Information Lithium batteries
Since the discovery of electrical energy, one of the great problems of humanity is its storage. The energy distribution, transport and consumption system works in real time, instantly generating the existing energy demand in the network.

Renewable energies (solar, hydraulic, wind, etc.) have progressed technically in this and other aspects to this day, due to the growing need for a change in the energy system, new technologies are being explored for the storage of the electric energy. From water leaps in hydroelectric plants, to storage systems for industry and homes such as hydrogen accumulators (H2) or lithium-ion batteries (Li-Ion) and more specifically those of lithium ferrophosphate (LiFePO4 ).

 

Lithium-ion batteries, also called dry “Li-Ion” or “Lithium” batteries, use lithium salts as electrolyte to achieve the release of electrons through chemical reactions that release and store electrical energy. The deterioration caused by heat and its sensitivity to extreme temperatures carry the risk of explosion or combustion of the lithium battery, so sophisticated and expensive protection and safety systems must be included.

 

It is increasingly common to see Li-Ion and LiPo batteries (lithium polymers) in computers, tablets, smartphones, RC cars and all kinds of current portable electronic devices. With the integration of lithium accumulators in the solar photovoltaic sector in both the industrial and domestic sectors, a before and after is expected in the way of understanding the use of energy in our homes.

The main brands that work in the production of lithium batteries for solar installations are: BYD, LG, Fronius, Tesvolt and Pylontech.

Lithium batteries are very popular in many sectors and both lithium batteries with low intensity and lithium batteries with the most demanding technical characteristics of the market are available on the market.

 

In AutoSolar we offer you the most advanced lithium batteries on the market prepared for both the most demanding photovoltaic installations and for sectors that want a powerful, fast, efficient accumulator, with a long service life and with a long warranty period. the correct functioning of it.

 

Characteristics and peculiarities of lithium batteries
Lithium batteries are the batteries with the longest life on the market, extremely low self-discharge, an extraordinary depth of discharge and no memory effect, so lithium batteries can be 100% discharged or stored at half load without the lithium battery suffer. The lithium battery is made of very light elements that make it possible to compose Li-Ion accumulators of reduced weight, in various ways and with a much higher performance than conventional batteries. With an energy density up to 3 times higher than traditional batteries and capable of withstanding larger charge / discharge current rates.

 

One of the outstanding qualities of lithium batteries is their high voltage, with some models working in varying ranges from 300V to 450V approx. thus achieving a reduction in the current flowing avoiding heating and wiring losses among many others.

 

The BMS in the lithium battery
We can consider BMS technology as a security element that prevents accidents in the use of the batteries, and it is only necessary to investigate a little on YouTube to see the amount of videos of what happens when a lithium battery is mistreated: smoke, sparks and even explosions. The batteries must be charged safely to avoid accidents.

 

More and more people are interested in lithium batteries and their applications, and being such a new product there is great ignorance among the public with everything related to its characteristics, care and uses, and at the same time there are more people interested in knowing how they work and the ability to make renovations, or even extensions.

 

It should be noted 3 components in any installation with lithium batteries:

- Lithium battery case or cabinet: to store our battery bank (depends on the brand).

- Lithium ion cells: it depends on the manufacturer they can have different shapes.

- BMS: Battery Management System as its name in English indicates, it is an absolutely necessary electronics for the correct charge and discharge of lithium batteries.

 

It is not necessary to change the BMS when the lithium battery is renewed, although if our battery has lost autonomy but still works, in principle the BMS is healthy and we do not need to replace it; changing the lithium cell pack would suffice. Now, if the battery has suddenly stopped working, it may be that the cells are completely depleted and no longer receive charges, or that there is a problem with the BMS; If the battery is less than 2 years old and has stopped working at one time or another, it may be due to a BMS failure. In view of this, and if we take into account that the life of the BMS is not parallel to the life of the batteries, there are more and more users who prefer to change the BMS battery at the time they replace the lithium-ion batteries because This saves additional labor costs in addition to being covered by its warranty.

 

Points to consider lithium batteries
Unlike the rest of the battery technology, lithium or LFP batteries require BMS (Battery Management System).

What happened to a lithium battery if a BMS is not used? The lithium battery cell would fail if the voltage on it increases above 4.2V or if the voltage on it falls below 2.5V .

The cells of a lithium or LFP battery do not self-balance at the end of the charging cycle, since the cells of this type of batteries are not completely equal, so, at the end of the cycle, some cells are fully charged or discharged, and others not. The differences will increase if the cells of the lithium batteries are not usually equalized or balanced.

 

In the case of other types of batteries, even if the cells are fully charged, just after a small amount of current continues to flow, it helps to charge the rest of the cells.

 

However, the current that passes through the cell of a lithium battery or LFP when it is fully charged is almost nil, so over time, the cells become unbalanced since they do not all charge / discharge to the time This difference in charge and discharge between cells increases over time, causing irreparable damage and significantly shortening the life of the lithium battery.

The incorporation of a BMS prevents overvoltage and undervoltage while charging and discharging a lithium or BMS battery.

 

Maintenance Lithium Batteries
Unlike other types of batteries such as open lead acid batteries, OpzS Stationary Batteries or TOPzS Stationary Batteries, lithium batteries do not require periodic monitoring if they must be refilled.

 

Lithium Batteries do not require maintenance, nor emit gases during operation, so Lithium Batteries are an excellent option for those uses in which you cannot (or do not wish to) be aware of the state of the Battery lithium.

 

All batteries, among which are of course the Lithium Batteries, are recommended to be installed indoors, protected from direct sunlight, rain, wind and high temperatures to ensure optimum operation, durability and charging efficiency and download.

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