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phemens's avatar
phemens
Explorer
Sep 21, 2020

Cold weather options for LifePO4 batteries

This thread wasn't started to debate the merits of LifePO4 vs other technologies. For various reasons I elected to go with it, very happy with performance thus far. One variable that has suddenly become more of a potential issue is cold weather charging. We purchased a plot of land up north and are camping there, and we've seen already some nights down below 0C. We are completely off grid, with solar and generator (only when needed) as power sources. For the couple of mornings where we had frost, I ran a space heater in the front compartment to get the batteries up to a temperature where I felt it was safe to charge (the solar comes on progressively through the morning, starting with a few amps and then ramping up to 80-90A by mid-morning). With the battery capacity I have (600AH, probably 500 usable), using the space heater isn't a problem, but it's not very efficient, and it's not a solution for when we're not there (we go up for long weekends right now).
I will be adding more insulation to the compartment (already have some R12 styrofoam sheeting, but will make a box for the batteries). I also ordered a small 12V PTC fan heater that will draw maybe 12A that I ordered online that I would install in the compartment to run full time (or maybe on a temperature control?).
Looking for other suggestions, I've seen recommendations for use of small 7.5 watt elbow pipe heating mats. What are you using if you are in the same situation?
Thanks in advance.
  • Itinerant1 wrote:
    Depending on your heat duct maybe you can tap into it. Mine ended right above the batteries in the front compartment. I'll block the vent in the bedroom where this section is located so the air is forced down the pipe. There are 2 other vents in the bedroom/ bathroom so no lose in heat.

    If we're running the furnace to heat the 5th wheel why not use some of it for the batteries.

    Just to give you an idea. ;)


    Good idea, but my bedroom ducting is further in, and I'd have a problem on the 4 of 7 days we're not there unfortunately.
  • 2oldman wrote:
    Aren't there battery blankets for cold temps? 80-90 amps of solar? Kudos.


    Yep, at peak I see upwards of combined 90 amps off of 2 50 amp MPPTs...
    The battery blankets I've found are 120VAC and would draw north of 50 amps @ 12v, too thirsty for my taste.
  • +1 for a blanket or other contact heat source besides blowing air.
    Stick on tank heaters come with a thermostat.
    Possibly move them inside the heated living space.
  • Depending on your heat duct maybe you can tap into it. Mine ended right above the batteries in the front compartment. I'll block the vent in the bedroom where this section is located so the air is forced down the pipe. There are 2 other vents in the bedroom/ bathroom so no lose in heat.









    If we're running the furnace to heat the 5th wheel why not use some of it for the batteries.

    Just to give you an idea. ;)
  • Aren't there battery blankets for cold temps? 80-90 amps of solar? Kudos.

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