Polarium is unique in offering battery modules in both lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) chemistries. This flexibility allows customers to select the chemistry that best aligns with their application, performance requirements, and operating environment, without compromising on safety or monitoring capabilities.
Safety Is Not the Differentiator
When comparing LFP and NMC in Polarium’s range, safety should not be seen as a deciding factor. While NMC cells in isolation have a lower temperature threshold for thermal runaway, Polarium battery modules of both chemistries incorporate five independent levels of safety within the pack design. These include redundant electronic protection, mechanical safeguards, and integrated monitoring. This architecture makes any thermal runaway situation highly unlikely, ensuring both chemistries meet the same high safety standards in real-world operation.
Why LFP Has Become the Norm
LFP has gained dominance in many standby applications due to its lower cost and long cycle life under consistent operating conditions. It is an excellent choice for applications where energy storage systems remain on float charge most of the time and depth of discharge is relatively low. For customers prioritising capital expenditure, particularly in fixed sites with predictable load profiles, LFP remains a compelling option.
The Case for NMC in Solar Hybrid Applications
NMC stands out in hybrid power systems, particularly in solar-diesel or solar-grid configurations where charging is intermittent and energy input varies.
- Near-linear voltage curve: NMC’s voltage profile changes steadily with state of charge (SOC), allowing cell balancing to occur at any point in the charge cycle.
- Simplified maintenance: This means NMC batteries can maintain balance without needing to be charged to 100% SOC regularly.
- Operational efficiency: By contrast, LFP’s flat voltage curve makes balancing only possible near full charge, requiring sites to either oversize solar arrays or run generators more often to achieve that 100% mark.
In remote sites, these differences have real cost implications. There are fewer generator hours, less fuel consumption, and reduced wear on mechanical equipment.
NMC for Space-Constrained and Short Runtime Sites
NMC also excels in small field cabinet and street furniture applications where available space and runtime requirements are limited. Its higher energy density allows for more usable capacity in the same footprint, making it well-suited for urban and transport infrastructure nodes where every cubic centimetre matters.
End-of-Life Considerations and Circular Economy Value
Currently, NMC products have an aftermarket value as their constituent precious metals can be more easily recovered and reused in other battery products. While this is not necessarily a “greener” option in isolation, it aligns more closely with circular economy principles by supporting material reuse and reducing reliance on raw mineral extraction.
Stocked and Available Polarium batteries from Powerbox
Powerbox keeps or can readily supply:
- LFP: 100Ah capacity modules
- NMC: 50Ah and 250Ah capacity modules
Other models in different capacities are also available to order, allowing flexibility for both standardised and custom-designed systems.
Making the Right Choice
Selecting between LFP and NMC is about more than chemistry. It is about matching the battery’s charging behaviour, energy density, and operational profile to your site’s unique conditions. Not sure which way to go? Contact our team and we will guide you through choosing between LFP and NMC for your next project.
