Some individuals utilize LiFePO4 batteries on a seasonal basis, such as when camping in the summer or ice fishing in the winter. Some individuals keep lithium batteries in storage during the off-season. It is critical to store LiFePO4 batteries carefully to avoid damage and to guarantee that they continue to work well for many years.
HOW TO STORE LIFEPO4 BATTERIES?
How should I keep my lithium battery? A question we get from consumers on a daily basis, especially during the winter. The answer is dependent on the temperature of the batteries and the length of time they are stored. The following is an overview of how to keep your LiFePO4 battery:
● Storage temperature range: -5 to +35°C (23 to 95 °F).
● Temperature range: -20 to +60°C (4 to 140 °F) for up to one month.
● Storage temperature range: -10 to +35°C (14 to 95 °F) for up to 3 months.
● Extended storage temperature range: +15 to +35°C (59 to 95 °F).
It is strongly advised to keep lithium batteries indoors during the off-season. It is also advised that LiFePO4 batteries be stored at 50% or higher state of charge (SOC). If batteries are stored for an extended period of time, they should be cycled at least once every 6 months. Discharged batteries should not be stored.
DISCONNECT BEFORE STORING LIFEPO4
Many customers have main switches that are used to turn off the electricity to the batteries. We advocate going the extra mile to guarantee that the batteries are truly unplugged. This is due to the fact that many RVs will still have components working in the background, such as the C02 sensor, illuminated stereo, or another emergency sensor that may be circumventing the main disconnect button. When storing the batteries, it is advisable to manually detach the main positive and negative wires from the lithium batteries. This ensures that the battery does not deplete during storage and that you have plenty of charge in the LiFePO4 batteries when you need them again. Always use a lithium charger rather than one designed for other battery chemistries.
LiFePO4 batteries have a monthly self-discharge rate of 2%. This means that every month that a lithium battery is kept, it loses 2% of its charge capacity. We recommend unplugging any power draws from your batteries to avoid a greater rate of drain. When storing LiFePO4 batteries, it is critical that they have a state of charge (SOC) of 50% or greater. When keeping for an extended period of time, a greater level of charge is advised. If you want the battery to keep a decent level of charge after the storage period is finished, charge it to 100% and store it in that state.
HOW TO STORE LIFEPO4 WITH SYSTEM
If you are keeping your LiFePO4 batteries alongside the rest of your system, such as your charger and inverter, we recommend utilizing a battery guardian, which protects LiFePO4 batteries by removing them from parasitic loads once a voltage of 11.5V is achieved. It is suggested that you disconnect the primary battery connections if you do not have a disconnect switch fitted. Because LiFePO4 batteries do not require a trickle charge, leaving the charger unconnected while the batteries are stored is OK.
HOW TO STORE LIFEPO4 IN COLD WEATHER
Extreme temperatures have no effect on lithium cells while the battery pack is not in operation. We do not advocate keeping lithium batteries in extremely low temperatures for lengthy periods of time since this might cause the battery pack's ABS shell to shatter.
Furthermore, temperatures beyond 60°C (140°F) can cause damage to other components in the battery pack, therefore it's better to avoid high temperatures for extended periods of time. Lithium batteries are always recommended to be stored indoors and at room temperature.
RISK OF NOT CHARGING BEFORE BATTERY STORAGE
There are serious implications if you leave your LiFePO4 battery uncharged. The battery might become overcharged due to the 2% self-discharge rate. The discharge level may fall below what the BMS can guard against. This is why it is critical to charge your lithium battery before storing it. It is also strongly advised that you store the lithium battery at room temperature, especially if you are storing them for a lengthy period of time. Return to the opening paragraph of this page to find out how long LiFePO4 can be stored at various temperatures. Overcharging the cells as a result of battery storage without a charge might result in irreparable damage and void your 10-year battery guarantee. The JoySuny's built-in BMS records all battery activity, including storage. Every charge and discharge, as well as several other parameters such as temperature, are recorded.
COLD WEATHER PERFORMANCE
There is a possibility of capacity loss while discharging LiFePO4 batteries in extremely low conditions (less than 0 degrees Celsius). In freezing conditions, for example, a 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery may only supply 90Ah, 80Ah, or even 70Ah, depending on how cold it is. This is normal in the chemistry of LiFePO4, and it is just transient. When the battery warms up again, its full capacity will be restored. A CLI100-12 battery (12V 100Ah) provides approximately 80 amp-hours at 0°C. At -20°C, the battery's capacity is reduced to around 70 amp-hours. Charging LiFePO4 batteries in subzero temperatures can result in lithium plating, a harmful phenomena that can lead to short-circuiting. As a result, all JoySuny LiFePO4 batteries include a built-in BMS to prevent against cold weather charging. The BMS is also in charge of safeguarding against other causes such as:
● Charging at high temperatures
