Extreme weather impacts on LiFePO4 batteries: Insights from arrhenius-based analysis and charging techniques

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are known for their safety and thermal stability, but their real-world performance under extreme temperatures remains a challenge. This study evaluates the behavior of LiFePO4 batteries at-10 degrees C and 45 degrees C using both the conventional CC-CV algorithm and a pulse charging method, each tested at 1C, 2C, and 3C rates. Comprehensive simulations were conducted for 720 h in MATLAB Simulink, using dynamic temperature profiles to closely mirror real-world operational conditions. By integrating pulse charging into high-fidelity simulations, this work enables a systematic comparison with the conventional CC-CV algorithm under extreme ambient temperatures. At-10 degrees C, both methods showed greater capacity loss and longer charging times. However, pulse charging achieved better capacity retention, ending with 2.159 Ah at 3C, compared to 2.145 Ah for CC-CV, from an initial 2.322 Ah. CC-CV offered a higher cycle count (185 vs. 132 at 3C). At 45 degrees C, pulse charging also outperformed CC-CV in capacity retention (2.155 Ah vs. 2.085 Ah at 3C), but CC-CV again maintained a higher cycle count (684 vs. 481). These results demonstrate a clear trade-off between maximizing capacity and extending cycle life, depending on temperature and charging strategy. Additionally, activation energies for capacity degradation were extracted using Arrhenius-based analysis, confirming strong temperature dependence. The findings provide practical guidance for battery management systems in electric vehicles and grid storage, especially for optimizing charging strategies in harsh environments.