1,000 cycles. A battery costing $500 but only lasting 500 cycles ends up costing $1 per cycle, making it less economical over time.
LiFePO4 Batteries: The best LiFePO4 batteries maintain consistent power output, ensuring stable performance even as they discharge or age. However, they might underperform in extremely cold temperatures without additional precautions.
Lithium-ion Batteries: These batteries can offer high discharge rates but may experience performance degradation over time and under various conditions, including temperature fluctuations.
LiFePO4 Batteries: Opting for the best LiFePO4 batteries also means making an eco-friendly choice. They lack hazardous materials like cobalt, making them safer and more sustainable to produce and recycle.
Lithium-ion Batteries: Traditional lithium-ion batteries may contain elements like cobalt, posing greater environmental and ethical concerns regarding their production and disposal.
LiFePO4 Batteries: They might be heavier or larger than lithium-ion batteries of similar capacity, potentially a drawback for applications requiring compactness and lightness.
Lithium-ion Batteries: Generally, they offer a higher energy density, making them preferable for applications where size and weight are limiting factors.
The best LiFePO4 batteries present a compelling option for a wide range of applications, from renewable energy systems to electric vehicles and portable electronics. Their superior safety, longer lifespan, and environmental benefits stand out, making them a wise investment despite a higher initial cost. While traditional lithium-ion batteries might be suitable for scenarios requiring compact energy storage or high discharge rates, the overall advantages of LiFePO4 batteries make them a better choice for those prioritizing safety, longevity, and sustainability. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs, but for many, the best LiFePO4 batteries offer unmatched performance and value.
Selecting the best LiFePO4 batteries for your needs involves understanding various factors that contribute to their performance, safety, and value. Whether you're outfitting a solar energy system, powering an electric vehicle, or seeking portable power solutions, knowing what to look for can guide you to the best choice. Here's a concise guide to help you navigate the process, complete with examples and calculations to clarify the benefits.
First, assess your specific requirements:
Application: Determine whether the battery will be used for residential energy storage, in an RV, for portable electronics, or for other applications.
Capacity Needs: Calculate the energy capacity required to power your devices or system. For example, if you're powering a home energy system, you might need batteries with a total capacity of 10kWh or more.
Physical Constraints: Consider the space available for the battery installation and any weight limitations that might apply, especially in mobile applications.
Safety First: The best LiFePO4 batteries offer superior safety due to their stable chemistry. This is crucial for applications in confined spaces or where safety is a top priority.
Stability Over Time: Look for batteries that maintain performance across a wide range of temperatures and throughout many charge cycles.
Charge Cycles and Lifespan: The best LiFePO4 batteries can handle over 2,000 charge cycles with minimal degradation. For example, a battery that offers 2,000 cycles at $1,000 costs effectively 50 cents per cycle, providing better long-term value than a battery with fewer cycles at a lower upfront cost.
Warranty Period: A longer warranty indicates the manufacturer's confidence in their product's longevity.
Eco-Friendly Options: The best LiFePO4 batteries are more environmentally friendly, not contain heavy metals like cobalt. This makes them a greener choice for those concerned about their ecological footprint.
Compatibility with Your System: Ensure the battery you choose is compatible with your existing power system's voltage and power requirements.
Ease of Use: Features like built-in Battery Management Systems (BMS) can offer easier integration and better monitoring of battery health.
User Reviews: Look for feedback from users who have similar applications to yours. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into the battery’s real-world performance.
Independent Testing: Reliable reviews or tests conducted by independent third parties can offer an unbiased assessment of a battery's performance and value.
If you're considering two batteries, one LiFePO4 battery at $1,000 with a lifespan of 2,000 cycles, and a traditional lithium-ion battery at $600 with 1,000 cycles, the cost per cycle is a key indicator of value.
LiFePO4 Battery: $1,000 / 2,000 cycles = $0.50 per cycle
Lithium-ion Battery: $600 / 1,000 cycles = $0.60 per cycle
Despite the higher initial cost, the LiFePO4 battery offers better value over its lifespan.
Choosing the best LiFePO4 batteries requires careful consideration of your specific needs, a comparison of safety and stability features, an evaluation of longevity and cost-effectiveness, and a consideration of environmental impact. By examining these factors closely, you can select a battery that not only meets your energy needs but also offers the best performance and value over time. Remember, the best LiFePO4 batteries are not just about upfront costs but about long-term benefits and reliability.
Yes, you can use portable power stations equipped with LiFePO4 batteries to serve many of the same purposes as standalone LiFePO4 batteries, but with added versatility and ease of use. Portable power stations are all-in-one energy storage solutions designed for mobility, integrating LiFePO4 batteries, power inverter, charge controller, and multiple outputs in a single, compact unit. They are ideal for a variety of applications, from outdoor adventures to backup power for home essentials.
A portable power station is essentially a large-capacity battery pack that can power a wide range of electronic devices and small appliances. It differs from a traditional generator in that it stores electrical energy in LiFePO4 batteries, making it quiet, emission-free, and ready to use with a simple press of a button. The best LiFePO4 batteries within these power stations ensure reliability, safety, and longevity.
Emergency Power: Keep your essential devices running during power outages.
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Camping and Outdoors: Power your camping gear, from lights to small refrigerators.
Photography and Workshops: Keep your cameras, laptops, and tools charged and operational in remote locations.
Versatility: Can power multiple devices simultaneously through various output ports (AC, DC, USB).
Mobility: Designed to be portable, making them perfect for on-the-go use.
Eco-Friendly: Utilize the best LiFePO4 batteries for clean, renewable power without the noise and emissions of gas generators.
Safety: Inherent safety features of LiFePO4 batteries reduce the risk of overheating and combustion.
Capacity Limitations: While portable, they have a finite energy capacity and may need regular recharging depending on the usage intensity.
Weight: Despite being portable, the inclusion of the best LiFePO4 batteries can make them heavier than other battery types, which may affect mobility for some users.
Initial Cost: High-quality models, especially those with the best LiFePO4 batteries, can be more expensive upfront compared to simpler power solutions.
If you have a portable power station with a 500Wh capacity and you're looking to run a 50W camping fridge, you can calculate the run time as follows:
Capacity (Wh) / Load (W) = Run Time (Hours)
500Wh / 50W = 10 Hours
This simple calculation helps you understand how long your power station can support your needs on a single charge.
Portable power stations equipped with the best LiFePO4 batteries offer a convenient, versatile, and eco-friendly way to keep your devices powered wherever you are. They combine the reliability and safety of LiFePO4 technology with the convenience of a multi-output power source. While there are some limitations in terms of capacity and weight, the benefits of mobility, multi-device support, and environmental friendliness make them an excellent choice for many users looking for portable power solutions.
From the discussion above, we understand that some portable power stations can function as LiFePO4 batteries for your devices and home appliances, provided they are equipped with LiFePO4 batteries. Unlike traditional LiFePO4 batteries, which must be paired with inverters, solar panels, and charge controllers to operate, portable power stations like those from POWEREPUBLIC are compact and all-in-one, offering much more convenience.
So, if you are in search of the best LiFePO4 batteries, consider the POWEREPUBLIC T and T portable power stations. Both are equipped with LiFePO4 batteries and can power approximately 90 to 95% of devices and home appliances, giving you peace of mind whether you are indoors or outdoors.
To better understand the functionality of both models, check out the table below:
Note That:
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The journey through the world of LiFePO4 batteries underscores their unmatched stability, safety, and longevity, marking them as the best LiFePO4 batteries for a variety of applications. These batteries stand out for their eco-friendly profile and consistent performance, making them a superior choice for those seeking reliable, sustainable energy solutions. With more than 2,000 charge cycles, the best LiFePO4 batteries offer remarkable cost-effectiveness, ensuring a smart long-term investment for eco-conscious consumers and tech enthusiasts alike.
Among the myriad options available, POWEREPUBLIC's T and T models exemplify the innovation and quality in the realm of the best LiFePO4 batteries. These portable power stations not only highlight the versatility and efficiency of LiFePO4 technology but also offer a convenient, all-in-one solution for nearly all power needs, indoors and out. For those on the quest for the best LiFePO4 batteries, POWEREPUBLIC stands as a commendable choice, blending high capacity, durability, and user satisfaction.
Battery research is focusing on lithium chemistries so much that one could imagine that the battery future lies solely in lithium. There are good reasons to be optimistic as lithium-ion is, in many ways, superior to other chemistries. Applications are growing and are encroaching into markets that previously were solidly held by lead acid, such as standby and load leveling. Many satellites are also powered by Li-ion.
Lithium-ion has not yet fully matured and is still improving. Notable advancements have been made in longevity and safety while the capacity is increasing incrementally. Today, Li-ion meets the expectations of most consumer devices but applications for the EV need further development before this power source will become the accepted norm. BU-104c: The Octagon Battery – What makes a Battery a Battery, describes the stringent requirements a battery must meet.
As battery care-giver, you have choices in how to prolong battery life. Each battery system has unique needs in terms of charging speed, depth of discharge, loading and exposure to adverse temperature. Check what causes capacity loss, how does rising internal resistance affect performance, what does elevated self-discharge do and how low can a battery be discharged? You may also be interested in the fundamentals of battery testing.
The lithium-ion battery works on ion movement between the positive and negative electrodes. In theory such a mechanism should work forever, but cycling, elevated temperature and aging decrease the performance over time. Manufacturers take a conservative approach and specify the life of Li-ion in most consumer products as being between 300 and 500 discharge/charge cycles.
In , small wearable batteries deliver about 300 cycles whereas modern smartphones have a cycle life requirement is 800 cycles and more. The largest advancements are made in EV batteries with talk about the one-million-mile battery representing 5,000 cycles.
Evaluating battery life on counting cycles is not conclusive because a discharge may vary in depth and there are no clearly defined standards of what constitutes a cycle(See BU-501: Basics About Discharging). In lieu of cycle count, some device manufacturers suggest battery replacement on a date stamp, but this method does not take usage into account. A battery may fail within the allotted time due to heavy use or unfavorable temperature conditions; however, most packs last considerably longer than what the stamp indicates.
The performance of a battery is measured in capacity, a leading health indicator. Internal resistance and self-discharge also play roles, but these are less significant in predicting the end of battery life with modern Li-ion.
Figure 1 illustrates the capacity drop of 11 Li-polymer batteries that have been cycled at a Cadex laboratory. The 1,500mAh pouch cells for mobile phones were first charged at a current of 1,500mA (1C) to 4.20V/cell and then allowed to saturate to 0.05C (75mA) as part of the full charge saturation. The batteries were then discharged at 1,500mA to 3.0V/cell, and the cycle was repeated. The expected capacity loss of Li-ion batteries was uniform over the delivered 250 cycles and the batteries performed as expected.
Eleven new Li-ion were tested on a Cadex C battery analyzer. All packs started at a capacity of 88–94% and decreased to 73–84% after 250 full discharge cycles. The mAh pouch packs are used in mobile phones.
Although a battery should deliver 100 percent capacity during the first year of service, it is common to see lower than specified capacities, and shelf life may contribute to this loss. In addition, manufacturers tend to overrate their batteries, knowing that very few users will do spot-checks and complain if low. Not having to match single cells in mobile phones and tablets, as is required in multi-cell packs, opens the floodgates for a much broader performance acceptance. Cells with lower capacities may slip through cracks without the consumer knowing.
Similar to a mechanical device that wears out faster with heavy use, the depth of discharge (DoD) determines the cycle count of the battery. The smaller the discharge (low DoD), the longer the battery will last. If at all possible, avoid full discharges and charge the battery more often between uses. Partial discharge on Li-ion is fine. There is no memory and the battery does not need periodic full discharge cycles to prolong life. The exception may be a periodic calibration of the fuel gauge on a smart battery or intelligent device(See BU-603: How to Calibrate a “Smart” Battery)
The following tables indicate stress related capacity losses on cobalt-based lithium-ion. The voltages of lithium iron phosphate and lithium titanate are lower and do not apply to the voltage references given.
Table 2 estimates the number of discharge/charge cycles Li-ion can deliver at various DoD levels before the battery capacity drops to 70 percent. DoD constitutes a full charge followed by a discharge to the indicated state-of-charge (SoC) level in the table.
* 100% DoD is a full cycle; 10% is very brief. Cycling in mid-state-of-charge would have best longevity.
Lithium-ion suffers from stress when exposed to heat, so does keeping a cell at a high charge voltage. A battery dwelling above 30°C (86°F) is considered elevated temperature and for most Li-ion a voltage above 4.10V/cell is deemed as high voltage. Exposing the battery to high temperature and dwelling in a full state-of-charge for an extended time can be more stressful than cycling. Table 3 demonstrates capacity loss as a function of temperature and SoC.
Most Li-ions charge to 4.20V/cell, and every reduction in peak charge voltage of 0.10V/cell is said to double the cycle life. For example, a lithium-ion cell charged to 4.20V/cell typically delivers 300–500 cycles. If charged to only 4.10V/cell, the life can be prolonged to 600–1,000 cycles; 4.0V/cell should deliver 1,200–2,000 and 3.90V/cell should provide 2,400–4,000 cycles.
On the negative side, a lower peak charge voltage reduces the capacity the battery stores. As a simple guideline, every 70mV reduction in charge voltage lowers the overall capacity by 10 percent. Applying the peak charge voltage on a subsequent charge will restore the full capacity.
In terms of longevity, the optimal charge voltage is 3.92V/cell. Battery experts believe that this threshold eliminates all voltage-related stresses; going lower may not gain further benefits but induce other symptoms(See BU-808b: What causes Li-ion to die?) Table 4 summarizes the capacity as a function of charge levels. (All values are estimated; Energy Cells with higher voltage thresholds may deviate.)
Every 0.10V drop below 4.20V/cell doubles the cycle but holds less capacity. Raising the voltage above 4.20V/cell would shorten the life. The readings reflect regular Li-ion charging to 4.20V/cell.
Guideline: Every 70mV drop in charge voltage lowers the usable capacity by about 10%.
Note: Partial charging negates the benefit of Li-ion in terms of high specific energy.
* Similar life cycles apply for batteries with different voltage levels on full charge.
** Based on a new battery with 100% capacity when charged to the full voltage.
Experiment: Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, reports that using a reduced charge level of 50% SOC increases the lifetime expectancy of the vehicle Li-ion battery by 44–130%.
Most chargers for mobile phones, laptops, tablets and digital cameras charge Li-ion to 4.20V/cell. This allows maximum capacity, because the consumer wants nothing less than optimal runtime. Industry, on the other hand, is more concerned about longevity and may choose lower voltage thresholds. Satellites and electric vehicles are such examples.
For safety reasons, many lithium-ions cannot exceed 4.20V/cell. (Some NMC are the exception.) While a higher voltage boosts capacity, exceeding the voltage shortens service life and compromises safety. Figure 5 demonstrates cycle count as a function of charge voltage. At 4.35V, the cycle count of a regular Li-ion is cut in half.
Besides selecting the best-suited voltage thresholds for a given application, a regular Li-ion should not remain at the high-voltage ceiling of 4.20V/cell for an extended time. The Li-ion charger turns off the charge current and the battery voltage reverts to a more natural level. This is like relaxing the muscles after a strenuous exercise(See BU-409: Charging Lithium-ion)
Figure 6 illustrates dynamic stress tests (DST) reflecting capacity loss when cycling Li-ion at various charge and discharge bandwidths. The largest capacity loss occurs when discharging a fully charged Li-ion to 25 percent SoC (black); the loss would be higher if fully discharged. Cycling between 85 and 25 percent (green) provides a longer service life than charging to 100 percent and discharging to 50 percent (dark blue). The smallest capacity loss is attained by charging Li-ion to 75 percent and discharging to 65 percent. This, however, does not fully utilize the battery. High voltages and exposure to elevated temperature is said to degrade the battery quicker than cycling under normal condition. (Nissan Leaf case)
* Discrepancies exist between Table 2 and Figure 6 on cycle count. No clear explanations are available other than assuming differences in battery quality and test methods. Variances between low-cost consumer and durable industrial grades may also play a role. Capacity retention will decline more rapidly at elevated temperatures than at 20ºC.
Only a full cycle provides the specified energy of a battery. With a modern Energy Cell, this is about 250Wh/kg, but the cycle life will be compromised. All being linear, the life-prolonging mid-range of 85-25 percent reduces the energy to 60 percent and this equates to moderating the specific energy density from 250Wh/kg to 150Wh/kg. Mobile phones are consumer goods that utilize the full energy of a battery. Industrial devices, such as the EV, typically limit the charge to 85% and discharge to 25%, or 60 percent energy usability, to prolong battery life(See Why Mobile Batteries do not last as long as an EV Battery)
Increasing the cycle depth also raises the internal resistance of the Li-ion cell. Figure 7 illustrates a sharp rise at a cycle depth of 61 percent measured with the DC resistance method(See also BU-802a: How does Rising Internal Resistance affect Performance?) The resistance increase is permanent.
Note: DC method delivers different internal resistance readings than with the AC method (green frame). For best results, use the DC method to calculate loading.
Figure 8 extrapolates the data from Figure 6 to expand the predicted cycle life of Li-ion by using an extrapolation program that assumes linear decay of battery capacity with progressive cycling. If this were true, then a Li-ion battery cycled within 75%–25% SoC (blue) would fade to 74% capacity after 14,000 cycles. If this battery were charged to 85% with same depth-of-discharge (green), the capacity would drop to 64% at 14,000 cycles, and with a 100% charge with same DoD (black), the capacity would drop to 48%. For unknown reasons, real-life expectancy tends to be lower than in simulated modeling(See BU-208: Cycling Performance)
Li-ion batteries are charged to three different SoC levels and the cycle life modelled. Limiting the charge range prolongs battery life but decreases energy delivered. This reflects in increased weight and higher initial cost.
Battery manufacturers often specify the cycle life of a battery with an 80 DoD. This is practical because batteries should retain some reserve before charge under normal use(See BU-501: Basics about Discharging, “What Constitutes a Discharge Cycle”) The cycle count on DST (dynamic stress test) differs with battery type, charge time, loading protocol and operating temperature. Lab tests often get numbers that are not attainable in the field.
Environmental conditions, not cycling alone, govern the longevity of lithium-ion batteries. The worst situation is keeping a fully charged battery at elevated temperatures. Battery packs do not die suddenly, but the runtime gradually shortens as the capacity fades.
Lower charge voltages prolong battery life and electric vehicles and satellites take advantage of this. Similar provisions could also be made for consumer devices, but these are seldom offered; planned obsolescence takes care of this.
A laptop battery could be prolonged by lowering the charge voltage when connected to the AC grid. To make this feature user-friendly, a device should feature a “Long Life” mode that keeps the battery at 4.05V/cell and offers a SoC of about 80 percent. One hour before traveling, the user requests the “Full Capacity” mode to bring the charge to 4.20V/cell.
The question is asked, “Should I disconnect my laptop from the power grid when not in use?” Under normal circumstances this should not be necessary because charging stops when the Li-ion battery is full. A topping charge is only applied when the battery voltage drops to a certain level. Most users do not remove the AC power, and this practice is safe.
Modern laptops run cooler than older models and reported fires are fewer. Always keep the airflow unobstructed when running electric devices with air-cooling on a bed or pillow. A cool laptop extends battery life and safeguards the internal components. Energy Cells, which most consumer products have, should be charged at 1C or less. Avoid so-called ultra-fast chargers that claim to fully charge Li-ion in less than one hour.
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