Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are widely used in energy storage due to their safety and long cycle life. However, extreme heat can significantly impact their performance.
Effects of High Temperatures:
- Accelerated Degradation: Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 45°C (113°F) increases electrolyte decomposition and SEI layer growth, reducing cycle life.
- Capacity Fade: High temps cause faster lithium-ion loss, leading to reduced usable capacity.
- Thermal Runaway Risk: While LFP is more stable than other lithium chemistries, extreme heat can still pose safety concerns.
Mitigation Strategies:
- Use active cooling systems (liquid or forced air).
- Install batteries in shaded or climate-controlled environments.
- Implement temperature monitoring with battery management systems (BMS).
Understanding these effects helps optimize LFP battery storage in hot climates.
