How to Charge and Discharge LiFePO4 Battery ? https://www.lifepo4-battery.com/News/how-to-charge-and-discharge-lifepo4-batt.html Part 1: Structure and Principle of Lithium LFP Battery 1. LiFePO4 Battery Structure LiFePO4 Battery Structure The components of LiFePO4 Battery include a positive electrode, negative electrode, electrolyte, diaphragm, positive and negative electrode leads, center terminal, safety valve, sealing ring, and shell. · Positive Electrode: Made of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) with an olivine structure, connected to the battery’s positive terminal by aluminum foil. · Separator: A polymer layer that separates the positive and negative electrodes, allowing lithium ions (Li+) to pass through while blocking electrons (e-). · Negative Electrode: Composed of carbon (graphite) and connected to the battery’s negative terminal by copper foil. The low conductivity, stability, and safety performance of the LFP cathode material define its unique characteristics. 2. LiFePO4 Battery Principle · Charging Process: When the LFP battery is charged, lithium ions migrate from the surface of the LiFePO4 crystal to the electrolyte, pass through the separator, and embed into the graphite lattice on the negative electrode. Electrons flow through an external circuit to balance the charge. · Discharging Process: When the LFP battery is discharged, lithium ions move from the graphite crystal back to the LiFePO4 crystal. The electrons flow in the reverse direction to balance the charge. Part 2: How to Charge Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Recommended Charging Method Use the CCCV (Constant Current Constant Voltage) charging method: · Constant Current: Recommended at 0.3C. · Constant Voltage: Recommended at 3.65V. Are LFP battery and lithium-ion battery chargers the same? * The charging method of both batteries is a constant current and then a constant voltage (CCCV), but the constant voltage points are different. * The nominal voltage of a lithium iron phosphate battery is 3.2V, and the charging cut-off voltage is 3.6V. * The nominal voltage of ordinary lithium batteries is 3.6V, and the charging cut-off voltage is 4.2V. Can I charge LiFePO4 batteries with solar? Solar panels cannot directly charge lithium-iron phosphate battery. Because the voltage of solar panels is unstable, they cannot directly charge lithium-iron phosphate batteries. A voltage stabilizing circuit and a corresponding lithium iron phosphate battery charging circuit are required to charge it. Charging lithium iron phosphate batteries with a generator The generator cannot directly charge the LiFePO4 battery because the power generated by the generator is alternating or pulsed direct current. The LiFePO4 battery must be charged with regulated direct current. Part 3: How to Discharge the LiFePO4 Battery 1. Determine Safe Discharge Rate:Maximum discharge rate is typically 1C to 3C.Exceeding this rate may damage the battery. 2. Connect the Load:Ensure secure connections and correct polarity. 3. Monitor Voltage:Avoid discharging below 2.5V per cell to prevent damage. 4. Manage Discharge Rate:Reduce the rate if the battery overheats. 5. Stop at Minimum Voltage:Discharge only until 2.5V per cell. 6. Store Properly:Store at 50% state of charge in a cool, dry place.