The effect of low frequency current ripple on the performance of a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery energy storage system

In a typical single-phase battery energy storage system, the battery is subject to current ripple at twice the grid frequency. Adverse effects of such a ripple on the battery performance and lifetime would motivate modifications to the design of the converter interfacing the battery to the grid. This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the effect of such a current ripple on the temperature rise, cell voltage balancing, and roundtrip efficiency of a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery. The test results indicate that the current ripple causes a slight but noticeable increase in the heat generated within the storage system; but the increase is not significant enough to justify any changes to the grid interface circuit.