Lithium Batteries Buyer's Guide—BMS Requirements

Full-on Lithionics lithium-battery system and one of the huge lithium batteries on Andy Schell&#;s Falken. Not to worry, we don&#;t all need a system this big, complete, and expensive, but there are important things to learn from a system like this.

So we have carefully thought about the tradeoffs after reading this chapter (where I cut through all the fanboy crap to what really matters), and decided that lithium batteries are the way to go for our offshore voyaging boat.

Goto GECONA SOLAR to know more.

And we have figured out how much usable battery capacity we need and which charging sources and output power are required to keep up with our usage, as well as whether our system will be 12 or 24 volt, all covered in earlier chapters in this Online Book.

Now what? What gear should we actually buy?

Sure, we can dive into a hundred YouTube videos, but most are by someone who has never, or rarely, been offshore voyaging, and, worse still, many of the presenters could not explain ohms law if their lives depended on it&#;being a great presenter can mask truly stunning ignorance.

Or we can read who knows how many manufacturer web sites, reviews, and/or videos claiming that one particular lithium battery and BMS is best, or best for the money. But how do you decide who is making sense and who is full of shit and/or just trying to make a sale?

And even if we can figure that out, there is no best, there is only best for each of us.

To solve these problems I&#;m going to explore how each of us can develop our own set of buying criteria so we can cut through the noise to find and buy the best system for us.

The key points that are vital to understand are in the blue (tip) and pink (alert) boxes; that said, it will make more sense if you read the whole article carefully.

Also, I have used photos of various equipment to illustrate the article, but that does not mean I&#;m specifically endorsing that piece of gear.

What Matters To Us

The absolute number-one thing we need to fix in our minds before we go any further down this lithium-battery system selection road is that the needs of offshore voyaging boats are different and more stringent than pretty much any other usage case except aircraft.

Don&#;t Look To RVs (Campers)

For example, a system designed for a recreational vehicle (RV) is useless on an offshore voyaging boat because:

• Lithium-battery system load dumps on an RV don&#;t result in the power steering shutting down (think autopilot), the headlights going dark (think nav lights), and the dials blinking out (think plotter and instruments) in the middle of the highway.
• RVs generally spend a lot more of their time under power and have more room for solar panels in relation to their needs&#;an RV is more like a motorboat than sailboat.
• Most RV campers spend a lot more time on shore power.

RV lithium-battery systems do not supply mission-critical safety systems (driving), offshore voyaging boat systems do.

It&#;s also important to understand that RVs are a far bigger market for lithium-battery systems&#;for example, less than 10% of Wakespeed WS 500 alternator regulators are sold to boat owners&#;so most of the documentation and suggested configurations we find on the internet do not apply to us.

Compare Against a Benchmark

Next we need to compare against the long-proven solution, a well designed and installed lead-acid based system, and be realistic about what we are taking on when we leave that behind:

1. Installing a lithium system that increases the chances of an electrical blackout is bad seamanship.
   • If you doubt that, please read this before going further.
2. Lithium systems are way, way more complex and intrinsically less reliable and fault tolerant.

If we install a lithium-battery system that&#;s anything less than done right, we will have taken a huge step backward. The ocean doesn&#;t give a shit how cool our electrical system is, it only cares about how functional and reliable it is.

Good News, Bad News

The good news is that today we can build a lithium battery-based electrical system that&#;s makes the offshore voyaging boat grade, and even do that at a relatively reasonable cost.

The bad news is that it&#;s on us to figure out how to do that in a seamanlike way, since there are no turnkey systems specially designed for our needs.

Actually, there are from Ocean Planet Energy, but even if we decide to buy the whole system from Bruce and his good folks (highly recommended), we still need enough understanding to know what he&#;s talking about, and to install and maintain the system right; yes, even if we pay someone else to do the actual work.

Why I&#;m Writing This

But, before I dig into the technology, this article and how it will unfold was, as happens so often, inspired by a member comment:

Right now my hang-up is why LFP communication with the Alternator Regulator is necessary, and I have heard no reasonable technical explanation from anyone yet.

Member, Rick

I have to say that when I first read that I was a little put out. After all, I have written a complete Online Book, much of it explaining just that in detail. If you are too lazy to read it&#;yada, yada, yada&#;

But then I realized Rick has a point:

1. I need to explain this more simply and in one place, rather than scattered throughout the Book.
2. I also need to come up with a solution for those who don&#;t want to go that far or already have lithium batteries that don&#;t communicate; often, but not always, called &#;drop in&#;.

And then, once we have covered that off, we need a simple, or as simple as it&#;s possible for me to make it, list of criteria we can use as we buy stuff.

Let&#;s do that.

More and more people are opting for off grid solar power generation, and at the heart of the system is the solar batteries. Deepcycle batteries can provide continuous power, making them ideal for applications that require a quick start-up, of these, lithiumion batteries are a relatively new option in solar energy systems which include lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, lithium manganate, lithium polymer battery and etc. The LiFePO4 batteries are the mainstream choice of energy storage and are often used in backup systems and solar battery banks.

What is LiFePO4 battery?

A lithium battery (or lithium-ion battery, Li-ion battery) is a type of battery that is rechargeable for long-lasting usage, utilizing the revertible chemical quality of lithium ions. Featuring high electricity densities, low self-discharge, and many other advantages, lithium batteries are popular choices as a power storage solution for portable consumer digital devices and electronic vehicles. There are various types of lithium ion batteries, for example, lithium polymer batteries, Ternary lithium batteries, and lithium iron phosphate batteries. LiFeP04 is the abbreviation of lithium iron phosphate batteries, which is usually used for solar batteries due to its relatively stable chemical stability.

How do lithium ion batteries work? 

The work of lithium batteries can be understood as the movement of lithium ions. When we charge a lithium battery, lihium ions will move from the cathode (positive electrode), go through the electrolyte, and reach the anode (negative electrode). During the process, electrons are produced and will be kept inside by the separator. Vice versa, when we discharge the lithium battery, lithium ions will flow from the anode (negative electrode) into the cathode (positive electrode). Another article from the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) has made the whole process of how a lithium-ion battery works more intelligible.

Image courtesy: Sarah Harman and Charles Joyner, EERE

How long do lithium batteries last?

Let&#;s assume that you are looking for the answer to how long a lithium battery can work in your RV, electronic vehicle, or yacht, which means we will talk about lithium iron phosphate batteries. Working as power batteries, the average life cycles of LiFeP04 batteries are usually , which means that with one charge-discharge cycle per day, they can last for about eight years. And in a cold area, LiFeP04 batteries in a warm area can last longer. 

Lithium battery SOC chart

Lithium battery charging: how can I charge a LiFePO4 battery? 

For charging lithium batteries, you can use solar energy, alternators, shore power or grid power. It is the same thing when it comes to charging a LiFePO4 battery. If you have a solar panel system equipped on your RV or house, lithium iron phosphate batteries can be charged with solar energy, but a charge controller such as the MPPT charge controller is needed. For this type of component, we recommend Rover 100 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller from Renogy, which boasts versatile compatibility with solar systems of watts on 12 volts, watts on 24 volts, watts on 36V and watts on 48V. 

Of course, it doesn&#;t have to use a solar power system to charge a lithium battery, though that can be a cost-saving option. You can also charge it through grid power. Having some electricity stored in a large lithium battery can be a life-saver when a blackout occurs. 

But should you leave a lithium battery on charge all the time? Most lithium-ion batteries have built-in over-charge protection, which can cut the charge automatically once it detects a full charge has been reached. Besides, lithium batteries with a battery management system (BMS) also include other forms of protection mechanisms, including over-voltage, overcurrent, over-temperature, overvoltage and short-circuit protection. 

Can you charge lithium battery with regular charger?

A normal battery charger that just has charging modes is not recommended because it will cut in a float voltage at 13.2 volts, which means your lithium battery is only going to be around 80 percent charged as it needs to float at about 13.8 or higher. However, if you have a power supply or a battery charger that you can put into power supply mode, that will be perfect because the built-in BMS in the battery will turn that load off from your power supply when the battery is fully charged so that it won&#;t get overcharge or undercharge. 

You can charge lithium batteries from a charger that may not have a lithium profile. But if it has power supply mode or if you have a power supply in your caravan or something like that, you can use that to charge. It is best to go with a lithium-compatible charger because it still has a couple of sequences that it may add to the charging process, but a single-stage battery charger, i.e., a power supply, also works.

Does putting lithium cells in series increase amp?

The answer is no. Lithium batteries in series will only have an increased amount of voltage but their amperage will stay. For more details, check our guide to Series And Parallel Connections . 

BENEFITS OF LITHIUM SOLAR BATTERIES

LiFePO4 batteries (or the LFP battery) are a premium storage option that is safe and durable and can be paired with solar energy systems to store excess energy. They are now the storage medium of choice in most solar applications due to their long lifetime, safety,cost-effectiveness, and low maintenance requirements. They are particularly appealing to boat, van, and RV owners.

1. Light and Compact

Energy density is the amount of electricity a battery can hold relative to its physical size. The higher the energy density, the more energy can be stored, whereas lower energy density means less available power and more weight. The lithium ion battery for solar is high density and so can store lots of power while taking up minimal space, which is great when space is at a premium. For example, a 100Ah battery of the same capacity of Renogy, the weight of lithium iron phosphate battery is 40% of that of lead-acid battery.

2. Safety and Stability

LiFePO4 batteries have one key advantage over other batteries: excellent thermal and chemical stability, which translates to improved safety. For example, lithium cobalt oxide and lithium manganate will explode in violent collisions, posing a threat to life; however, lithium iron phosphate has passed strict safety tests, which means that even if an accident occurs, there will be no explosion.

Further reading:
Top Benefits of Using Solar Pump Bulk for Irrigation Systems

Are you interested in learning more about Home Solar Lithium 48v 200ah LiFePO4 Battery? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

3. BMS

Every LiFePO4battery has a built-in battery management system (BMS) that automatically monitors things like battery temperature, state of charge, and cycle life to maximize battery performance. And if your electricity demand increases, you can expand the system hassle free, by connecting more batteries in parallel, each of which will be managed by its own internal BMS, operating independently and safely.

4. Reliable and Stable Power

Solar lithium batteries can also provide better quality and more constant voltage at any discharge rate. Constant voltage does not fluctuate over time: For example, lights will keep the same brightness throughout each usage period of the battery.

5. Low Self-Discharge Rate

When the lithium ion solar battery is not connected to the load and power supply, the energy may still gradually drop, which is known as self-discharge, or charge retention capacity. The self-discharge rate of lithium solar batteries is very low, generally only reaching 3% per month.

6. Environmentally Friendly

Li-ion batteries have low levels of toxic heavy metals compared to other batteries like lead-acid and nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries. Cadmium, lead, and mercury have been major components of batteries for many years, but improper handling and exposure to these metals can harm humans, animals, and plants. Lithiumbatteries for solar are safer than many other kinds, although still do need to be recycled properly: Never dispose of used batteries in general trash!

7. Maintenance-Free

Many types of batteries require a periodic "balancing" process to ensure that all batteries are charged equally. Lithium solar batteries manage their status through BMS, so they don't need to be periodically "balancing".

Compared with other types of batteries, lifepo4 batteries have no special requirements for storage. They don't need to be stored upright or in any vented battery compartment. For long-term storage, it is recommended to charge the battery every six months to avoid low battery power.

8. Memory Effect

The memory effect is an effect of the internal crystallization of the battery due to use, which will temporarily reduce the capacity of the battery and shorten the use time. This usually happens with NiCd batteries, but lithiumion batteries do not suffer from this memory effect, so they always run out of the last bit of charge. Whether using 100% or 25% capacity, you can charge them without tedious maintenance.

How To Choose LiFePO4 Batteries

When considering solar cell options, you need to compare different lithium batteries based on capacity, depth of discharge (DOD), battery life, and more to find the best battery for your PV system based on your needs.

1. Capacity

Capacity is the total amount of electricity that a solar cell can store. This data is usually measured in watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh).

2. Depth of Discharge (DOD)

The depth of discharge (DOD) indicates the battery capacity used. The higher the DOD, the more usage you get from the battery capacity. Most solar batteries come with a recommended DOD to keep the battery healthy. Lithium ion batteries are deepcycle batteries and have up to 100% DOD, meaning you can use more of the energy stored in lithium-ion batteries without recharging as often as you would with other batteries. This also gives them a long service life and capacity is 25-50% higher than similar lead acids.

3. Cycle Life

Cycle life is the number of charge and discharge cycles that a battery can complete before it loses performance. Lithium iron phosphate batteries have more than cycles, while lead-acid batteries typically only reach between 500 and cycles. Assuming that one cycle is used each day, then a battery with a cycle life of retains its performance for five and a half years; a battery that boasts cycles can be used for more than ten years.

4. Continuous Charging and Discharging Rate

The charge-discharge rate refers to the constant current value output by the battery, when it is charged from an empty state to a fully charged state or discharged from a fully charged state to an empty state, within a specified time. For example, the Renogy 12V 100Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery has a rated capacity of 100Ah and can be discharged for 1 hour at a 100A discharge current, known as 1C discharge. Additionally, the Renogy 12V 100Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate battery with a self-heating function will automatically start running when the battery temperature drops below 41°F (5°C) while charging to ensure excellent battery performance.

5. Battery Life and Warranty

If you've owned a laptop or smartphone for a few years, you've probably noticed that the battery doesn't last as long in the years after that as it did when it first started. As each charge and discharge cycle progresses, the battery's ability to remain charged decreases. Temperature can also affect battery life. High temperatures mean faster reactions, so batteries discharge faster; low temperatures mean batteries have to work harder and charge at higher voltages.

Most batteries come with a warranty that guarantees the battery over a certain number of cycles or for a specified period. Like panels, inverters, or other solar equipment, choosing a well-known manufacturer with a long history is the safest option, as they are more likely to deliver on these promises.

Lithium ion batteries for solar: find the best solar lithium battery here

Renogy has been a key player over the last decade as demand for quality renewable energy solutions has been booming. We never stop innovating because we know how much clean energy means. At Renogy, we offer a wide range of solar products, such as solar panels, deep cycle batteries, inverters, solar generators, portable power stations, charge controllers, etc. Join us in creating a truly sustainable future!

The Renogy 12V 100Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery allows for auto-balancing of parallel connections and additional battery connection options. LiFePO4 batteries are protected by an integrated smart battery management system (BMS), which also monitors and manages the charging and draining process. A long cycle life and superior discharge performance are ensured by state-of-the-art battery cells.

Renogy's 12V 100Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery with Self-Heating Function combats the cold by warming itself up when the battery temperature dips below 41°F (5°C) and it&#;s attached to the input. Long cycle life and superior discharge performance are ensured by the integrated intelligent BMS, state-of-the-art battery cells, and self-heating capability.

A built-in Bluetooth module allows for real-time remote monitoring on mobile devices with the Renogy 12V 100Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery with Bluetooth. It's made with automotive-grade battery cells and has a long cycle life under a variety of loads. The sophisticated BMS ensures that the battery is well-protected. Because it is a standard BCI group size, it is an excellent replacement for deep-cycle lead-acid batteries.

Here are a few dos and don'ts to keep your Li-Ion batteries alive longer:

a. Avoid being exposed to extreme temperatures

b. Store the batteries at moderate energy during off-hour

c. Disconnect the battery from your equipment if the battery is not used for a long time.

Related articles:

Solar Generators For RV Camping: A Complete Guide

Unscrambling The Alphabet Soup Of Solar Terminology

Do I Need A Generator If I Have Solar?

Should I Wire My Panels In Parallel Or In Series?

Bluetooth Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries For Solar: Everything You Need To Know

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