Energy Storage Batteries (BESS) have become a cornerstone to ensure a constant and reliable supply. However, to get the most out of these technologies, it is crucial to understand the lifespan of batteries and how charging cycles affect their long-term performance.
The useful life of BESS
The useful life of a battery is determined by charging cycles, which occur when the battery is charged from 0 to 100% and then fully discharged.
In the case of modern batteries, both the LFP and the NMC, used in BESS energy storage systems, can last between 4000 and 6000 charge cycles, depending on several factors such as temperature, depth of discharge and charging current.
In the case of the Pixii Powershaper NMC model, each battery unit in +25º conditions has a useful life of 6000 cycles, although it can continue to be used at a lower capacity, while the LFP will have 4000 cycles.
En general, LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries tend to have fewer charging cycles compared to NMC (nickel, manganese and cobalt) batteries, which means a longer useful life for the latter.. This is because, despite their higher initial cost, higher energy density and longer lifespan typically offer a better life cycle cost.
LFP batteries are typically for more power-oriented applications, with the lowest level of cobalt or nickel, and NMC batteries provide the highest level of energy density.
Discharge depth and charge current
Depth of discharge (DOD) refers to how much energy has been extracted from a battery compared to its total capacity. Lithium or LFP batteries have a longer life as long as they are kept in a lower DOD range, usually between 20% and 80%. Discharging the battery below 20% or charging it above 80% frequently can significantly shorten its lifespan.
Charging current also plays a crucial role. Batteries wear out less when charged at a lower current and discharged at a lower current. Charging at a lower rate allows the battery cells to balance properly, which reduces uneven wear.
In order to increase battery charging cycles, manufacturers give several guidelines depending on our usage patterns:
Occasional use or in stable power conditions
Charge the battery to 100%: This maximizes the total capacity of the battery and reduces the number of charge/discharge cycles. Suitable for devices that are used only a few times a month or year.
Frequent use or in unstable network conditions:
Charge the battery to 80%: This significantly prolongs the number of charging cycles. Ideal for systems that experience frequent or continuous charge/discharge cycles due to hybrid or unstable grid conditions.
Understanding the life of batteries and how charging cycles affect their performance is crucial to ensuring efficient and cost-effective operation of energy storage systems. By keeping the discharge depth within healthy limits, limiting the charge and discharge current, and control the temperature, we can significantly extend the life of the batteries.
Industrial energy storage batteries and BESS such as Pixii Powershaper that allow advanced load management, allow us to extend the useful life to the maximum and carry out ideal maintenance of it.
Specialists in energy storage with Batteries
Pebblex is a specialist in industrial energy storage, with intelligent solutions of high efficiency and scalability that adapt to any situation, guaranteeing great performance.
