Basic FAQs About LFP Prismatic Aluminum-Cased Cells

What does "LFP" stand for in LFP prismatic aluminum-cased cells, and what’s the key feature of this material?

"LFP" stands for Lithium Iron Phosphate, the core cathode material of the cell. Its biggest feature is excellent safety—unlike ternary lithium materials, LFP is highly resistant to thermal runaway. It rarely catches fire or explodes even when exposed to high temperatures, physical impact, or overcharging, making it a top choice for scenarios where safety is a priority.

Why are LFP prismatic cells often housed in aluminum cases? What advantages do aluminum cases offer?

Aluminum cases are used mainly for three reasons. First, aluminum is lightweight, which helps control the overall weight of the battery pack (critical for applications like electric vehicles). Second, it has good thermal conductivity, allowing heat generated by the cell to dissipate quickly and maintain stable performance. Third, aluminum cases are structurally rigid, protecting the internal cell components from external 挤压 (squeezing) or deformation.

What does "prismatic" mean for LFP cells, and how is it different from cylindrical cells?

"Prismatic" describes the cell’s flat, rectangular shape (like a thin brick), which is different from the round shape of cylindrical cells. This design makes prismatic cells easier to stack and arrange tightly in battery packs—they fit better into limited or irregular spaces (such as the chassis of electric cars or the cabinet of home energy storage systems) and maximize space utilization, unlike cylindrical cells that leave gaps between rounds.

Do LFP prismatic aluminum-cased cells have a memory effect? How to charge them to extend their lifespan?

They have almost no memory effect, so you don’t need to fully discharge them before charging. To extend lifespan, avoid two extremes: don’t let the cell’s power drop below 10% (deep discharge damages cells) and don’t keep it fully charged (100%) for a long time (e.g., leaving it plugged in for days). The best practice is to charge to 80%–90% for daily use and only charge to 100% when long runtime is needed.

What’s the typical lifespan of LFP prismatic aluminum-cased cells? How to judge when they need replacement?

Their lifespan is relatively long, usually reaching 1,000–3,000 charge-discharge cycles (one cycle = full charge + full discharge). For scenarios like home energy storage (used 1–2 cycles per day), this can translate to 5–8 years of service. You need to replace them when: the actual capacity drops to less than 70% of the original (e.g., a 100Ah cell only holds 65Ah), the charging speed becomes significantly slower, or the cell case swells (a sign of internal damage).

Can LFP prismatic aluminum-cased cells be used in home energy storage systems? What makes them suitable?

Absolutely—they are one of the most commonly used cells for home energy storage. Three factors make them suitable: first, their high safety avoids fire risks in home environments; second, their long lifespan means you won’t need to replace the cells frequently (reducing long-term costs); third, their prismatic shape fits well into compact home energy storage cabinets, saving installation space.

How should LFP prismatic aluminum-cased cells be stored if not used for a long time?

Store them in a cool, dry place with a temperature between 10℃–25℃ (avoid direct sunlight, heaters, or damp areas). Before storage, charge the cells to 40%–60% of their rated capacity—this state prevents "over-discharging" (which can permanently damage cells) and "over-charging" (which causes capacity loss). Check the cell voltage every 3–6 months and recharge to 40%–60% if it drops below 3.0V.

Are LFP prismatic aluminum-cased cells recyclable? How to dispose of them properly?

Yes, they are recyclable. Never throw them into regular household trash—this can pollute the environment (LFP contains heavy metals if not handled properly) or cause safety hazards. Instead, send them to designated e-waste recycling centers or contact battery manufacturers (many offer take-back programs). Recyclers will extract valuable materials like lithium and iron from the cells, which can be reused to make new batteries.