lithium batteries

F450 wrote:
Has anyone ever heard about using lithium batteries in a RV?

Yep.

Here's a good source for any of us RV'ers who can afford them:

http://www.lithiumion-batteries.com/lithium-rv-deep-cycle.php

A 12V 180 amp hour LFP with BMS/monitoring system etc cost $1500 a year ago. Cost has probably gone down since then. This weighs about 65 #. We have four in series and run the 13,500 BTU a/c with solar for up to 4 hours . Got back to rig this afternoon and it was 92 inside and overcast with trees blocking sun (not much solar). Ran the a/c off LFP for 30 minutes and dropped temp to 82)

ol Bombero-JC wrote:

westend wrote:

folivier wrote:
Lots of misinformation out there about LiFePO4 batteries. That's one of the problems. There are quite a few of live aboard boaters using them for a couple years now and really pleased with them. These are not the cobalt based batteries in the Boeing aircraft that had problems. These are actually newer technology and very safe.
It is possible to put together a LiFePO4 system of comparable AH for about the same cost as AGM batteries.

Please, tell us how we can get Lithium for the price of AGM!

Pliz do!..:@

.

pretty close:

Balqon HIQAP

that one is about the same cost as comparable Ah assembly of lifeline Group 31 AGMs

I love the weight of them... The price has to come down though. I'd pay more, but not 10x.

All I have to do is live long enough - and I'm sure we will have lithium in our rigs. I'm hoping 6 to 8 years from now.

I for one would like you to document it here or send me the info as this could possibly be the last batteries I'll have to buy.
I looked over the site and couldn't find info on the BMS.

Thanks for the info.

Sorry, don't read this forum that frequently.
The system I'm presently installing are definitely not drop-in ready. These are 4 individual cells + a BMS that must be connected together. Not a big problem but does require some wiring skill and knowledge.
I'll be using my existing inverter to charge but may need to change out the voltage regulator for my engine alternator since my system will be so large it could fry my alternator. Even after all of that the total cost will be the same as AGM's. I'm replacing six 8D batteries.
I bought the cells and BMS from www.balqon.com
Sorry but I don't plan to document the install here since there are too many naysayers and I don't have the time or patience to deal with that.
This technology is still pretty much experimental for RV's. But if people don't jump in and test the waters then it won't become mainstream.

These lithium ions look good. 100AH each at 28 lbs, Group 31 size. Now if the price would drop in half from the $1300 it would be a go. Perhaps by the time the current 68AH 53lb Group 34 AGMs are at end of life.

Redsky wrote:

Lithium batteries are expensive but comparatively light and compact for the power they can store. This has value in a jet or an electric care but zero value in an RV.

I beg to disagree. I have two AGMs in my RV and would love to have the additional capacity of Lithium Ion batteries. It's not just a matter of weight (which does matter in smaller RVs like mine) but a matter of volume. I can fit two batteries in my compartment....that's it. My two AGMs cost me $600. I'd gladly pay 2 grand for lithiums that fit in the same place (giving me much more capacity).

BTW, I am one of those Boeing engineering types that was knee deep in the battery thing. I work at Flight Test.

westend wrote:

folivier wrote:
Lots of misinformation out there about LiFePO4 batteries. That's one of the problems. There are quite a few of live aboard boaters using them for a couple years now and really pleased with them. These are not the cobalt based batteries in the Boeing aircraft that had problems. These are actually newer technology and very safe.
It is possible to put together a LiFePO4 system of comparable AH for about the same cost as AGM batteries.

Please, tell us how we can get Lithium for the price of AGM!

Pliz do!..:@

.