Install LiFePO4 batteries on their side?

[Peter Clark]

I’m getting contradictory information from well known installation companies on fitting LiFePO4 batteries on their side.

Some say no problem - some say not advisable.

Does anyone have definitive information on this?

 

[Guigsy]

They don't care about orientation.

Only traditional lead acid with the acid sloshing about needs to be upright.

 

[Raul]

As long as it’s not upside down, on its side it’s ok. However, some manufacturers do put their cells on their side, as long as they don’t end upside down you are good to go. For that you will need to know how your cells are oriented in the box, in order to tip them once , not twice.

 

[Googlebot]

One of mine is on the side, no issues at all. Link is in my signature, it’s sat happily providing me lots of free electricity from the solar.

Well, it’s free now after I paid for the battery.

 

[Stealaway]

I’m getting contradictory information from well known installation companies on fitting LiFePO4 batteries on their side.

Some say no problem - some say not advisable.

Does anyone have definitive information on this?

Many modern motorcycles have their lithium batteries laid flat for convenience.
Imagine they are a series of rechargeable AA batteries boxed together - No problem

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[DavidCh]

The batteries themselves can be orientated any way, many wall mounted powerbanks have them on their sides. However, the construction of other parts inside the battery (like the BMS) might not be designed to permit this.

 

[Jim]

I have two Sterling Batteries, Under a bench seat on their side and one atop the other. They work great.

 

[Raul]

Many modern motorcycles have their lithium batteries laid flat for convenience.
Imagine they are a series of rechargeable AA batteries boxed together - No problem

View attachment 735694

That’s true for cylindrical cells. Many batteries like fogstar are made of prismatic cells with a pressure relief valve at the top. This valve can be oriented upwards or sideways. Never upside down. I have seen cells in the box mounted sideways. If you tip them one way, they end up upright, and if you tip them the other way they end up upside down. If manufacturer says it’s ok to fit on its side, it means their cells are already upwards, so it doesn’t mater which way you tip, they end on their side.
It’s all down to type of cells and orientation in the box.

 

[Peter Clark]

Now had a reply to one of my enquiry emails - see attached.

Not very informative - but certainly very clear!

 

[Raul]

Now had a reply to one of my enquiry emails - see attached.

Not very informative - but certainly very clear!

View attachment 735733

It’s pretty clear to me, if you read my posts on the matter, you will understand why, and for good reason. If victron fill their boxes with prismatics on their side, then you can’t tilt them again. This is not valid for all lifepo4’s. Cyclindrical cells can be any orientation. Relion, ultramax, and others that use cylindrical, can be fitter any orientation.
It’s manufacture specific this tilting orientation thing, they are built differently, and not one rule fits all.
So it looks like victron’s are upright fit then.

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[BobJayne]

Fogstar say their Drift range is suitable for side mounting.

 

[Peter Clark]

It’s pretty clear to me, if you read my posts on the matter, you will understand why, and for good reason. If victron fill their boxes with prismatics on their side, then you can’t tilt them again. This is not valid for all lifepo4’s. Cyclindrical cells can be any orientation. Relion, ultramax, and others that use cylindrical, can be fitter any orientation.
It’s manufacture specific this tilting orientation thing, they are built differently, and not one rule fits all.
So it looks like victron’s are upright fit then.

KS Energy and Sterling have confirmed it’s no problem to install their batteries on the side.

 

[Raul]

KS Energy and Sterling have confirmed it’s no problem to install their batteries on the side.

That’s good to know. KS uses cylindrical’s so you are definitely safe with them. Sterling probably the same. You did the right thing to ask them. and other funsters will learn from this to.

 

[Raul]

Fogstar say their Drift range is suitable for side mounting.
View attachment 735745

Nice, so fogstar fit theirs upright, meaning you can tilt the either side.

 

[Gromett]

It depends on the internals. Speak to the manufacturer. Both Victron and FogStar appear to have been very clear in their response

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[Peter Clark]

That’s good to know. KS uses cylindrical’s so you are definitely safe with them. Sterling probably the same. You did the right thing to ask them. and other funsters will learn from this to.

Update:
Latest replies -
Eco-Worthy : Yes fine on side
Renogy : No not on side

 

[funflair]

This is what SUPER B say, and I believe they use Prismatic cells.

What is the correct orientation when lithium batteries are fitted?​

Any orientation is possible as there is no free electrolyte inside, however we recommend the terminals are upright, particularly when sideways mounted. (no upside down orientation with terminals on the bottom).