A LiFePO4 battery will last a long time. It can handle over 3000 charge cycles. Well, they’re popular for their durability. But how do you charge these batteries properly and why does it matter? We will answer these questions in the rest of the article.
The Best Way to Charge Your LiFePO4 Battery for Better Performance and Safety
Yes, you can improve your battery use and safety when you charge it well. Your battery will work for a longer time. This benefit will save you money. Also, the battery won’t overheat or become unsafe. So, there are many good reasons to charge your battery safely.
Below, we’d discuss why LiFePO4 batteries have become popular and how best to recharge your unit.
Understanding LiFePO4 Batteries
LiFePO4 batteries have a long cycle life. This means they will outlast lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries. The battery has a stable chemistry and is safe. Also, a unit with a Battery Management System (BMS) will regulate charging and heating. These features make the battery safe.
Our clients use these batteries for different purposes. Whether you want an off-grid solar setup or batteries for your boat, you can use LiFePO4.
Why Charging Matters
Proper charging will keep your battery healthy. This means that your battery can power your devices without issues. But the wrong charger or charging method will damage your battery. It may not last long anymore and become unsafe. When it comes to LiFePO4 batteries, charging is crucial.
The Basics of Charging LiFePO4 Batteries
There are a few things to remember when recharging your unit:
Recommended Charging Voltage and Current
A 12V LiFePO4 battery can charge between 14.0V and 14.6V. But 24V batteries can handle higher voltages between 28.0V and 29.2V. The recommended charging current will depend on the battery capacity. A 100Ah battery can handle between 20 - 50A current. Remember that these numbers would depend on the battery maker's specs as well. Ensure to read your battery’s manual.
Two-Stage Charging Process
LiFePO4 batteries charge in two stages. First, the constant current (bulk charge) and constant voltage (absorption charge). In the bulk stage, the charger supplies a steady current until the battery reaches its set voltage. In the second stage, the charger maintains the voltage but the current decreases slowly. These methods help the battery reach full charge.
No Need for Trickle or Float Charging
Trickle or float charging in lead-acid batteries helps to prevent discharge. But these methods are not needed for LiFePO4 batteries. A LiFePO4 battery can hold a charge better. If your battery will be idle for a long time, it is best to store it at around 50% charge.
Choosing the Right LiFePO4 Battery Charger
There are several things to consider when choosing a charger. Below, we’ve answered 2 common questions that you may ask:
Why Use a LiFePO4-Specific Charger?
A charger designed for LiFePO4 battery would be your best option. See our article, "Do LiFePO4 Batteries Need a Special Charger?" These chargers supply the correct voltage and current. Often, it has a safety feature that stops charging when the battery is full. This will protect the battery from overcharging and overheating. But what else can you look for?
Confirm that the charger outputs voltage and current in your battery's range. Look for features such as automatic shutoff and temperature monitoring. It's great if the charger is compatible with your battery's BMS (Battery Management System). Finally, some chargers can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Is this a function you'd want? Consider pairing it with our Bluetooth-enabled, water-resistant battery model.
Can You Use Your Old Charger?
Sometimes, you can use your old charger on the LiFePO4 battery. But this isn’t always the case. For example, a dedicated lead-acid charger will not suit your battery. Avoid chargers with “repair” or “desulfation” modes. These are meant for other battery types but will damage your LiFePO4. So, older chargers may work, but a dedicated LiFePO4 charger is always better.
Step-by-Step Guide to Charging Your LiFePO4 Battery
Charging your LiFePO4 battery looks simple, but these steps will help you avoid mishaps:
Step 1: Check the Battery and Charger
Before connecting your charger to the battery, check the devices for any damage. Ensure the port is clean. Lastly, check voltage and current ratings on both devices. Ensure they match.
Step 2: Connect the Charger
Attach the charger’s positive (red) cable to the battery’s positive terminal, and the negative (black) cable to the negative terminal. Keep the connection tight and free from water or rust.
Step 3: Select the Correct Charging Mode
If you can select charging modes, choose the LiFePO4 or lithium battery option. Sometimes, you may need to adjust the voltage and current according to your battery’s specifications.
Step 4: Begin Charging
Turn on the charger. Your battery will start charging at a steady current until it reaches the target voltage. The charger will then switch to constant voltage mode, while the current reduces.
Step 5: Monitor the Charging Process
While charging, check the battery and charger. Avoid charging in very high or very low temperatures. You should charge LiFePO4 batteries between 0°C and 50°C (32°F to 122°F) for best results. Stop charging if you notice excess heat, swelling, or odors.
Step 6: Finish and Disconnect
So, the battery is fully charged, and it's time to disconnect. Turn off the charger before removing the cables. Remove the negative cable first, then the positive. Store the battery in a cool and dry place.
Safety Tips for Charging LiFePO4 Batteries
LiFePO4 batteries are pretty safe and stable. Still, there are some measures that you must follow. Below, we’ve listed these tips:
Avoid Overcharging
Charging at a higher voltage isn't a great idea. Your battery may charge faster but it will degrade with time. Higher voltage charging is also a safety risk. Most LiFePO4 batteries have features that prevent overcharging. Still, it's vital to use the right charger at the right setting.
Use Proper Connections
Be wary of loose and rusty connections. These issues will cause your unit to charge poorly and maybe even spark. Before charging, remember to clean the cables and ensure they're well fastened.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Charging Your LiFePO4 Battery
Charging errors will affect your battery’s health, causing it to degrade. So, misuse is expensive and will cost you money and comfort. Here are 4 LiFePO4 charging mistakes that you must avoid:
#1 Using the Wrong Charger
Using a lead-acid charger or any other charger for your LiFePO4 batteries will damage the cells. It can cause your battery to undercharge, overcharge, or get damaged. Use a compatible LiFePO4 charger for your battery.
#2 Charging at the Wrong Voltage
Very high or very low charging voltages will shorten your battery’s life. When it comes to voltage ratings, ensure to follow the battery maker's recommendations.
#3 Ignoring Temperature Guidelines
Just as with voltage, there is a recommended temperature range: 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F). Charging at under 0°C will cause lithium plating. In fact, some battery models will refuse to charge at these extreme temperatures. For optimal battery life, aim to charge between 10°C and 35°C (50°F to 95°F).
#4 Leaving the Battery at Full Charge for Long Periods
You probably already know that you shouldn't store your LiFePO4 battery at near 0% charge. Well, the same applies for a full, 100% charge too. Or, your battery can begin to degrade after a long period of being idle. So, what should you do instead? Store your at about 50% charge if it will be idle for a while.
Maintaining Your LiFePO4 Battery
The following tips will help keep your battery healthy:
Regular Battery Cycling
For a healthy battery, use it often. Don't allow the battery to sit idle for too long. Instead, cycle or charge and discharge them frequently. This usage will help prolong your battery life and health.
Battery Storage Tips
If you will be leaving your battery idle for a long time, ensure the charge is not empty. Or this can degrade your battery life. Store your battery at around 50% charge. Remember to leave it in a cool and dry place. Also, check the charge level every few months and recharge it when appropriate.
Check Battery and Charger
Inspect your battery and charger often. Do you notice any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage on the body? Then you will need to replace those parts, be it cables or connectors. Managing a faulty component will only damage your battery further. Also, managing faulty components can be risky.
Conclusion
Properly charging your LiFePO4 battery will make it safe and efficient. Also, a well-charged battery will be around for a long time. Hence, remember to use the right charger, avoid overcharging, and extreme temperatures. LiFePO4 batteries are reliable, but you must charge them correctly.
Whether you want to power solar setups, RVs, or boats, we have a battery for you. You can shop for high-quality, high-capacity batteries for your various needs. Ready for an upgrade? Check out Goldenmate Energy. Get the power you need today.
