What Are The Safety Precautions When Using Acoucou Lithium Batteries?

The application of lithium iron phosphate batteries in the field of energy storage is increasing, which mainly benefits from their high safety, long cycle life, good performance retention and environmentally friendly characteristics. However, we also need to know some precautions in the use of lithium iron phosphate batteries and the charging and discharging process so that we can use them more safely.

Operating precautions:

• Temperature Control: LiFePO4 batteries should be operated within a specified temperature range (typically between -20°C to 60°C). Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures as it can degrade battery performance and shorten lifespan.

• Avoid Overcharging: Do not overcharge the battery beyond its recommended voltage limit. Overcharging can lead to increased temperature, cell swelling, and even thermal runaway, posing safety risks.
• Avoid Overdischarging: Similar to overcharging, over-discharging LiFePO4 batteries below their minimum voltage can cause irreversible damage, reducing battery capacity and lifespan. Use battery management systems (BMS) to prevent over-discharge.

There are some differences in ventilation between Acoucou lithium iron phosphate and lead-acid batteries:

• Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries: A special ventilation system is usually not required as this type of lithium ion battery does not produce harmful gases during normal use and charging. However, to ensure safety, it is recommended that good ventilation be provided when charging the battery to help dissipate any heat that may be generated and to prevent the battery from overheating.

• Lead-acid batteries: Lead-acid batteries usually require better ventilation because hydrogen gas is produced during charging and discharging. If hydrogen is not vented promptly, it may lead to a buildup of gas, increasing the risk of explosion or fire. Therefore, lead-acid batteries are normally placed in well-ventilated areas and, where possible, ventilators are used to ensure that the gas can escape quickly.

• Avoid Mechanical Damage: Handle LiFePO4 batteries with care to prevent physical damage or puncture, which can lead to internal short circuits and safety hazards.

Charging Precautions:

• Use Correct Charger: Always use a charger specifically designed for LiFePO4 batteries with the correct voltage and current ratings. Using an incompatible charger can damage the battery and pose safety risks.

• Charge within Specified Voltage Range: Charge LiFePO4 batteries within the recommended voltage range to avoid overcharging. Most LiFePO4 batteries have a maximum charging voltage of around 3.65V per cell.

• Monitor Charging Process: Monitor the charging process closely and disconnect the charger once the battery is fully charged. Avoid leaving the battery connected to the charger indefinitely, as it can lead to overcharging.

• Balance Charging: If using multiple LiFePO4 cells in series, consider using a balance charger or a BMS to ensure each cell is charged evenly, preventing overcharging of individual cells.

Acoucou uses a BMS protection board equipped with smart modules. By connecting to the Bluetooth battery application, it uses the BMS protection board to load the smart module and debug it to realize Bluetooth smart connection of the APP and monitor the battery health.

Discharging Precautions:

• Avoid Deep Discharge: Avoid discharging LiFePO4 batteries below their minimum voltage limit. Deep discharges can cause irreversible capacity loss and damage to the battery.
• Monitor Discharge Current: Avoid high discharge currents that exceed the battery's rated specifications. Excessive discharge currents can increase internal resistance, and heat generation, and degrade battery performance.

• Use Low-Voltage Cutoff: Implement a low-voltage cutoff mechanism to prevent over-discharge of LiFePO4 batteries, especially in applications where deep discharges may occur.

• Temperature Monitoring: Monitor battery temperature during discharge to prevent overheating. If the battery temperature rises significantly during discharge, reduce the discharge rate or stop operation temporarily to prevent thermal runaway.

By following these precautions, you can maximize the performance, lifespan, and safety of LiFePO4 batteries during operation, charging, and discharging processes. Additionally, always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines for specific precautions related to your LiFePO4 battery model.