How are LiFePO4 batteries safer than other lithium batteries?
LiFePO4 batteries are safer to operate, more resilient to damage and overcharging, and they are better for the environment compared to other Lithium batteries.
The key benefits of LiFePO4 are:
They have better thermal stability - LiFePO4 batteries have a higher thermal stability compared to other lithium-ion chemistries.
They are very resistant thermal runaway, a phenomenon where an increase in temperature in one part of the battery can lead to an uncontrollable and rapid increase in temperature throughout the battery, causing a catastrophic failure.
They are chemically stable - the structure of LiFePO4 is inherently more stable and less prone to oxidation or thermal decomposition, even under high temperatures or overcharging conditions.
During overcharging or other stress conditions, LiFePO4 batteries release a minimal amount of oxygen compared to other lithium-ion chemistries.
Even in the event of physical damage to the battery cells, the phosphate-oxide bond remains structurally stable, unlike in other lithium chemistries where the bonds begin breaking down releasing excessive heat, which eventually leads to thermal runaway.
They are non-toxic - LiFePO4 batteries are non-toxic, non-contaminating and contain no rare-earth minerals. They represent the cleanest battery technology we have available, which combined with their long life makes them the best solution for local energy storage.
