Float charge voltage of lithium energy storage battery

What is a float voltage in a battery?

This voltage typically ranges from 3.6 to 3.8 volts per cell. It is used to rapidly charge the battery until it reaches approximately 80% to 90% of its full capacity. Once the battery reaches a specific charge level during the bulk charging phase, the charging voltage is reduced to a lower level known as the float voltage.

Would floating a lithium battery cause any harm?

Would floating a Lithium battery indefinitely at a lower voltage than max voltage cause any harm? As a rule of thumb, charging should be terminated when the charging current drops to 0.1C at constant voltage phase of lithium battery charging. Membranes would have over stressed otherwise, which means "damage" to the battery.

Does a lithium battery need a float charge?

A lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery does not need a float charge, unlike lead acid batteries. For long-term storage, it should not be stored at 100% SOC and can be maintained with a full cycle once every 6 – 12 months, then storage charged to only 50% SoC.

What happens if a battery is charged on a float charge?

If a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery is charged on a float charge, the charger should shut off automatically. This is because float charging is not suitable for lithium batteries, which are typically used in applications where SLA batteries used to be maintained on a float charge, such as a UPS system.

What is a float charge?

A float charge is the final stage of charging that keeps the battery from self-discharging and losing capacity. It is used in standby applications to ensure the battery is at full capacity when needed.

What does float charging prevent in a LiFePO4 battery?

Float charging prevents sulfating of the battery that therefore prevents damage to the plates of the battery. In an application where the battery is in storage, float charging keeps the SLA battery at 100% State of Charge (SOC). A LiFePO4 battery uses the same constant current and constant voltage stages as the SLA battery.