Lithium-ion UPS batteries are rechargeable batteries that use lithium as one of their key components.
Lithium Iron Phosphate is a kind of lithium-ion battery known for its long life and inherent safety.
Lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate are two kinds of batteries utilized in today’s portable electronics. While they both have some similarities, they also have major differences in high-energy-density, long life cycles, and stability.
What are the differences between Lithium-Ion and Lithium Iron batteries?
- Different chemical compositions
It is very easy to understand by their names that these two types of batteries are made up of different elements.
A lithium-ion uses lithium cobalt dioxide (LiCoO2) or lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4) as the cathode. Whereas, a lithium-iron battery, or a lithium-iron-phosphate battery, is formed with lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) as the cathode.
Their raw materials LiFePO4 is a harmless material, on the other hand, LiCoO2 is hazardous. As a result, the disposal of lithium-ion batteries has been a major concern for manufacturers and users.
- Distinctive lifecycles
Phosphate chemistry gives a longer life cycle. Lithium-iron batteries are even more long-lasting because they are more durable under the conditions of overcharges or short circuits.
Lithium-ion batteries are at 80% discharge efficiency, and they have a lifespan of 13 to 18 years. Its cycle stability is between 400 and 1200. On the other hand, the cycle durability is about 2000 for lithium-iron batteries.
- Advanced technology
Lithium-iron batteries are a more recent technology than lithium-ion batteries. The phosphate-based technology has more excellent thermal and chemical endurance. This implies that even if you manage a lithium-iron battery inaccurately, it is far less likely to be combustible, compared to a lithium-ion battery.
Applications
Lithium-ion batteries hold the highest energy density among all rechargeable battery types in the industry.
A lithium-ion battery also has a great density, however, it is less powerful than a lithium-ion battery. Though not all batteries are ideal for every application, for some applications, lithium-iron may be more useful than lithium-ion, and vice-versa.
A common application of lithium-ion is cellphones and laptops. For instance, the goods manufactured by Apple Inc. use lithium-ion batteries. It can additionally be utilized in power tools, such as saws, electric vehicles, and other portable gadgets, like cameras, tablets, or even handheld game consoles.
Lithium-iron batteries are commonly used in transportation, solar-powered lights, and electronic cigarettes because of their heat-tolerant characteristics and longer lifespan. Lithium-iron batteries are being used by an increasing number of manufacturers.
Advantage of Lithium
Because of advancements in battery technology, lithium chemistry has made it to the top of the field as the optimum power source for portable high-energy-use applications. Both lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate are reliable alternatives due to their extended shelf life and the convenience of providing a constant source of power over longer timeframes.
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) offers lots of benefits. Prolonged life span, minimal maintenance, high reliability, lightweight, plus improved discharge and charge effectiveness are just a few of the benefits. LiFePO4 batteries are not the cheapest in the industry, but because of their prolonged life span and merest maintenance, they are the best long-term investment you can make.
In the past, nickel-based batteries remained pretty much the whole battery market. With this being said, lithium-based batteries still have room to advance until the technology gets mature. Therefore, their price is pretty high at this point and not affordable for a portion of manufacturers.
Right Power Technology, founded in 2000, is a pioneer in developing and manufacturing advanced UPS systems and solutions. Right Power Technology now has the superior distinction of being a significant player in the industry, education, and commercial fields. To know more about us, visit our official website Right Power Technology.