Are LiFePO4 Batteries Safe? Understanding And Preventing Risks with Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries

As the world transitions into the era of clean energy, there is a high demand for lithium batteries. Lithium iron phosphate battery is a special type of lithium battery with zero or no maintenance, longer service life, lightweight structure, and longer charging cycle. These advantages of lithium iron phosphate batteries make them one of the best long-term investments. However, some news about the explosion of lithium iron phosphate batteries in the past few years may concern new users. Will they explode? Is it safe to use lithium iron phosphate batteries? What measures can we take to prevent it from happening?

In this article, we will mainly discuss the safety of lithium iron phosphate batteries and recommendations for preventing explosions or fires.

Safety of lithium iron phosphate batteries

Lithium iron phosphate batteries are safer than many other energy storage solutions on the market due to their excellent chemical stability and good thermal performance. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are completely non-toxic and easier to handle than many other battery solutions. The design of lithium iron phosphate batteries also makes them extremely safe to use at extreme temperatures.

Lithium iron phosphate batteries are designed with built-in safety fuses, explosion-proof steel covers, and excellent over temperature protection

In addition, during the design phase of lithium iron phosphate batteries, they underwent collision testing, overcharging testing, short circuit testing, open circuit testing, temperature testing, drop testing, forced internal short circuit testing, and low voltage testing.

Only after obtaining satisfactory results will the battery enter mass production.

Reasons for Danger

Although lithium iron phosphate batteries are completely safe in normal use, nothing is absolute in extreme situations. Here are some possible reasons for an explosion.

1. Overcharge

Regardless of the type of battery, overcharging is always one of the biggest problems. If you allow the battery to charge for more than the required time, even if the maximum voltage is reached, the power supply will force the battery to charge. This situation can lead to internal heat generation. If the battery is kept insulated for a long time in a charged state, the temperature will rise and thermal energy will continue to accumulate. Therefore, the battery may catch fire.

2. Battery material

The preparation of materials also plays an important role in the thermal and structural stability of batteries. Due to the presence of iron oxide inside lithium iron phosphate, the iron element in the battery must be positively divalent. This is why manufacturers must be extra careful during the sintering reaction process.

3. Battery placement

The fault only reaches the designated toll area. Whenever the battery is charged, it generates a small amount of heat. Therefore, we must ensure that the area is non combustible. If the battery is charged in an explosive area, even the smallest amount of heat generated can cause the area to catch fire.

How to prevent problems

1. Suitable charger

The best practice to prevent overcharging of batteries is to use a suitable charger. Based on your battery type and rated voltage, you should always use a suitable charger provided by the manufacturer. This solution will prevent your battery from overcharging, overheating, and always ensure a stable charging state.

2. Suitable temperature

Always store the battery in the place with the best temperature. The allowable temperature of battery grade largely depends on how long you plan to store them. A good rule of thumb is to store lithium iron phosphate batteries in a temperature range of 15 ° C to 30 ° C. Additionally, please ensure to charge the battery after it cools down. After extensive and prolonged use, your battery may generate some heat. It is best to avoid charging during that period.

3. A good battery management system (BMS)

If the battery pack is composed of more than one lithium iron phosphate battery, the BMS monitor will stop charging at peak voltage. A high-quality BMS not only stops overcharging, but also charges each battery separately. BMS will detect which specific battery provides inaccurate readings or malfunctions. This feature will prevent any explosions or fires.

4. Good manufacturers

Always use lithium iron phosphate batteries produced by high-quality manufacturers. Batteries from reliable manufacturers will ensure proper completion of pre production testing.

To obtain the best battery solution, please contact Pronewenergy. Pronewenergy is a manufacturer of energy storage batteries and energy storage system solutions, aiming to provide end-users with the best lithium battery energy storage solutions.

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