Cylindrical and prismatic lithium iron phosphate batteries are currently the most popular types of lithium iron phosphate batteries on the market. Although they work on the same principle, the difference in shape affects their performance. Let's take a look at the differences between cylindrical and prismatic lithium iron phosphate batteries!
What are cylindrical and prismatic lithium iron phosphate batteries?
Cylindrical lithium iron phosphate batteries are batteries with a cylindrical shape. The main components of the battery include: a cylindrical steel shell, a steel cap, a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, an electrolyte, gaskets, and an explosion-proof safety valve.
The markings for cylindrical lithium iron phosphate batteries typically consist of 3 letters and 5 numbers. The first two letters represent the battery material, the third letter indicates the battery shape, and the 5 numbers represent the battery's diameter and height. For example, in "IFR26650", "IF" represents lithium iron phosphate, "R" represents cylindrical, and "26650" represents a diameter of 26mm and a height of 650mm.
A square lithium iron phosphate battery is a type of battery with a square shape. Its main components include: a top cover, a casing, a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, a separator (either stacked or wound), and insulating components. The battery casing is typically made of steel or aluminum; however, with the market's pursuit of higher energy density and advancements in manufacturing processes, aluminum casings have gradually become the mainstream.
What are the differences between cylindrical and prismatic lithium iron phosphate batteries?
Different space utilization
When cylindrical lithium iron phosphate batteries are assembled into a battery pack, gaps inevitably occur between the cells. However, when square lithium iron phosphate batteries are assembled into a pack, they can be arranged closely together, making fuller use of space.
Different heat dissipation
Because there are gaps between the cells when cylindrical lithium iron phosphate batteries are assembled, providing space for heat dissipation, cylindrical lithium iron phosphate batteries have relatively good heat dissipation.
Different number of loops
Cylindrical lithium iron phosphate batteries generally have a higher cycle life than prismatic lithium iron phosphate batteries.
Different weights
Because cylindrical batteries generally use steel casings, while prismatic batteries mostly use aluminum casings, cylindrical lithium iron phosphate batteries are heavier than prismatic lithium iron phosphate batteries.
Different manufacturing costs
Cylindrical lithium iron phosphate cells have undergone long-term development and continuous improvement in production technology, resulting in lower manufacturing costs and prices compared to newer square batteries.
Different energy densities
Due to structural issues, the energy density of square lithium iron phosphate batteries is slightly higher than that of cylindrical lithium iron phosphate batteries.
Different scalability
When large-capacity battery packs are needed, the number of cylindrical lithium iron phosphate cells increases exponentially due to their relatively low capacity, which increases the difficulty of production. Therefore, square lithium iron phosphate batteries are more convenient for applications requiring large-capacity batteries.
Different damage costs
When cylindrical batteries are assembled into a pack, damage to a single cell will not significantly affect the entire pack; however, under the same conditions, damage to a single square lithium iron phosphate battery will severely impact the entire pack, meaning that the cost of damaging a square lithium iron phosphate battery is higher.
Different utilization rates
Due to structural issues, the electrolyte in square lithium iron phosphate batteries cannot be fully utilized at some of the inner corners, while the electrolyte in cylindrical lithium iron phosphate batteries is more evenly distributed and can be fully utilized.
In summary, both cylindrical and prismatic lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries have their own advantages. Buyers can combine these advantages with their own needs to maximize the battery's value. Juda Lithium Battery (customization hotline: 400-666-3615), as a manufacturer of cylindrical LFP batteries, has witnessed the rapid development and expanding application range of cylindrical LFP battery technology over the past 30 years, and believes it will become a mainstream product in the battery market in the future.
