How important is it to keep lithium batteries warm (1 Viewer)

[DavidG58]

We have 2 x gel batteries on our Hymer, now 8 years old and not holding charge well enough, probably one of them is weaker than the other, but time to change

Options like for like change or go lithium, our batteries are mounted in an external locker, side mounted under floor, so temp will effectively be ambient outside air temp

Does the location rule out lithium or am I over thinking this ?

 

[funflair]

I don't think it rules out Lithium David, as you can get get batteries with a built in heating, my understanding is that when the battery is too cold to accept a charge (usually below 5 deg) then any charge source first warms up the battery, OK it would be better if the batteries could be located inside the van if possible then any charge from solar etc could go straight to the batteries rather than heating.

 

[JockandRita]

As I understand the rules regarding LiFePO4 batteries David, is that they can be discharged at any temperature, but should not be recharged under a certain low temperature, and those with their own built in heating mats, will warm the battery from it's charging power source until the correct temperature is reached, before recharging the batteries themselves.

If It were me, I'd be going for those batteries which included built in heating mats, controlled by a decent BMS.
Even our rear garage where our batteries are, can get down to zero temperatures, when not in use.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

Cheers,

Jock.

Edit....I see Martin has more or less explained the same while I was typing.

 

[DavidG58]

I am going to investigate what might be a currently inaccessible void above the external locker but inside the MH, could be ideal and give me an extra locker outside

 

[funflair]

I am going to investigate what might be a currently inaccessible void above the external locker but inside the MH, could be ideal and give me an extra locker outside

That would be great David, as Jock says the garage can still get too cold for charging in the winter (ours does as well) but only when you are not in the van of course, an outside locker could get too cold even when you are using the van and valuable solar power could be going straight into heating the battery and not charging.

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[headlight]

We have 2 x gel batteries on our Hymer, now 8 years old and not holding charge well enough, probably one of them is weaker than the other, but time to change

Options like for like change or go lithium, our batteries are mounted in an external locker, side mounted under floor, so temp will effectively be ambient outside air temp

Does the location rule out lithium or am I over thinking this ?

Fogstar, as well as other LifePo4 batteries, come with built in heaters so being in an external locker is not a problem.

 

[Bessy765]

We have 2 x 100 amp Transporter batteries, one under each front seat with a Kevlar shield for safety. So although they have fairly good low temp rating as they are inside the van never had a problem.

 

[DavidG58]

Rush of blood and all that, had a minor set back on my cancer treatment and needed a distraction

It’s no wonder this MH weighs so much, woodwork for woodworks sake or what

I seem to have discovered a 2006 early sound bar / aged boom box

As far as I know it never worked and I think was part of the freeview box that was fitted and never worked, we fitted a satellite when we bought it in 2013

Now need to research battery sizes, but when speakers are removed and bits of the remaining shelf fittings, I will have 450 x 450 x 180 deep, I could possibly remove the next false floor to give more depth, but think we have an Alde radiator under there

 

[daveandsan]

Rush of blood and all that, had a minor set back on my cancer treatment and needed a distraction

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It’s no wonder this MH weighs so much, woodwork for woodworks sake or what

I seem to have discovered a 2006 early sound bar / aged boom box

As far as I know it never worked and I think was part of the freeview box that was fitted and never worked, we fitted a satellite when we bought it in 2013

Now need to research battery sizes, but when speakers are removed and bits of the remaining shelf fittings, I will have 450 x 450 x 180 deep, I could possibly remove the next false floor to give more depth, but think we have an Alde radiator under there

When checking sizes David don’t forget the batteries can be lay on their side, as mine is.

 

[DavidG58]

Now the speakers are out, the only thing I can feel below the next shelf are supports for the shelf so that’s coming out next if I can’t find a battery to easily fit

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[funflair]

That will be a sub woofer built in like that David, if it's never worked you won't miss it

 

[DavidG58]

I have lost my nerve, going to fit 2 new gel Exides, they have worked fine for 8 years, then 3 years before that, if we get another 8 years I will be 73 then and the MH 27 years old

Given the chassis age 2005, I am worried that I could spend extra money then cook my alternator

So we now have an extra locker that my my first wife thinks will be perfect for craft stuff

 

[lorger]

If you do change your mind again remember you can also get lithium batteries that are lower in height, they are made to fit under seats so might easily fit in your new craft cupboard.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Most lithium batteries have heat pads that start automatically below a certain temperature.

 

[MisterB]

DavidG58
'first wife'

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