Blog - Winston

FAQ: Which to use:  the 12V LP batteries or the 3.2V single cells?

Answer: Single cells built into packs with BMS allow for a deeper cycle, and faster charging and discharging cycles, as it is possible to charge/discharge the pack according to the lowest voltage of the cell in the pack (the weakest cell).

The “mono block” 12V LP batteries should not go deep bellow 11V (under load). These 12V batteries work similar to the standard 12V SLA batteries, where there is no user access to the individual cells.

The LiFeYPO4 technology has progressed over past few years, and the cells are significantly stable and performance-identical. This allows for the production of the  “mono block” 12V LP batteries.

The simple guide-lines to help to choose between single cells and 12V blocks

We suggest to go for the individual cells with BMS monitoring and management:

• if you need high speed charging or discharging (let us say faster than 0.5C = 2 hrs)
• if you need full (deep) cycle discharge (and cannot use a larger battery to get a flat cycle)
• if you need technically to guarantee an extremely high reliance of the total solution. (e.g. a backup power supply used for the critical equipment in a nuclear power-plant) In this case you may need to have a dual BMS system, please read our suggestion here.
• for high voltage solutions DC (above 140 Volts)

We suggest to go for the “mono block” 12V LP batteries :

• if you do not need speed charging or discharging (let us say slower than 0.5C = 2 hrs)
• especially suitable for power backup solutions, when the battery is not used very often
• good solution for small traction systems  (up to 144V)
• suitable for replacement of the starting batteries in gasoline engines
• if you wish to reduce the overall costs of the solution

Please note that the monolithic 12V batteries do not have any PCM (Protection Circuit Module - any electronics) inside. The consist of finely balanced cells with identical perfomace at the standard operating range of 11V to 16V.

The management of the battery must be done outside. We offer the 12V Akumon to provide the management and balancing solution.