Battery charging with constant current (I-charge)

With constant current charging, the battery in question is always charged with a constant current (I_charge). This prevents damage caused by excessive charging current. With this charging method, however, there is a risk that the battery will be overcharged. A suitable switch-off mechanism is therefore required.

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Battery charging with pulse charging

This is a special form of constant current charging. The charging pauses make it possible to precisely determine the battery voltage for the rest of the charging process. Pulse charging is also ideal for regenerating sulphated batteries.

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Battery charging with constant voltage (U-charging)

With constant voltage charging, the charging voltage (U_bat) is kept constant throughout the charging process. As a result, a higher current flows at the beginning of the charging process than at the end. The decreasing current towards the end of the charging process ensures that the battery is charged gently and completely.

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Battery charging using the IU method

The IU charging method combines the two charging methods mentioned above and utilises the advantages of both techniques. This allows a quick and gentle charge to be achieved in a simple manner.
 

Multi-stage battery charging process (IUoU charging) This more complex, multi-stage charging technology also consists of a combination of the charging processes mentioned above. A microcontroller integrated into the charger ensures that the appropriate charging process is selected in order to charge the battery as quickly and efficiently as possible.

First things first – there are many arguments in favour of lithium

Lithium batteries are much lighter and have a significantly longer service life and number of charging cycles than lead batteries. In addition, lithium batteries score points with their significantly smaller volume, better charging efficiency, high energy density, low self-discharge and, last but not least, their significantly greater depth of discharge (lithium approx. 90 – 100 %, lead only approx. 50 %).
 
These significant advantages make lithium batteries a popular choice for a wide range of applications – from energy storage in portable devices to usage in vehicles and as high-performance storage for solar systems and much more.
 
However, this quality also comes at a price: if you want to buy a lithium battery, you will have to spend considerably more on the initial purchase than for a lead battery.

Is it possible to replace a lead-acid battery with a lithium battery?

As a rule, a lead-acid, lead-gel or AGM battery can be replaced with a LiFePO₄ battery. However, the existing charging profiles of the existing charging devices/chargers must be checked and adjusted if necessary. Use suitable chargers with a maximum end-of-charge voltage of 14.6 V. Even simple lead-gel, lead-acid and AGM battery chargers can damage the LiFePO4 battery when first connected. Check the charging parameters of the respective charger in advance.

 

The best way to charge a LiFePO₄ battery

1. Only use chargers suitable for LiFePO₄ cells with a maximum end-of-charge voltage of 14.6 V. Even simple lead, gel, acid and AGM battery chargers can damage the LiFePO₄ battery when first connected. Check the charging parameters of the respective charger in advance.
2. Observe the maximum charging current of your battery; this must not be exceeded at any time.
3. Stop the charging process if the battery management system (BMS) cancels the charging process and check the battery and the charging parameters.
4. Disconnect the charger if it will not be used for a longer period of time.
5. Charge your LiFePO₄ battery within 15 days of a low state of charge of approx. 20 % or after disconnection due to undervoltage to ensure maximum service life.
6. Our batteries are approx. 80 % charged on delivery. We therefore always recommend fully charging a new battery before use. Observe the specifications for parallel or serial connection of the batteries according to the instructions.

How to store and winterise a LiFePO4 battery correctly

1. Charge your LiFePO4 battery to 60 - 80 % of its capacity before storage.
2. Disconnect your LiFePO4 battery from all loads and consumers before storage.
3. Protect the pole contacts from short circuits by covering them.
4. If stored for longer periods, the LiFePO4 battery must be recharged to 60 - 80 % every 6 months.
5. Temperatures down to -20 °C do not damage the battery cell. It is therefore not necessary to remove the battery in most cases. In general, however, care should be taken to ensure that very cold batteries are slowly adjusted to the ambient temperature. Rapid heating can lead to condensation forming inside the housing and damage to the battery.
6. Never use a trickle charger for winter storage.

 

1. Always select the right charger for your battery

Batteries can only be charged gently and fully with a suitable charger. Always compare the technical data of the charger with that of the battery.
 

2. Fully charge the battery before using it for the first time

In order to utilise the full capacity of your battery, a full charge is a basic requirement.
 

3. Protect your battery from harmful deep discharge

Deep discharge occurs when more than 60 % of the battery capacity has been used up. Use loads that have deep discharge protection.

4. Recharge your battery as often as possible

This prolongs the service life and prevents harmful deep discharging. The so-called "memory effect" does not occur with lead batteries.
 

5. Never leave your battery discharged

If discharged batteries are not recharged for a longer period of time, there is a risk that the natural self-discharge will lead to a damaging deep discharge.
 

6. Avoid charging and discharging your battery at the same time

Charging a battery while the load is switched on can lead to excessive heating of the charger or battery.
 

7. Always keep your battery ready for use

By using chargers with float charging, you ensure that a loss of capacity due to self-discharge is compensated and that your storage battery can be optimally utilised even after a long period of inactivity.