Allowing a LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery to discharge completely can indeed be harmful. Here’s a breakdown of why it’s not advisable:
- Potential Damage: Completely discharging a LiFePO4 battery can damage its internal structure, affecting its ability to hold a charge. In extreme cases, this can lead to irreversible damage, making the battery inoperable .
- Battery Health: For optimal health and longevity, it’s essential to avoid deep discharges. Regularly depleting the battery to very low levels can shorten its lifespan and degrade its performance.
- Best Practices: To maintain battery performance, try to keep the battery charge level above 20% whenever possible. Proper storage and management practices can help extend the battery’s useful life .
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your LiFePO4 batteries remain in good condition and perform reliably over their lifespan.