Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has started series production of a new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell for stationary energy storage. According to the company, the so-called 587 Ah cell had been developed and tested over a period of three years. The goal was to combine a higher energy density with a lower number of components without violating regulatory or safety-related requirements.
Fewer modules and housings required
The cell is designed for use in 20-foot containers with 1,500-volt converters. The new cell format should require fewer modules and housings. For example, the number of system components could be reduced from 30,000 to 18,000. CATL cites a volumetric energy density of 434Wh per liter and a system efficiency of 96.5 %. Electrochemical modifications, including a so-called self-healing electrolyte, are intended to achieve a longer service life.