SiO2 Batteries

I asked Morningstar, the manufacturer of my MPPT solar controller, about use with LiFePO4 batteries. They gave me programming values for that use.

I will likely go with the LiFePO4 batteries because, as you say FWC, the weight savings is killer!

I'm very tempted to DIY. Any suggestions on which cells and a BMS? I've heard good things about the Tesla cells.

Geewizard wrote:

FWC wrote:
What is your intended use?

Boondocking. I have 220W of solar with a MPPT charger. No AC appliances. I have two 100AH deep-cycle AGM batteries now.

I am attracted by the LiFePo4 batteries for their reducted weight and current capability but not their need for a special charger. The SiO2 evidently can use a standard charger.

LiFePO4 does not necessarily need a special charger. You may get a slightly longer lifetime out of them with a charger exactly dialed in to their settings, but their lifetime is so long under normal use that if they last 4000 or 5000 cycles is immaterial.

In a truck camper the weight savings of LiFePO4 is killer. Also look beyond battleborn, there are a bunch of others coming out at 50 - 70% the price of battleborn, or if you are adventurous go the DIY route which is about the cheapest battery you can buy.

Battle Born is still charging a premium price for their LiFePO4 batteries (they do have built in BMS), but the price of 200 Ah and 280 Ah individual cells has dropped. Yes, you have to order them directly from China and they take 4 to 8 weeks delivery.

Geewizard wrote:

I'm just investigating different battery types. I was unaware of the SiO2 batteries.

I'll likely go with LiFePO4 batteries because of their reduced weight compared to others.

SiO2 are not going to reduce the weight. They do charge more slowly the LiFeP04, but they may be discharged without damage at 2.4 C.

There are no "perfect" batteries out there. SiO2 are as close to perfect as I've found for my situation.

My 3 Battleborn LiFePO4's are very happy being charged by my Freedom inverter/charger built in 1999. I do have the advanced monitor panel so can tweak the settings a bit. You can also trick your charger by selecting a different battery type and temperature setting. So you may not need a lithium charger, just study your manual.

No, the cost of a charger is not an issue.

I'm just investigating different battery types. I was unaware of the SiO2 batteries.

I'll likely go with LiFePO4 batteries because of their reduced weight compared to others.

Geewizard wrote:

FWC wrote:
What is your intended use?

Boondocking. I have 220W of solar with a MPPT charger. No AC appliances. I have two 100AH deep-cycle AGM batteries now.

I am attracted by the LiFePo4 batteries for their reducted weight and current capability but not their need for a special charger. The SiO2 eeidently can use a standard charger.

If your charger is programmable, the settings for LiFePo4 are not complicated. I'm a little puzzled though - if you're going to invest significant $ in batteries, a small investment in a new charger (if needed) is a problem?

pianotuna wrote:

Geewizard wrote:
I'd like to hear from people who use the SiO2 batteries.

Are you happy with them?
Charging methods?
What kind of current loads do you have?

The owner of sanidump uses them and is happy.

https://www.sanidumps.com/product-testing-rv-batteries.php

Good review, thanks.

FWC wrote:
What is your intended use?

Boondocking. I have 220W of solar with a MPPT charger. No AC appliances. I have two 100AH deep-cycle AGM batteries now.

I am attracted by the LiFePo4 batteries for their reducted weight and current capability but not their need for a special charger. The SiO2 evidently can use a standard charger.

Geewizard wrote:
I'd like to hear from people who use the SiO2 batteries.

Are you happy with them?
Charging methods?
What kind of current loads do you have?

The owner of sanidump uses them and is happy.

https://www.sanidumps.com/product-testing-rv-batteries.php