When there is a power failure, backup power keeps your home or business running. While you need a battery for a backup power system, some batteries are better than others. For example, some manufacturers still use lead-acid or standard lithium-ion batteries for backup systems. While these work, they're limited.
Lithium Iron Phosphate or LiFePO4 batteries are a better choice instead. Below, we'll discuss why this is so and how you can get premium quality batteries for your backup needs.
Why LiFePO4 Batteries Are Ideal for Long-Term Backup Power Systems
Lithium, Iron, and Phosphate refer to the chemical components in the battery’s cathode. So, they're very different from the more common lithium-ion batteries that use cobalt or nickel.
This chemical difference makes LiFePO4 more stable, safe, and long-lasting. It won't overheat easily or catch fire. You can recharge it thousands of times. This is why they're common in backup power systems, electric vehicles, and solar setups.
Comparing LiFePO4 to Other Batteries
How does the LiFePO4 compare to other battery types like lead-acid or Li-ion?
Lead-Acid Batteries
They're cheaper in terms of upfront cost and are widely available. Many users are familiar with these types of batteries. However, they can be heavy and less durable than other battery types. Another drawback is that they need regular maintenance.
Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries
These are lighter than lead-acid, with higher energy storage. Meaning, they can store significant amount of energy in a smaller unit. However, it uses cobalt or nickel, which can overheat or degrade more quickly. Also, its life cycle is shorter compared to a LiFePO4 battery.
Why LiFePO4 Batteries Are Great for Backup Power Systems
How does LiFePO4 compare to lead-acid and Li-ion batteries? What makes them superior for backup power systems? Consider its features below:
Stable and Safe
Safety is of the highest importance when using backup batteries indoors. LiFePO4 batteries are very stable thanks to their chemistry. They do not overheat or swell easily. So, the risk of a fire is pretty low. This makes them far safer than standard lithium-ion options.
Long Cycle Life
Many LiFePO4 batteries have up to 5,000 cycles or more. This means you can charge and discharge them daily for up to 10 years or longer. Compare that to lead-acid or Li-ion batteries with just 500 cycles or Li-ion. Thus, LiFePO4 batteries are a more reliable solution for backup power systems.
Cost-Saving
LiFePO4 batteries have a higher upfront cost, but you will save money in the long run. You won’t need to replace them as often as lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries. Plus, they’re more energy efficient, which reduces waste and lowers electricity costs.
Maintenance-Free
With lead-acid batteries, you need to top up water, check for corrosion and recharge all the time. This is a lot of maintenance for a battery. But you can skip all these steps with a LiFePO4 battery. This convenience is a big appeal. Also, their self-discharge rate is low. This means they hold their charge for months even when not in use. This is perfect for backup systems that are only used occasionally.
Can Handle High-Drain Situations
Sometimes, you need to run heavy devices like fridges, medical equipment, or office servers. LiFePO4 batteries can deliver high bursts of power without a drop in voltage. This will keep your devices stable.
High Energy Density
LiFePO4 can pack more energy into a smaller and lighter design. This helps in their compact design, making it easier to install in homes, offices, or mobile setups.
Eco-Friendly
LiFePO4 batteries don’t contain harmful heavy metals like cobalt or lead. They’re safer for the environment and easier to recycle. Choosing LiFePO4 helps reduce your carbon footprint while power is reliable.
LiFePO4 Backup Power Systems You Can Consider
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
A UPS with LiFePO4 batteries gives instant power during outages. It’s great for protecting sensitive electronics like computers and medical equipment for a short time after a blackout.
Batteries
Standalone LiFePO4 batteries can be connected to your solar system or backup inverter. They store energy for when the grid goes down. This is a better setup for handling high energy demands in the home or office.
Powerstations
LiFePO4 power stations are excellent for both home backup and outdoor use. They’re easy to move, lightweight, and safe to use indoors.
Why Choose Goldenmate’s LiFePO4 Backup Power Systems
Whether you need a LiFePO4 UPS or battery, Goldenmate Energy designs backup systems with users in mind. Here’s why they stand out:
Built-in BMS
Our UPS systems and batteries have built-in BMS (Battery Management System). This battery intelligence protects the unit from overcharging, short circuits, or overheating. As a result, your backup power is more durable and safe.
Convenient and User-Friendly Design
Our UPS and batteries are easier to handle than the bulky lead-acid systems. The LCD display on many models will show details like the charge level and voltage, so you know the battery’s status.
Positive User Feedback
The most important reason for choosing a Goldenmate Energy backup system is our queue of happy users. Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, appreciating the battery’s performance and after sales support.
How to Get the most Out of your LiFePO4 Battery
These simple tips will you care for your LiFePO4 backup power system:
Storage Tips
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Store batteries in a cool and dry place. Avoid heat and damp areas.
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Do not leave them in direct sunlight or very hot environments so the battery does not overheat.
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If storing long-term, keep them around 50% charged to avoid deep discharge. Remember to top up the charge when the battery discharges. Otherwise, deep discharge can prevent the battery from recharging at all.
Maintenance Tips
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Dust or dirt on the terminals can cause poor connections. So, remember to clean battery terminals occasionally with a dry cloth.
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Check the LCD or app (if available) for battery health. The display or app shows important details like charge level, voltage, and temperature.
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Avoid letting the battery fully discharge unless necessary. A shallow discharge (between 20–80% of the battery) is best for the overall health.
Charging Tips
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Use the right charger designed for LiFePO4 batteries.
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Constantly pushing the battery past 100% can stress the cells and shorten cycle life. So, avoid overcharging your LiFePO4 battery. The built-in BMS can regulate charging.
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Keeping the battery topped up prevents it from sitting at a very low charge, which can harm long-term health. So, we recommend you recharge after each use.
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Avoid charging or discharging LiFePO4 at extremely low or high temperatures. Keep charging range between 0 °C to 45 °C (32 °F to 113 °F) and discharge between -20 °C to 60 °C (-4 °F to 140 °F).
Conclusion
Power outages can happen anytime, but with the right backup system, you’ll never be left in the dark. LiFePO4 batteries are the perfect choice for long-term backup power due to their safety, long lifespan, and cost savings.
Goldenmate Energy offers LiFePO4 UPS systems and batteries that are durable and user-friendly. By following a few simple storage and charging tips, your battery will serve you reliably for years.
If you want a stable, eco-friendly, and dependable backup power solution, LiFePO4 is the way to go. Visit Goldenmate Energy to get started today.