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So choose the right charger for Lithium-Phosphate batteries

by sipinglong on April 03, 2024

In our daily life, we frequently encounter three types of batteries:lithium battery, lithium iron phosphate battery, and lead-acid batteryPlease note that although lithium iron phosphate batteries also belong to the category of lithium batteries, their charging voltage and charge curve differ from those of conventional lithium batteries.


Different types of batteries require different charging voltagesTherefore, when selecting an appropriate charger for our batteries, we usually need to have basic information about the battery type and charging current. A well-designed battery charger also has additional advantages, such as whether it can activate the protected battery and whether the temperature control system and cooling system of the battery work well.

1.Charging Voltage
It is very important to choose the correct charging voltage for the battery. If the voltage exceeds the battery's charging voltage, the battery may be damaged due to its sensitivity to overvoltage and overcurrent. If the voltage is below the charging voltage, the battery will not be fully charged. If the charging voltage does not match, please do not use it to charge your battery.


How do we determine the charging voltage of our Lithium-Iron Phosphate battery?
A. Refer to the user manual of your battery. Normally, this information is displayed there for this type of battery.
B. Calculate the charging voltage based on the number of cells in series in the battery pack.A single LiFePO4 battery cell has a nominal voltage of 3.2 V and a recommended charging voltage range of 3.50 V to 3.65 V. For example, a 4S battery means that four battery cells are connected in series, resulting in a battery nominal voltage of 12.8 V (3.2 * 4 = 12.8 V) and a charging voltage of 3.65 V * 4 = 14.6 V. (Please note that we also refer to it as a 12-V battery in everyday life.)


Information on the voltage specifications for various LiFePO4 battery packs and systems can be found in the following table.

 

Since some 51.2-V batteries are also marked with 48 V, please double-check whether it is a 15S or 16S battery when selecting a charger, and then choose the appropriate voltage accordingly.


2.Charging Current
The larger the charging current, the shorter the charging time. This is a consensus. Is it better to select a higher current when choosing a charger?


The performance of charging lithium batteries is determined by the internal settings of the charger, which cannot be changed by the user. Manufacturers configure the ports for slow and fast charging based on the specific characteristics of the battery, and the Battery Management System (BMS) manages the charging process uniformly.


Typically, the manufacturer provides a range for the charge current and recommends a preferred charge rate. A 0.2 C or 1 C charge rate is most commonly recommended. Using this recommended charge rate is better for the lifespan of the lithium battery. For example, if you have a 12.8V-100A battery and the recommended charge rate is 0.2 C, please select a charge current of 100 * 0.2 = 20A.

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