Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best 3.2v lithium phosphate batteries

Curious about the 3.2V LiFePO4 battery? These batteries are increasingly popular for their reliability and safety. In this comprehensive guide, we&#;ll delve into what these batteries are, their advantages and disadvantages, their applications, and how to build battery packs with them. Let&#;s get started!

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Part 1. What is the 3.2V LiFePO4 battery?

 

A 3.2V LiFePO4 battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that uses lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) as its cathode material. Unlike other lithium-ion batteries, it has a nominal voltage of 3.2 volts per cell. This battery type is known for its long cycle life, thermal stability, and safety, making it a preferred choice for many modern applications ranging from electric vehicles to renewable energy storage systems.

Part 2. Why 3.2V?

You might wonder why the voltage is specifically 3.2V. The 3.2V rating comes from the inherent electrochemical properties of lithium iron phosphate. When fully charged, a LiFePO4 cell reaches about 3.65V; when fully discharged, it drops to around 2.5V. The nominal voltage of 3.2V represents the average operating voltage during discharge. This stable voltage is one of the reasons why LiFePO4 batteries are highly regarded for their reliability and performance.

Part 3. 3.2V LiFePO4 battery advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

• Safety: One of the safest lithium-ion battery chemistries. It is highly resistant to thermal runaway and doesn&#;t overheat easily.
• Long Lifespan: Capable of lasting up to to cycles, which is significantly longer than many other batteries.
• Stable Voltage: Provides a consistent voltage output, which is crucial for applications requiring steady power.
• Eco-Friendly: Utilizes non-toxic materials, making it more environmentally friendly than other lithium batteries.
• Fast Charging: This can be charged quickly without significant degradation, which is beneficial for time-sensitive applications.

Disadvantages

• Cost: Generally more expensive upfront compared to lead-acid and some other lithium-ion batteries.
• Weight: Tends to be heavier than other lithium-ion batteries due to the denser materials used.
• Energy Density: Lower energy density compared to lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) batteries, meaning it stores less energy per unit of weight.
  

Part 4. What is the voltage range of a 3.2V LiFePO4 battery?

The voltage range of a 3.2V LiFePO4 battery is typically between 2.5V (fully discharged) and 3.65V (fully charged). Operating within this range ensures the battery maintains its health and longevity. Keeping the battery within this voltage range also helps prevent potential damage and ensures optimal performance.

Part 5. 3.2V LiFePO4 battery price 

The price of 3.2V LiFePO4 batteries can vary significantly based on their capacity and application. For instance:

• Small Capacity Cells (10Ah-20Ah): These typically range from $10 to $20 per cell.
• Medium Capacity Cells (50Ah-60Ah): These might cost around $50 to $70 per cell.
• High Capacity Cells (100Ah and above): Prices for these can range from $150 to $200 per cell.
  
  

Part 6. Where is the 3.2V LiFePO4 battery used?

Due to their stable performance and safety, 3.2V LiFePO4 batteries are used in numerous applications, including:

1. Electric Vehicles (EVs): Powering cars, bikes, and scooters due to their long life and safety.
2. Solar Energy Systems: Storing energy from solar panels for later use.
3. Portable Electronics: Commonly found in laptops, tablets, and power tools.
4. Marine Applications: Used in boats and yachts for reliable power.
5. Backup Power: Integral in Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) for homes and businesses.

Part 7. What is the lifespan of a 3.2V LiFePO4 battery?

The lifespan of a 3.2V LiFePO4 battery is one of its most attractive features. These batteries can last between to charge cycles, which significantly exceeds the lifespan of many other types of batteries. In practical terms, this translates to approximately 5 to 10 years of use, depending on how frequently the battery is charged and discharged. Proper maintenance, such as avoiding extreme temperatures and not over-discharging the battery, can extend its lifespan even further.

Part 8. Is the 3.2V LiFePO4 battery safe?

3.2V LiFePO4 batteries are among the safest lithium-ion batteries available. Their safety features stem from the stable chemical structure of lithium iron phosphate, which is highly resistant to thermal runaway&#;a condition that can lead to overheating and fire. Additionally, LiFePO4 batteries do not contain cobalt, which can pose environmental and health risks. Their robust design also includes safety mechanisms to prevent overcharging and deep discharging, further enhancing their safety profile.

Part 9. How to build 12V, 24V & 48V battery packs with 3.2V LiFePO4 batteries

The above is a common LiFePO4 Battery capacities table.

Building higher voltage battery packs with 3.2V LiFePO4 cells involves connecting multiple cells in series. Here&#;s a detailed step-by-step guide for each configuration:

1. Building a 12V Battery Pack

To build a 12V battery pack, you need to connect four 3.2V LiFePO4 cells in series:

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Gather Components:

1. 4 x 3.2V LiFePO4 cells: Battery Management System (BMS) suitable for a 12V pack
2. Connectors: Insulating materials and a battery case
3. Arrange Cells: Place the cells in a series configuration. This means connecting the positive terminal of the first cell to the negative terminal of the second cell, and so on.
4. Connect Cells: Use solid connectors or wires to link the cells securely. Ensure that the connections are tight and well-insulated to prevent short circuits.
5. Attach BMS: Connect the BMS to each cell according to the manufacturer&#;s instructions. The BMS will monitor and balance the cells during charging and discharging to ensure safety and longevity.
6. Secure Pack: Place the assembled cells and BMS into a battery case. Secure all components to avoid movement and ensure all connections are insulated.
   

2. Building a 24V Battery Pack

For a 24V battery pack, you will need eight 3.2V LiFePO4 cells connected in series:

Gather Components:

1. 8 x 3.2V LiFePO4 cells
2. BMS suitable for a 24V pack
3. Connectors: Insulating materials and a battery case
4. Arrange Cells:Connect the cells in series to achieve a total nominal voltage of 25.6V (3.2V x 8).
5. Connect Cells:Link the cells securely using connectors or wires, ensuring each connection is firm and insulated.
6. Attach BMS:Connect the BMS to the cells, which will manage the balance and safety of the pack.
7. Secure Pack:Place the entire setup in a battery case, ensuring all connections and components are secure and insulated.

3. Building a 48V Battery Pack

To build a 48V battery pack, connect sixteen 3.2V LiFePO4 cells in series:

Gather Components:

1. 16 x 3.2V LiFePO4 cells
2. BMS suitable for a 48V pack

3. Connectors&#; Insulating materials and a battery case

4. Arrange Cells: Place the cells in a series configuration to achieve a total nominal voltage of 51.2V (3.2V x 16).

5. Connect Cells: Securely link the cells with connectors or wires, ensuring all connections are insulated and firm.

6. Attach BMS: Connect the BMS to manage the balance, charging, and discharging of the battery pack.

7. Secure Pack: Place the battery assembly into a case, ensuring all components are securely fastened and insulated.

Part 10. Conclusion

The 3.2V LiFePO4 battery offers a robust, safe, and long-lasting power solution for a variety of applications. Whether you&#;re powering an electric vehicle, storing solar energy, or building a custom battery pack, understanding the intricacies of these batteries

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Gerald

Electronic Engineering Writer

My current system is 12v 100Ah lead acid from . (to get through load shedding (utility power goes off for 2.5 hours) when it happens (random frequency))

12v 100Ah (50Ah usable) is just barely enough currently, and I want to also start powering lights etc and I have capacity anxiety so I want to upgrade capacity.

I was planning to get another 12v 100Ah batt, and parallel it with my current battery. Or possibly 2x 12v and run a 24v system instead and keep this running as a 12v system (run both for different loads, and redundancy)

I know Will thinks that you shouldn't parallel lead acids of different ages, but I've done it a lot. I was running my 12v 100Ah battery parallel with my 100Ah and a friend's 100Ah for a few months, but my battery died and I gave the friend back his battery, which is still going strong.

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So I assumed I'd buy more Lead Acid. But I'm aware of LiFePO's superiority but always assumed it was too expensive.

I saw videos by americans/europeans saying they got 4x 280Ah cells for around $500 shipped from China.

Looks like those prices aren't available at the moment?
What has changed?
Is it just high shipping costs?

(perhaps the right move is to buy Lead Acid again and wait/see if the world calms down and shipping prices retrace to normality)

When I search AliExpress, filter by Delivered to South Africa and set prices to USD. I see most of the shipping prices are crazy high.

What capacity cells do you recommend for getting a decent price per shipped Ah? I want at least 80Ah usable capacity of Lithium.
Since shipping is likely a huge % of total cost of buying cells from China, it seems wisest to just buy 280Ah cells or whatever?
I see people buying/selling 40Ah cells and it just doesn't make much sense to me.

I tried searching this forum. I couldn't find much current recommendations for particular AliExpress sellers.

I don't mind running a lower capacity cell at higher voltage. In fact I prefer higher battery bank voltages because then I can use thinner cables.

I'm considering getting 1 or more big solar panels or even a wind gen, so additional capacity won't be wasted.

I'd like to spend $500~ on cells.

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Then I'd probably run a Daly BMS.

Regarding the Daly BMS's (or clones thereof sold on Amazon) Let's assume I get one without the bluetooth (I prefer a BMS without bluetooth/wifi, would rather configure it another way, unless you can disable the wifi/bluetooth after configuring)... how do you set your cutoff voltage ranges or set limits on charge/discharge %?

Currently I'm using a 720W UPS that has 10 or 20A (selectable) charge capability. It charges at 14.4v but then drops the voltage down to a float of 13.6 after it's finished charging. It's designed for lead acid of course.

Because LiFePO4 12v banks run in a tigher range than lead acid (for over discharge and overcharge protection) Can I simply connect the Daly BMS to the UPS and the Daly BMS will protect the lithium cells from under/over charge?

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