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Yes I agree the main problem with lead acid is you can’t use half the stored power without really compromising their life. But lifePo4 can be discharged regularly bellow 50% and they last a long time in a van. But if you want them to last even longer (and this is probably unnecessarily long as had been pointed out) you can do this by keeping SOC between 50 and 80% most of the time. I like Victrons approach which is to clearly state this in the technical data for their batteries.matbic one of the advantages of lithium is that you can discharge below 50%, unlike lead acids without compromising the battery, therfore giving you more usable amps.
The spec for my 230Ah Fogstar LifePo4 states 4,000 cycles at 80% DOD.
Yes, of course... forgot I can turn it off and leave it connected...doh..!!You don't need to disconnect the battery.
Just turn charge off and leave discharge on so "stuff" that needs to be on is still on.
Out of interest how do you get to that screen ? is it an added extra ?And 2500 cycles is still a lot of use,
View attachment 896543
This is our 640ah battery bank and we had the shunt fitted a couple of years ago.
I find 23 charge cycles quite interesting as is nearly 26,000 ah drawn.
If youhave a shunt or bmv then it should be on the shunts history page on the connect app, similar data available via VRM/cerbo consoleOut of interest how do you get to that screen ? is it an added extra ?
My shunt is a separate entity with readings on the side and not part of the Victron set up. CheersIf youhave a shunt or bmv then it should be on the shunts history page on the connect app, similar data available via VRM/cerbo console
I’ve got gel, so do I need lithium? Can you sell second hand gel batteries easily?For the past 7 years, I've happily used my van with 2x 100ahr Banner Lead Acid batteries.
I've just have had a chat with my service chaps about lithium, they were unpersuaded that my existing charging regime would do.
Given the Banner's have provided all the 12v I've needed, he recommended replacing the current batteries with a pair of Gels.
At a quarter of the cost...
Depends on the age of them, less than a year old they would be easy to sell.I’ve got gel, so do I need lithium? Can you sell second hand gel batteries easily?
Two of my Gels are 8 years old & one is 7 years old all performing like new apart from age related capacity loss.The reason we changed to Lithium, was because all the gels failed within a couple of years, and always in winter (we're usually off grid). We must have been doing something wrong if your gels have lasted 7 years. So cost wise in the long run lithium worked out cheaper, plus peace of mind which you can't put a price on. If we were always on hookup though, I doubt we would have changed.
The reason we changed to Lithium, was because all the gels failed within a couple of years, and always in winter (we're usually off grid). We must have been doing something wrong if your gels have lasted 7 years. So cost wise in the long run lithium worked out cheaper, plus peace of mind which you can't put a price on. If we were always on hookup though, I doubt we would have changed.
So you saved payload with battery then added payload with microwave, kettle, toaster and hair dryer........I've save a fair chunk of payload. I can run a microwave, kettle, toaster, OH's hairdryer while off-grid. Try and achieve all of the above without Lithiums.
Get away from worry about alternators!Have been considering because replacing my 7 year old Banners is due, so it's sensible to consider an upgrade.
The advice I received this afternoon was that my pwm solar controller might be OK, the CBE 230v charger might be OK but sub optimal (possibly 80% capacity) but they expressed concern & doubt about the 12v charging from the alternator and the risk of overcharge damage to the lithium.
And indeed the combination of the solar/12v.
Do I feel lucky?
And back to the original question, do I need lithium
That is 5 years old and is talking about lithium not LifePo4.Some LA’s can deliver the same Ah and retain a better cycle life than lithium.
Lithium suffer sometimes more from deep discharge.
Lithium Battery Technology Does Not Work For All Motorhomes
Lithium technology Batterieswww.aandncaravanservices.co.uk
I forgot to mention that I also saved 297Kg of domestic aggro.So you saved payload with battery then added payload with microwave, kettle, toaster and hair dryer........
I bought 18months old Gels of a funster who had swapped to lithium 2 years ago, so I would say yesCan you sell second hand gel batteries easily?
Lithium are too expensive, you are carrying extra weight but it's more reliable, too many horror stories with Lithium.For the past 7 years, I've happily used my van with 2x 100ahr Banner Lead Acid batteries.
I've just have had a chat with my service chaps about lithium, they were unpersuaded that my existing charging regime would do.
Given the Banner's have provided all the 12v I've needed, he recommended replacing the current batteries with a pair of Gels.
At a quarter of the cost...
LA batteries struggle with high loads the voltage drops significantly under high loads so if you put a big(2000w inverter on under full load likely voltage drop may cause the inverter to shut down to protect it's self) Lithium have a rated out put on a 100 ah usually 100amp so 2 in parallel 200amp with negligible voltage drop ,also LA you should only use half of its capacity 100ah rating 50ah useable,Lithium 80%Useable up.May I clarify something please.. my 1000w (2000 surge) pure sine wave inverter would not power my espresso coffee machine label says 1100w. I have 2x100amp LA in parallel each 20ah power. If I went with a 100amp lithium, would I have more AH power for my inverter or do I simply need a bigger inverter, or bigger lithium? Trying to understand if lithium actually provides more AH power than LA..... I think you understand what I am likely not asking corectly, to understand...!!
I've just ordered 4x 3.2v X 320ah plus 200amp Bluetooth BMS,just under £300 after researching and as you say ready built basic 100ah £200 cheaper per ah if you buy a single 200ah...useable amp for amp same or less than cheap floodedLithium are now only slightly more than lead acid. £2 per amp hour.
Lighter.
Don’t emit flammable gases on charging.
Well protected with built in management systems.
Tony.