LiFePO4 batteries: Power, backup solutions for security products | Global Sources
by Vianie Li & Cecile de Veyra
A reliable security system is essential to keeping people and assets safe in homes, businesses, and commercial and industrial spaces. And ensuring security systems work are batteries – whether used as a primary or a backup power source. Most security equipment rely on mains electricity, but to guarantee smooth operation, they also need an alternative supply in case of power fluctuations or outages. Others are wireless and remote-controlled devices that depend entirely on battery power.
In recent years, LiFePO4 batteries have gained popularity as a green, safe and efficient replacement in a variety of applications, including security products, electric tools, electric vehicles, communications and medical equipment, power storage and robotics. They offer capacity of up to 200Ah, and have a high charge and discharge efficiency, which can be as much as 90 percent compared to lead-acid units’ 80 percent. In terms of life span, LFP types can withstand more than 2,000 cycles or last approximately between five and seven years, whereas lead-acid units can only handle up to 300 cycles. This rechargeability and the fact that leaks are rare also highlight their eco-friendliness.
In the lithium category itself, the LFP chemistry is the safest because it has the best performance in elevated temperatures and is noncombustible. Its operating temperature range is wide from as low as -20 to as high as 75 C.
For security systems, lead-acid batteries are still the widely available option in China. This will change in favor of LiFePO4 types as rising demand is spurring R&D. Chinese manufacturers expect the trend in the next two or three years will be toward high capacity, safety and long operating life, as well as small, lightweight units.
Expanding market
Security systems are a flourishing business. The global home segment is projected to reach $56.9 billion in end-2022 and $84.4 billion by 2027, according to MarketsandMarkets. This is attributed to heightened consumer awareness, the Internet of Things and wireless technologies. In the commercial sector, which includes hardware, software and services, Syngene-Research-LLP’s forecast is $479.23 billion by 2028 or 10.9 percent CAGR from 2021.
In China, security systems had a production value of $125 billion in 2020, according to Qianzhan Research Institute, and rose by 5 percent the following year. This will likely continue in the next few years, fueled by smart home and smart city trends.
China’s manufacturing sector for LiFePO4 batteries is expected to grow at the same pace. Market scale was $3.08 billion in 2020, rising 7.5 percent YoY, and $3.82 billion in 2021, according to Chinese market research firm Industry Information Net.
There are over 300 LiFePO4 battery suppliers in China catering to the mobile electronics, electric vehicle, power storage, communications, security and medical sectors. Units for security devices and systems account for 10 to 20 percent of their total LFP shipments, according to manufacturers interviewed by Global Sources. Li-ion, Li-polymer and NiMH batteries are also part of their catalogs, with some companies producing ternary types as well.
CATL, BYD, TCL and Desay are some of the major Chinese suppliers and their foreign counterparts with manufacturing facilities in China include LG, Panasonic and Samsung.
Half of China’s LFP battery suppliers are found in Guangdong and Fujian, with many others in Zhejiang and Jiangsu. A few are in Qingdao and Tianjin, in the Bohai Bay Rim Economic Region.
Most Chinese companies export 30 to 80 percent of their LFP batteries – mainly to Europe, North and South America, the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. These shipments have been rising steadily in recent years and are expected to progress through 2024.
Up to 50Ah product range
Widely available LiFePO4 batteries in China have a rated voltage of 3.7 to 48V, rated capacity of 1,500mAh to 50Ah, life span of 3,000 cycles, and charge and discharge temperatures of 0 to 45 C and -20 to 60 C. They have built-in protection against short circuits, overcharge, -discharge, -current and high temperatures. Most comply with industry safety standards such as BS, CE, RoHS and UL.
Manufacturers continue to accept OEM and ODM projects, which are still a major source of revenue representing 30 to 60 percent of their shipments. To meet a wide range of specifications, they continue to pursue R&D and enhance production capability.
Key materials and components used in manufacturing LiFePO4 batteries are cathode materials, separators, anode materials and electrolyte, accounting respectively for 30, 20, 15 and 10 percent of total costs. These are sourced domestically or from foreign providers. Major input suppliers in China include Dynanonic, BTR and Shanshan Energy.
Manufacturers interviewed are hoping material and component costs will stabilize in 2023.
IP56 rating, >4,500 cycles
Mica Power Co. Ltd markets this IP56-rated LiFePO4 battery, the LFP12-100P, with 12.8V and 100Ah nominal voltage and capacity, 14.6V charge and 10V discharge cut-off voltages, 100A maximum charge and discharge current and more than 4,500-cycle life span. It weighs approximately 11kg. The negotiable minimum order has a seven-day lead time.
600mAh rated capacity
Shenzhen Hailei New Energy Co. Ltd’s IFR14500-3.2V-600mAh LiFePO4 battery has 3.2V nominal, 3.65V charge and 2.5V discharge cut-off voltages, 600mAh rated capacity and 2,000-cycle life span. This 40g unit’s charge and discharge temperatures are 0 to 45 C and -10 to 60 C. The 1,000-unit minimum order is for delivery within three days.
100Ah rated capacity
This LiFePO4 battery from Shenzhen Key Power Co. Ltd, the KLI12-100, has 12.8V nominal voltage, 100Ah rated capacity, 1,280Wh energy and more than 2,000-cycle life span. Its operating charge and discharge temperatures are 0 to 45 C and -20 to 60 C. This unit, which meets CE, UL, IEC and RoHS standards, has built-in overcharge, -discharge, -current and -temperature protection. An order of at least 20 units is for delivery within 10 days.
Rated at 12.8V, 12.8Ah
Rated at 12.8V, 12.8Ah, the ZT12V12Ah-3 LiFePO4 battery from Shenzhen Zhongtong Battery Co. Ltd has 8V cut-off voltage, 153Wh nominal energy at 25 C, C10, 0.2C standard charge and discharge rate, and 0 to 45 C charge and -20 to 60 C discharge temperatures. The minimum order of five units is for delivery within five days.
