li batteries--a good primer

GordonThree wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Hi all,

This is a good explanation of what to expect from LIfePo4.

https://www.solacity.com/how-to-keep-lifepo4-lithium-ion-batteries-happy/

Here is their summation:

To sum up, for long and happy LFP battery life, in order of importance, you should be mindful of the following:

Keep the battery temperature under 45 Centigrade (under 30C if possible) – This is by far the most important!!

Keep charge and discharge currents under 0.5C (0.2C preferred)

Keep battery temperature above 0 Centigrade when discharging if possible – This, and everything below, is nowhere near as important as the first two

Do not cycle below 10% – 15% SOC unless you really need to

Do not float the battery at 100% SOC if possible

Do not charge to 100% SOC if you do not need it

That's a lot of restrictions for a battery that costs at least 10x what a lead acid costs. Operating temp 30C?! horse hockey! Charge current 0.2 to 0.5C, that's terrible.

I agree completely, Gordon!

Too narrow a usage temperature range and too many $$$ -> just to reduce RV battery weight per useable amp hour of capacity.

Also, when not on the road we like to keep our RV in the back yard with continuous power applied ... including not having to remember to ... either turn OFF the solenoid to the AGM house batteries or turn OFF the built-in converter, so as to not float the batteries too much.