SEO Keywords: LiFePO4 battery specification guide, ESS battery parameters, LFP battery comparison, how to choose lithium battery
Choosing the right LiFePO₄ battery requires understanding the technical parameters that directly affect performance, lifespan, and safety. This article explains the most important specifications that buyers should compare before purchasing.
1. Capacity (Ah and Wh)
Capacity determines how much energy the battery can store.
- Ah (ampere-hour): storage capability
- Wh (watt-hour): voltage × capacity
Example:
A 48V 100Ah battery = 4.8 kWh usable storage.
Look for:
- Real tested capacity (not theoretical)
- Manufacturer capacity reports
- Usable capacity (usually 95–100% DoD)
2. Cycle Life and Degradation Rate
Cycle life shows how many charge/discharge cycles the battery can withstand.
High-quality LFP batteries offer:
- 4000–7000+ cycles
- 10–15 years lifespan
- <1.5% annual degradation
Always check:
- Test conditions (25°C, 0.5C rate)
- Cycle life at different DoD levels
3. C-rate (Charge/Discharge Rate)
C-rate affects how quickly the battery can charge or discharge.
Example:
- 1C = full charge/discharge in 1 hour
- 0.5C = 2 hours
Recommended for ESS:
- Continuous discharge: 0.5C to 1C
- Peak discharge: 1.5C or higher
4. Internal Resistance
Lower internal resistance results in:
- Higher efficiency
- Lower heat production
- Better high-current performance
Good LFP batteries have:
- IR < 10mΩ per cell
- Stable resistance across temperature changes
5. BMS Protection Features
A high-quality BMS should include:
- Overcharge protection
- Over-discharge protection
- High/low temperature protection
- Short-circuit protection
- Cell balancing
- Communication ports (CAN / RS485)
Smart BMS features improve accuracy of SOC estimation and protect the battery in abnormal conditions.
6. Temperature Performance
LiFePO₄ performs best at:
- Charging: 0°C to 55°C
- Discharging: –20°C to 60°C
Look for built-in heaters if used in cold climates.
7. Certifications & Compliance
This ensures safety and global market acceptance:
- UN38.3
- CE / RoHS
- IEC62619
- UL1973
- UL9540A
Conclusion
Comparing the correct technical parameters—capacity, cycle life, C-rate, internal resistance, BMS performance, and certifications—ensures customers choose a reliable LiFePO₄ battery that meets their long-term energy storage needs.