The newer LiFePO4 batteries eclipse traditional Lithium-Ion batteries and shine in safety, longevity, and durability. While longevity and durability are unquestioningly important features, user safety was the foremost reason Nature’s Generator waited for the improved LiFePO4 battery technology before offering a Lithium-based renewable energy generator.
The thermal stability of LiFePO4 batteries is key to their safety. Consider that when traditional Lithium-Ion batteries are overcharged or physically damaged they can experience thermal runaway (a catastrophic "spiraling" chemical reaction) where the battery overheats and can catch on fire. This is a serious drawback to using the older Lithium-Ion battery chemistry in solar generator systems for your home, cabin, motorhome, or any place where your loved ones are snuggled in for a good night's sleep.
The industry standard-setting UL Research Institute (Aug. 2021) said this about the thermal runaway process:
"Thermal runaway is one of the primary risks related to lithium-ion batteries. It is a phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state. Thermal runaway can result in extremely high temperatures, violent cell venting, smoke, and fire.
Faults in a lithium-ion cell can result in a thermal runaway. These faults can be caused by internal failure or external conditions.
One example of such internal failure is an internal short circuit... External, off-nominal conditions can also cause thermal runaway. Examples of off-nominal conditions include:
· Overcharge: Can be due to incompatibility between cell and charger, or poorly designed battery management system (BMS)
· Multiple over discharges followed by charge: Discharging the cell or battery below the cell manufacturer-recommended lower voltage threshold multiple times, then charging the cell
· External short circuit
· High- and low-temperature environments
Batteries are manufactured with controls intended to protect against off-nominal conditions. However, these conditions can lead to thermal runaway if the proper controls are not incorporated."
We’re proud that all of Nature’s Generator systems incorporate state-of-the-art battery management systems. Our BMS is designed to monitor temperature, voltage, and amount of charge to prevent overheating, overcharging, or over-discharging. Our BMS monitors temperature to ensure optimal performance and prevent overheating or thermal runaway. They protect the system and connected devices by keeping the battery operating in the ideal voltage range. Our BMS limits excessive current flow during charging or discharging which protects the system against potential short circuits or high current that could be damaging.
As the name indicates, LiFePO4 battery technology uses iron, phosphate, and lithium which creates a strong chemical bond structure making it more stable than the older Lithium-Ion batteries – meaning it’s much less prone to overheating or thermal runaway if improperly handled. Additionally, LiFePO4 batteries have charged and uncharged chemical states that are similar, allowing batteries to remain extremely stable during the oxygen flux in charge cycles. The Lithiun Iron Phosphate battery’s superior chemical structure prevents it from overheating to the high unsafe levels that the older Lithium-Ion battery chemistry can reach. Also, when exposed to a hazardous event causing short-circuiting, it’s notable that LifePO4 batteries are not combustible and will not catch on fire or expel flammable gases -- greatly reducing the risk of fire.
Given the iron phosphate-oxide bond is stronger than the cobalt-oxide and other bonds found in traditional lithium-ion battery chemistries, it means IF a LiFePO4 battery is overcharged or accidentally damaged, the phosphate-oxide bond continues to be structurally stable. In turn, the LiFePO4 battery does not begin a chemical reaction that releases excessive heat which can progressively spiral into a fire-starting catastrophe which is why LiFePO4 batteries are less prone to the kind of thermal runaway reactions that the traditional Lithium-Ion batteries can experience.
Additionally, LifePO4 batteries are hardy and durable and can withstand harsher external environmental conditions like freezing temperatures or extreme heat than traditional Lithium-Ion batteries. LiFePO4 batteries typically have an operational temperature range between -20 to 60 degrees Celcius (or -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit) where the older Lithium-Ion batteries tend toward a more limited operating range of 0 to 45 degrees Celsius (or 32 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit). This means that LiFePO4 batteries can function in colder or hotter climates or conditions without power performance degradation or damage. This translates into making LiFePO4 batteries great for applications that need reliable and stable battery power under the more extreme conditions that are often found in off-grid solar generator situations.
The robust LiFePO4 chemical structure also provides other advantages like a longer lifespan – providing up to 4 times higher number of charge cycles. This long-term reliability also makes LiFePO4 an ideal choice for solar backup and home power system applications.
LiFePO4 batteries have a significantly longer lifespan because they discharge their energy more slowly and steadily compared to traditional high-density Lithium-Ion batteries that have a more rapid energy discharge rate. In solar storage, the energy density of a battery is basically how much energy can be stored in a given volume or weight. When comparing LiFePO4 versus Lithium-Ion battery technology, LifePO4 has a lower energy density which provides superior thermal safety and a longer lifespan which is an important factor for solar generators where safety and extended lifespan are critical.
While LiFePO4 batteries may have a higher upfront cost because of advanced safety features and longer life, this higher cost is balanced by their extended lifespan which reduces the need for frequent replacement --meaning that LiFePO4 batteries provide better long-term value for users. While it’s known that LiFePO4 batteries last longer than traditional Lithium-Ion batteries – it should be noted that LiFePO4 batteries, under the right handling and usage conditions, can last up to ten years!
The safety and long-term benefits of the LifePO4 battery chemistry cannot be overstated. LifePO4 batteries provide a longer lifespan, increased durability, and are significantly less prone to overheating or fire risks when compared to traditional Lithim-Ion batteries. This is why Nature’s Generator selected LiFePO4 technology for its Lithium-based systems. LiFePO4’s superior safety, longevity, and reliability elevated it to the market’s safest most advanced Lithium battery technology, and therefore our choice for our solar generators.
When looking for a safe, reliable, and long-lasting renewable energy generator, please consider the Nature’s Generator newest line of Lithium generators that use advanced LiFePO4 battery technology. We fight to keep all of our systems leading-edge yet affordable. We are thoroughly impressed by the improvements and safety benefits offered by LiFePO4 technology -- and we think you will be too. Peace of mind in protecting your home and family by providing a safer, long-lasting, renewable-energy power system is everything.
