Lifespan

The service life of LiFePO4 batteries is shortened by several factors. Overcharging and deep discharge are two common causes of premature wear and reduced battery capacity. Exposure to high temperatures, vibration and mechanical stress can also lead to battery cell damage and a shorter battery life. In addition, the use of an incorrect battery management system (BMS) or the lack of a BMS can lead to to damage to the cells.

To extend the life of a LiFePO4 battery, it is important to avoid these factors and use a good, appropriate BMS to protect and support the battery. By doing so, the lifespan quickly goes from 3-5 years to 10-20 years, which saves as much as a factor 3-4 in ‘cost-of-ownership’.

Battery management system (BMS)

Overcharging of a LiFePO4 battery occurs when the battery is charged above its recommended voltage limit. This can cause heat and gas to build up inside the battery, which can damage the battery cells and reduce their capacity.
LiFePO4 batteries are known for their high energy density, long life and excellent safety characteristics, but overcharging, and charging too fast, does lead to permanent damage. To prevent this, a BMS must monitor and control the charging process to ensure the battery is charged within its recommended limits.
The BMS can also protect the battery from other problems that can occur during charging and discharging, such as deep discharge short circuit and overheating.
The battery management system (BMS) is therefore a crucial component in protecting and sustaining the performance of a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery.

The right fit

To ensure the protection and support of a LiFePO4 battery, it is important to use a BMS that is compatible with the specifications of the cells used. The BMS should monitor voltage, temperature and current during charging and discharging to ensure that the battery remains within safe limits.
When one or more of the limits are exceeded, the BMS must intervene.

Insight

A Smart BMS can also provide valuable information about battery performance and condition. It can track the battery’s cycle time, capacity and internal resistance, providing insight into the overall health and battery life. This information can be used to optimise battery performance and extend its life.

Linking with Inverters/Chargers

The information that the Smart BMS measures and calculates is important in order to advantageously control the charger or the connected (hybrid) solar inverter.
Thus, during a period of energy surplus, the energy can be optimally stored, to be used again later.
Especially in combination with solar inverters, CANbus communication is used to properly use the battery for energy storage, in a way that leads to the least wear and tear on the battery.

In conclusion

In conclusion, a BMS is an essential component in protecting and sustaining the performance of a LiFePO4 battery. It can prevent overcharging and other problems during charging and discharging, provide valuable information about the performance and condition of the battery and thus control charger or inverters.
To ensure the best possible protection and support for your LiFePO4 battery, it is important to use a BMS that is compatible with the battery’s specifications and has built-in protection and control functions.