Why should my 24V system use Victron lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries over lead-acid?
LiFePO4 batteries are the safest li-ion batteries on the market. Where a lead-acid battery will fail prematurely due to sulfation (e.g. when batteries are rarely or never fully-charged, or are left discharged for extended periods of time), an LiFePO4 battery’s service life will actually improve when left partially charged.
LiFePO4 batteries are more efficient as well, with lower internal resistance and the ability to continue operating well even when days go by between full charges.
In fact, while lead-acid batteries typically provide only 80% round-trip energy efficiency, LiFePO4 batteries provide 92%. And, when lead-acid batteries reach their 80% state of charge, they drop to approximately 50% efficiency; LFP batteries will still achieve 90% efficiency under the same conditions.
Is a Victron lithium battery worth the investment for a 24V system?
We sure think so. LFP batteries make up for their initial cost up front with a longer life, greater efficiency, and increased reliability when compared to their lead-acid counterparts. While lead-acid offers a lower entry price, you can expect those batteries will require more frequent replacements and offer less reliability and efficiency long-term.
Nominal voltage of each LFP cell is 3.2V (compared to lead-acid โ 2V per cell); a 12.8V battery consists of 4 cells connected in series, and a 25.6V battery consists of 8 cells connected in series.
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