ryanbermudablu
Member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2021
- Messages
- 12
hi all, any feedback on the above? Looking to replace a single group 31 deep cycle house battery, with a plug and play lithium replacement.
hi all, any feedback on the above? Looking to replace a single group 31 deep cycle house battery, with a plug and play lithium replacement.
hi all, any feedback on the above? Looking to replace a single group 31 deep cycle house battery, with a plug and play lithium replacement.
Complex subject. If you were running LA or AGM, you will need a voltage regulator capable of LifePo batteries. It seems they can draw so much from your alternator it can overheat. So plug and play is relative. Group 31 is a case size not a power measure. Amp hours measure power and should match the boats requirements. Boat specific.
Battle Born seems to get the best reviews.
Do lithium batteries still have issues with over heating, thus catching fire?
In a displacement cruiser weight is seldom a problem.
Perhaps 2x the number of AGM or even wet batts with a SOC meter would solve most hassles?
The first short lived battery solution for many is a modern well insulated super efficient reefer.
And contrary to what we all learned as a never do, you can discharge an AGM or flooded cell below 50%, even to 80% DoD when necessary.
Here are a couple graphs from Battleborn that may help you.
Absolutely correct.
You can drop in a lithium battery and it will work- but it's like putting regular in a vehicle designed for premium.
It works, but not to optimal efficiency.
You need to think of the system as a whole:
- Ensure the current 120v charging system can support lithium technology.
- Ensure the alternator(s) can support the lithium technology.
- Ensure you understand the lithium technology.
- Correct anything above that is deficient.
- ....
- THEN, install the lithium batteries.
I recently completed our install, and did several months of research before selecting components, removing old hardware, and wiring in the new batteries. Not hard, but at the same time, not as easy as replacing a battery.
I'll have a writeup done shortly.
I'm reading everything I can on the subject, the Panbo Blog has a two part post on his install and covers a whole shopping list of support components ($$$) needed for a safe and reliant system. You really can't drop a LiFePo battery into lead acid battery's place.
https://panbo.com/
While you are at it, it’s worth checking out CMS’s site:
https://marinehowto.com/lifepo4-batteries-on-boats/
He provides some cautionary words, most notably on the need to ensure your alternator regular is properly programmed and up to the task. Otherwise it’s easy to fry your alternator. Also on battery selection.
CMS edits this article regularly. I was surprised by his comments about Battleborn. Definitely worth searching out what he says. I was going to go down this road, but my marine electrician urged caution. And he’s young so I was surprised that he hadn’t jumped onto the latest technology. He had just seen too many failures at this point.
Jim
We installed the Battleborn batteries after much research, and as part of an overall system (Victron inverter and control system/alternators with Wakespeed regulators/APDs/properly sized wiring) and feel secure in the final product.
The ABYC section referenced is a recommendation (BMS external communication) and not a hard requirement. As for insurability- I have been insuring boats for 2 decades, and haven't had any pushback from insurers regarding LifePO4 installs.