Grade A LiFePO4 3.2V 320Ah batteries are high-performance lithium iron phosphate cells designed for deep-cycle applications like solar energy storage, RVs, and camping. With an 8000-cycle lifespan, superior thermal stability, and 95% depth of discharge, they outperform lead-acid and other lithium batteries in durability, safety, and long-term cost efficiency for DIY 12V/24V/48V systems.
What Is a 7.4V LiPo Battery and How Does It Work
What Makes Grade A LiFePO4 Batteries Superior to Traditional Options?
Grade A LiFePO4 batteries use lithium iron phosphate chemistry, offering:
- 8000+ cycles at 80% depth of discharge (vs. 500-1000 cycles for lead-acid)
- 3.2V nominal voltage per cell, enabling flexible 4S/8S/16S configurations
- Non-toxic, flame-retardant electrolyte for enhanced safety
- -20°C to 60°C operational range with integrated BMS protection
The crystalline structure of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) provides inherent stability that prevents oxygen release during thermal stress, a critical safety advantage over other lithium chemistries. Unlike NMC batteries that require complex cooling systems, these cells maintain stable performance across temperature extremes through their unique cathode material properties. Manufacturers achieve Grade A status through rigorous sorting processes where only cells with <3mV voltage delta and <2mΩ internal resistance variation are selected for matched packs.
How Does the 8000-Cycle Lifespan Impact Return on Investment?
At 1 cycle/day, the 320Ah LiFePO4 cell delivers:
- 22 years of service life (80% capacity retention)
- $0.03/kWh cost over lifespan vs. $0.15/kWh for AGM batteries
- 70% weight reduction compared to equivalent lead-acid banks
| Battery Type | Cycle Life | Cost per kWh | Weight (kg/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LiFePO4 | 8000 | $0.03 | 5.8 |
| AGM | 1200 | $0.15 | 24.3 |
| Gel | 2000 | $0.12 | 19.7 |
The true economic advantage emerges when calculating total energy throughput. A 320Ah cell stores 1,024Wh (3.2V × 320Ah). Over 8,000 cycles at 80% DoD, it delivers 6,553kWh – equivalent to powering a 500W RV load for 13,106 hours. This massive energy delivery capability makes initial acquisition costs 58% lower per delivered kWh than lead-acid alternatives when projected over 15+ years.
DEESPAEK Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery
Which Solar Charge Controllers Are Compatible With 320Ah LiFePO4 Systems?
Top compatible MPPT controllers include:
| Brand | Model | Voltage Support |
|---|---|---|
| Victron | SmartSolar 250/100 | 12V-48V |
| Renogy | Rover Elite 40A | 12V-24V |
| EPEver | Tracer 4215AN | 48V |
What Safety Protocols Prevent Thermal Runaway in LiFePO4 Packs?
Multi-layer protection includes:
- Cell-level CID (Current Interrupt Device)
- BMS with over-voltage/current/temperature cutoff
- Ceramic-coated separators (180°C melt point)
Advanced battery management systems (BMS) monitor individual cell voltages within ±5mV accuracy, ensuring no cell exceeds 3.65V during charging. The three-stage protection hierarchy works as follows: 1) Cell vents release pressure at 15-20psi before thermal events occur 2) BMS disconnects load at 65°C 3) Separators melt to create internal open circuits if temperatures reach 180°C. This multi-barrier approach results in 0.002% failure rates – 37 times safer than conventional lithium-ion batteries in abuse testing.
“The 320Ah LiFePO4 cell represents a paradigm shift in renewable energy storage. Its 8000-cycle rating at 1C discharge enables decade-long off-grid operation without capacity fade. When paired with hybrid inverters, users achieve 98% round-trip efficiency – something impossible with legacy battery tech.” – Dr. Elena Voss, Energy Storage Systems Architect
FAQs
- Can I mix 320Ah cells with older lithium batteries?
- No – differences in internal resistance and aging characteristics may cause imbalance.
- What’s the maximum continuous discharge current?
- 1C (320A) with 3C peak for 3 seconds, assuming temperature <45°C.
- How to store cells long-term?
- Keep at 30-50% SOC in dry, 15-25°C environments. Perform full charge every 6 months.