back to taking care of LiFePO4 batteries

how to store LiFePO4:


Unfortunately, I've found a fair amount of disagreement on how to store LiFePO4 batteries. Lipo (3.7v) cells
definitely should be discharged a bit (down to 65-70% of their max capacity) for storage. Not doing so will
usually result in reduced lifespan. Storing them on a charger at full charge pretty much ALWAYS leads to them
swelling up and being ruined. Allowing them to deeply discharge reduces lifespan or outright bricks them due
to them refusing to accept a charge.

But LiFePO4 appear to be immune to that. I've seen a few places claim you should discharge them to 70% like
you would a lipo, but MOST other sources say to just avoid them getting deep-discharged during storage. Most
sources advise to fully top them off before going into storage, to avoid their self-discharge (~2%/month) from
deep-discharging them if in storage for a long time. (like years)

So for now I'm going to just leave my LiFePO4 on a smart charger, and just periodically (once a year or so)
give them a bit of a discharge and recharge. (which you should really do for any rechargeable battery) Lithium
batteries have a large cycle count, so they like to see a fairly deep discharge every now and then to keep up
their range of storage. (compared to FLA/SLA, that have a low cycle count and shouldn't be unnecessarily
discharged)




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