Application of LiFePO4 Batteries

Mobile communication networks require reliable, stable, and safe power supply. This is especially relevant for equipment installed at remote locations, base stations, and mobile platforms. In such conditions, the choice of battery technology becomes critical—one that ensures long-term autonomous operation, resistance to external factors, and high efficiency. One of the best solutions today is lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. LiFePO4 batteries have been increasingly adopted in the telecommunications sector in recent years, including in stationary and mobile base stations, repeaters, satellite receivers, and other systems that are critically dependent on uninterrupted power. This is due to the unique properties of this chemical technology, which combine safety, heat resistance, voltage stability, long service life, and high cycle durability.

Advantages of LiFePO4 Batteries for Telecommunications

One of the main advantages of LiFePO4 batteries in base stations is their durability. They provide up to 3000–7000 charge-discharge cycles with deep cycling (up to 80%) without significant loss of capacity. This equates to 8–12 years of operation under standard conditions. Thus, even with intensive use, battery replacement is rarely required, significantly reducing maintenance costs. Another important factor is charging time. LiFePO4 batteries charge much faster than lead-acid batteries. Up to 90% charge can be reached in less than 2 hours without overheating or accelerated wear. Fast charging is critical for equipment that must be restored as quickly as possible after a failure.

Parallel and Series Connection of Batteries

To achieve the required voltage and capacity parameters in telecommunications systems, batteries are often connected in series and in parallel. Series connection is used to increase voltage. For example, if one battery provides 3.2V, four connected in series deliver 12.8V, which meets the standard for most base stations. Parallel connection is needed to increase capacity and, therefore, the duration of autonomous operation. Connecting batteries with the same voltage in parallel creates a system capable of powering equipment longer without recharging. For example, one battery may have 100 Ah, while two in parallel provide 200 Ah. A combined series-parallel connection is often used to achieve both the desired voltage and capacity. This allows flexible system scaling depending on the object’s requirements and installation conditions. Proper connection design, taking voltage and current into account, is also critical for battery safety and longevity. In complex systems, a Battery Management System (BMS) is mandatory to ensure cell balancing, overload protection, and uniform charging.

Safety, Autonomy, and Temperature Range

LiFePO4 batteries are resistant to overheating and short circuits, do not ignite when physically damaged, and are safe for installation in containers, towers, and other telecom infrastructure. They remain operational in temperatures from -20°C to +60°C and, with additional insulation, down to -40°C.

Smart Management, Cost Efficiency, and Green Integration

LiFePO4-based systems are often equipped with BMS with remote monitoring capabilities. This allows the power status to be tracked without physical access to the site. These batteries are ideal for hybrid systems using solar panels, wind turbines, and diesel generators. Despite higher initial costs, their long lifespan and low maintenance make LiFePO4 batteries economically advantageous. They significantly reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) and increase mobile network reliability.

Conclusion

The use of LiFePO4 batteries in mobile and base stations provides a reliable, safe, long-lasting, and efficient energy platform. The ability to configure power through both series and parallel connections allows adaptation to specific tasks, while their resilience to climatic and operational conditions makes them an optimal choice for the telecommunications industry. These batteries are becoming the standard for a new era of mobile communication, where signal continuity and autonomy are critically important.