A comparative study of lead-acid batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries used in microgrid systems

High efficiency and durability accumulators, supporting harsh temperatures, are increasingly being studied. They are well-known solutions using lead-acid batteries and also newer topologies using lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO
₄
). The latter has been shown as an alternative in systems, microgrid, presenting a high potential as a cathode material, having low cost, high cycle performance, low toxicity and reduced charge time compared with the traditional lead-acid. This paper presents a comparative study of the benefits and disadvantages between the lead-acid battery and LiFePO
₄
, as well as its technical and economic feasibility when used in micro-generation units, based on the use of photovoltaic cells with DC distribution.