Redodo Self-Heating VS Low-Temperature Protection LiFePO4 Lithium Battery

Redodo has taken the Winter series offerings to the next level by incorporating advanced features like 12V 100Ah and 12V 200Ah batteries with low-temperature protection. Additionally, they have introduced a self-heating series with options like 12V 100Ah self-heating and 12V 200Ah self-heating. As a result, many customers are facing difficulty in choosing between these alternatives. To resolve this confusion, this article seeks to provide a clear explanation of the differences among these products.

Are Lithium Batteries Good in Cold Weather?

Before we delve into product introductions, let's address a common question: Are Lithium Batteries Good in Cold Weather?

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries are an excellent option for cold weather conditions as they exhibit reliable performance across a wide temperature range. Unlike standard lead-acid batteries, which can be negatively affected by cold temperatures, LFP batteries maintain their efficiency and durability even in extreme cold.

LFP batteries can be safely operated in temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius) and as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). This broad temperature range makes them suitable for various applications, including off-grid solar systems, RVs, and camper vans, where users frequently encounter extremely cold climates.

In colder temperatures, lead-acid batteries experience a significant decline in performance. The cold weather limits their capacity, and the more power is drawn from them, the weaker they become. Conversely, LFP batteries showcase superior performance in cold weather. When utilized, LFP batteries naturally warm up due to a reduction in internal resistance, resulting in increased voltage and improved overall performance.

When it comes to powering devices in cold weather conditions, choosing lithium batteries, particularly LFP, can help overcome the limitations of traditional lead-acid batteries. With their enhanced performance, reliability, and temperature resistance, lithium batteries emerge as the clear winner. Whether you're looking to upgrade your current battery system or seeking a solution for cold-weather challenges, lithium batteries, including LFP, are the optimal choice.

Does Cold Weather Impact the Lifespan of Lithium Batteries?

Cold weather does have an effect on the lifespan and performance of lithium batteries. Although lithium batteries are generally more resilient to cold temperatures compared to lead-acid batteries, extreme cold can still impact their efficiency and capacity.

In temperatures below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius), lead-acid batteries experience a noticeable reduction in both efficiency and usable capacity, delivering only around 70-80% of their rated capacity. On the other hand, lithium batteries can operate with minimal loss, providing 95-98% of their capacity at the same temperature.

During the charging process, lithium ions are typically absorbed by the porous graphite anode (the negative terminal of the battery), resembling a sponge-like structure. However, when the temperature drops below freezing, the efficient capture of lithium ions by the anode becomes challenging. Instead, many lithium ions end up coating the surface of the anode, a phenomenon known as lithium plating. This reduces the available lithium for conducting electricity, resulting in decreased battery capacity.

Charging lithium batteries in temperatures below freezing, particularly with inappropriate charge rates, can compromise the mechanical stability of the battery, making it more susceptible to sudden failure. The loss of lithium ions within the graphite anode during freezing charging conditions can lead to plating, further reducing battery capacity and increasing resistance. Significant plating accumulation can potentially puncture the separator and create a hazardous short circuit within the battery cell.

To mitigate these issues, it is crucial to avoid charging lithium batteries in freezing temperatures, especially at high charge rates. Employing proper low-temperature charging protection mechanisms can help maintain the battery's performance and prevent potential damage caused by excessive plating.

While lithium batteries offer superior performance in cold weather compared to lead-acid batteries, it is important to consider the impact of cold temperatures on their capacity and take necessary precautions to ensure optimal performance and safety. This is why Redodo has upgraded their low-temperature series and introduced the self-heating series, addressing these cold-weather concerns.

Suggest reading: Can I charge LiFePO4 lithium battery with a normal charger?

Redodo Low-Temperature Protection VS Self-Heating Series

Redodo Low-Temperature Protection Series

Currently, Redodo's low-temperature protection series has two products: the 12V 100Ah and 12V 200Ah.

Low-temperature charging protection is an essential feature designed to safeguard batteries from the adverse effects of charging in cold weather conditions. When batteries are subjected to low temperatures during the charging process, various challenges may arise, including reduced efficiency, diminished capacity, and potential damage to the battery cells. To counteract these risks and ensure optimal performance, low-temperature charging protection mechanisms are implemented.

These protection mechanisms work by closely monitoring the temperature during the charging process. If the charging temperature falls below a certain threshold, typically around freezing point (32°F or 0°C), the charging process is automatically paused or suspended. This preventive measure helps prevent issues such as lithium plating or mechanical instability that can occur in low temperatures and compromise the battery's performance and durability. Once the temperature rises back to an acceptable level, charging can safely resume.

By incorporating low-temperature charging protection, battery manufacturers like Redodo can provide users with reliable and efficient battery performance even in cold weather conditions. This feature not only enhances the battery's lifespan but also ensures the safety and durability of the battery during charging, ultimately optimizing its overall functionality.

Redodo Self-Heating Series

The self-heating series from Redodo consists of two models: the 12V 100Ah self-heating battery and the 12V 200Ah self-heating battery, both utilizing LiFePO4 lithium technology. These batteries are specially designed with built-in heating pads, which is the key differentiating feature of this series. With heating pads installed on two sides of the battery, they provide effective heating capabilities and comprehensive protection for your battery.

The self-heating function of these batteries is automated and activated by the Battery Management System (BMS) when the battery is connected to a charger in temperatures ranging from -20℃ to 5℃ (-4℉ to 41℉). This temperature range covers the cold conditions where the battery performance can be affected. The self-heating process continues until the battery temperature reaches 10℃ (50℉). Typically, it takes approximately 90 minutes for the battery temperature to rise from -10℃ to 10℃ (14℉ to 50℉), and approximately 150 minutes from -20℃ to 10℃ (-4℉ to 50℉).

By incorporating automatic self-heating functionality, these batteries ensure that they maintain optimal performance and reliability even in extremely cold temperatures. The self-heating process helps to prevent issues associated with low temperatures, allowing the batteries to operate efficiently and providing a reliable power source for your applications.

Below is the picture showing how does the heating pads work.

In Summary

These two series of batteries focus on tackling the challenges of charging LiFePO4 lithium batteries in cold weather conditions. The primary distinction between the Low-Temperature series and the Self-Heating series lies in the inclusion of an automatic heating module within the Battery Management System (BMS).

In the Self-Heating series, the battery is equipped with a built-in mechanism that autonomously warms itself during the charging process. On the other hand, the Low-Temperature Protection series requires some user intervention, such as placing the battery in a warm indoor environment, to raise its temperature and restore charging functionality.

Can I Connect the Low-Temperature Series with Self-heating Series in Parallel or Series?

No, it is not recommended to connect batteries from these two series together. They have different Battery Management Systems (BMS) with potentially incompatible functionalities. Mixing batteries from different series could lead to adverse effects and possible damage to the batteries. To ensure optimal performance and safety, it is best to use batteries with the same BMS and capacity.

How To Charge LiFePO4 Lithium Battery in Cold Winter?

When charging a LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) lithium battery in cold winter conditions, there are a few guidelines you can follow to ensure safe and effective charging. Cold temperatures can affect the performance and capacity of lithium batteries, so it's important to take the necessary precautions.

Charge the battery indoors if possible

Cold temperatures can further decrease the efficiency of charging. Whenever feasible, charge the LiFePO4 battery indoors or in a warmer environment to prevent unnecessary loss of capacity due to low temperatures.

Protect the battery from extreme cold

While LiFePO4 batteries are generally more tolerant to low temperatures compared to other lithium-ion chemistries, extreme cold can still impact their performance. Keep the battery insulated or in a thermally insulated container to minimize the effects of cold weather during charging.

Pre-warm the battery gently (if necessary)

If the battery has been exposed to extremely cold temperatures for an extended period, you may need to gently warm it up to an acceptable operating temperature range before charging. However, avoid using direct heat sources or high-temperature methods to warm the battery, as this can cause damage. Instead, gradually warm the battery by bringing it to a moderately warmer environment.

Monitor the battery during charging

Regularly check the battery's temperature during the charging process. If you notice any unusual behavior, such as excessive heat or swelling, stop the charging immediately and allow the battery to return to a normal temperature range before resuming the charging process.

Follow manufacturer guidelines

Consult the manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines for charging LiFePO4 batteries to ensure you're following their specific instructions. Manufacturers often provide information on the acceptable temperature range for charging and any particular considerations for cold weather charging.

By following these guidelines, you can safely charge a LiFePO4 lithium battery in cold winter conditions and help maintain its performance and capacity.

Conclusion

Protect the LiFePO4 lithium battery in cold weather is important to prolong the lifespan of the battery. Using the battery with low-temperature protection or have self-heating function is a reliable way to ensure the battery's longevity and performance in cold winter conditions.