Lithium batteries

Gumpo · Veteran Member

Lithium batteries

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Which brand? There are hundreds.
Cheers,
Peter

Clarky 1 · Senior Member

Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Which brand? There are hundreds.
Cheers,
Peter

A bit rude mate, he was asking what brands would we recommend.

@Gumpo,

I currently use Lithiums from ITech World. They not only sold me a couple of batteries and some other bits but the advice from them was very helpful.

I guess that others will have there own favourites.

yobarr · Guru

Gumpo wrote:
Hello does anyone have any experience regarding the preferred brand of Lithium Batteries ? Thanks

Victron.Do it once,do it well. Cheers

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Not rude at all. Trying to be costructive.
Like tugs. Everyone will recommend the one they spent their money on. That is reality.

Cheers,

Peter

yobarr · Guru

Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Not rude at all. Trying to be costructive.
Like tugs. Everyone will recommend the one they spent their money on. That is reality.
Cheers,
Peter

What you say about what products people will recommend is probably true,but very few will admit that the cheap sh-t they purchased,to save a couple of miserable dollars,is not really up to the task.Cars are an example.Most people understand that a 70 series LC is as good as you'll get,but they bleat about the price and buy lightweight dreamer's cars marketed as 4wds. Yeah,right. In this world you get what you pay for. When I was working in Solar,I was able to show production figures from 2 solar systems,both 6kw,side by side,facing same direction.The El Cheapo $5000 rubbish 6kw system often marketed on TV was producing less than 35% of the figures that were being produced by the Fronius/LG 6kw system I had supplied.And let's not mention the "warranties" that don't actually exist. Regularly I would get people calling me for help with getting warranty work on their cheap sh-t system,and regularly I would say "Tough luck.You chose to buy cheap sh-t,so don't come crying to me when the company you purchased from won't help you" Do it once,do it well.Cheers

-- Edited by yobarr on Sunday 28th of November 2021 07:03:39 PM

Clarky 1 · Senior Member

yobarr wrote:
Gumpo wrote:
Hello does anyone have any experience regarding the preferred brand of Lithium Batteries ? Thanks
Victron.Do it once,do it well. Cheers

Good recommendation.

My need for lithium batteries was not a full van or ute type system but more for marine use with a charger but without any need for solar.

Gumpo might want to tell us details of his intended use.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Maybe the OP could tell us what they are going to do with this battery and how the intend to charge it?
And what sort of budget they have and what is important to them.
The "best" battery for you is not the "best" battery for me.
Cheers,
Peter

Gumpo · Veteran Member

Thanks all for the advice / input . Sorry for not explaining myself fully. Big chance I am buying a second hand caravan that has recently had 3x 120ah Lithium batteries installed. I am new to the nomadic way of life and trying to learn from you experienced folk out there . I hope I havent waisted your time . Im on a steep learning curve ATM cheers

yobarr · Guru

Gumpo wrote:
Thanks all for the advice / input . Sorry for not explaining myself fully. Big chance I am buying a second hand caravan that has recently had 3x 120ah Lithium batteries installed. I am new to the nomadic way of life and trying to learn from you experienced folk out there . I hope I havent waisted your time . Im on a steep learning curve ATM cheers

My advice is that if you have 3x120ah (360ah) you need,rock bottom,550 watts solar if you plan to free camp.My van has 1650 watts solar,and 540ah VICTRON.Despite running my AC 24/7 when necessary,using microwave,electric fry pan,air fryer,slow cooker,rice cooker,electric jug etc etc as needed,I have never run out of power.Everything is electric,except the diesel heater,so there are no gas appliances in my van at all.No worries about paying crazy prices,in the outback,for gas,and you never run out of sun.Solar works on light,not heat,and I live full-time in my van,with no problems. Don't be shy to ask questions,but it is important that you understand that buying cheap sh-t is a road to nowhere.Cheers

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

yobarr wrote:
My advice is that if you have 3x120ah (360ah) you need,rock bottom,550 watts solar if you plan to free camp.

I think that is starting from the wrong end.

How much charge capacity is required is determined by how much power you intend to consume, not how much battery capacity you have.

It will not harm the lithiums (or LAs) if you only use a small % of their capacity, but they will still provide power for a longer period when the sun does not shine.

Cheers,

Peter

travelyounger · Guru

Gumpo wrote:
Hello does anyone have any experience regarding the preferred brand of Lithium Batteries ? Thanks

Enerdrive are good but you have to pay for it 2600 for a 200 amp

cheers

TimTim · Guru

travelyounger wrote:
Gumpo wrote:
Hello does anyone have any experience regarding the preferred brand of Lithium Batteries ? Thanks
Enerdrive are good but you have to pay for it 2600 for a 200 amp

cheers

Yep, and when i had a quote from the caravan company to change from 2 x 100ah AGM batteries to 1 x 100ah lithium in the build they wanted $3600 lol. So I built a 280ah lithium for just over $900.

Mike Harding · Guru

TimTim wrote:
So I built a 280ah lithium for just over $900.

Which battery management system did you use?

TimTim · Guru

Mike Harding wrote:
TimTim wrote:
So I built a 280ah lithium for just over $900.
Which battery management system did you use?

I have a Daly 250A Smart BMS with Bluetooth and works great. I am so pleased with it I have ordered more cells and another BMS but this time it cost me a little over $1000. I could of bought them cheaper but I stuck with a reliable supplier rather than take the risk to save a few dollars.

Tim

-- Edited by TimTim on Tuesday 30th of November 2021 01:46:28 PM

-- Edited by TimTim on Tuesday 30th of November 2021 02:01:20 PM

Mike Harding · Guru

I have, pretty much, decided upon Daly too.

Please let me know your suppliers for both cells and BMS, I'll probably use them as well.

-- Edited by Mike Harding on Tuesday 30th of November 2021 02:04:52 PM

TimTim · Guru

Mike Harding wrote:
I have, pretty much, decided upon Daly too.
Please let me know your supplier, I'll probably use them as well.

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/1pcs-EVE-280AH-LiFePO4-LFP-3_1600191410096.html?spm=a2756.order-detail-ta-ta-b.0.0.98192fc2t1apWH

Say hello to Amy and tell her that you have seen the reviews on diysolar forum. Asked for the price of the A+ matched and tested cells as opposed to the commodity cells. Also ask for welded studs which are standard 6mm but if you ask her they many do 8mm for you. I didnt think of it at the time but I would of preferred 8mm as all the larger cable lugs are generally 8mm.

Tim

Mike Harding · Guru

Thanks Tim, much appreciated.

TimTim · Guru

Mike Harding wrote:
I have, pretty much, decided upon Daly too.
Please let me know your suppliers for both cells and BMS, I'll probably use them as well.

-- Edited by Mike Harding on Tuesday 30th of November 2021 02:04:52 PM

Just to let you know I purchased the Daly through Amy too at the same price as the Daly website but only $12 extra for postage which was far less than Daly.

Also some of the higher amp BMS manufactured around August have a software glitch which shows it as negative amps when charging but it is charging ok. Im not sure if they are bringing out a software update. Otherwise there is JBD that is now producing a 200A BMS with Bluetooth which Amy can also order that model for you.

Let me know if you require any more information.

Tim

-- Edited by TimTim on Tuesday 30th of November 2021 07:28:25 PM

peatop · Senior Member

Gumpo wrote:
Hello does anyone have any experience regarding the preferred brand of Lithium Batteries ? Thanks

As some others have said there isn't really a preference required but there are some guidelines to follow, and the first one is only buy from a reputable dealer, It will cost you far more in dollars but save you headaches later on.

The required input needs to match output, so if your using 100Ah every 24Hrs then you need to be able to replace that power used and then allow for rainy days, this was my main issue when looking into batteries, basically I only use around 28Ah every 24Hrs so my needs aren't great, BUT! what if it's overcast for a week? what then? so this is where you need the combination of extra storage and charging facilities, storage (batteries) if lithium don't mind being kept at 20-80% charge while lead needs constant input, so for my setup I built in several redundancies, 20A dc-dc charger(backup) 200w solar blanket (backup) 100w panel (maybe backup) my main charging is 2x145w panels that seem to charge my 105Ah battery before I even get outa bed. but I have only used this system twice now and both times it was a mix of overcast days and sunny days.

I used the JBD BMS on my 105Ah build and it works great, I used JBD as I felt it was a better unit than the Daly and it came complete where the Daly everything was sold as an extra. I recommend Amy Won too, she has a good rep on diysolar forum too. The reason I went for smaller cells was because I read that for offroad/camping it was advised that you stick with batteries between 100-200Ah and run them in parallel as this elevates cell issues created by weight.

Hylife · Guru

Very happy with my two 100ah Solarking LiFePO4 batteries from Low Energy Developments.
www.lowenergydevelopments.com.au/batteries/LithiumBatteries

travelyounger · Guru

peatop wrote:
Gumpo wrote:
Hello does anyone have any experience regarding the preferred brand of Lithium Batteries ? Thanks
As some others have said there isn't really a preference required but there are some guidelines to follow, and the first one is only buy from a reputable dealer, It will cost you far more in dollars but save you headaches later on.
The required input needs to match output, so if your using 100Ah every 24Hrs then you need to be able to replace that power used and then allow for rainy days, this was my main issue when looking into batteries, basically I only use around 28Ah every 24Hrs so my needs aren't great, BUT! what if it's overcast for a week? what then? so this is where you need the combination of extra storage and charging facilities, storage (batteries) if lithium don't mind being kept at 20-80% charge while lead needs constant input, so for my setup I built in several redundancies, 20A dc-dc charger(backup) 200w solar blanket (backup) 100w panel (maybe backup) my main charging is 2x145w panels that seem to charge my 105Ah battery before I even get outa bed. but I have only used this system twice now and both times it was a mix of overcast days and sunny days.
I used the JBD BMS on my 105Ah build and it works great, I used JBD as I felt it was a better unit than the Daly and it came complete where the Daly everything was sold as an extra. I recommend Amy Won too, she has a good rep on diysolar forum too. The reason I went for smaller cells was because I read that for offroad/camping it was advised that you stick with batteries between 100-200Ah and run them in parallel as this elevates cell issues created by weight.

Hi has anyone who has had their lithium batteries for at least two years and use them for running air through their inverter and or constantly using their battery storage day in day out .I have two 135 amp agm batteries fitted in external boxes and to change to 2 by 200 amp lithium I will have to relocate to inside and lose cupboard space I also have a compressor fridge which does use a lot of amps.

Just wondering the best battery to go with I have enerdrlive 1600 watt inverter 60 amp charger which have to be upgraded for the air to 3000 watt

Cheers

yobarr · Guru

travelyounger wrote:
peatop wrote:
Gumpo wrote:
Hello does anyone have any experience regarding the preferred brand of Lithium Batteries ? Thanks
As some others have said there isn't really a preference required but there are some guidelines to follow, and the first one is only buy from a reputable dealer, It will cost you far more in dollars but save you headaches later on.
The required input needs to match output, so if your using 100Ah every 24Hrs then you need to be able to replace that power used and then allow for rainy days, this was my main issue when looking into batteries, basically I only use around 28Ah every 24Hrs so my needs aren't great, BUT! what if it's overcast for a week? what then? so this is where you need the combination of extra storage and charging facilities, storage (batteries) if lithium don't mind being kept at 20-80% charge while lead needs constant input, so for my setup I built in several redundancies, 20A dc-dc charger(backup) 200w solar blanket (backup) 100w panel (maybe backup) my main charging is 2x145w panels that seem to charge my 105Ah battery before I even get outa bed. but I have only used this system twice now and both times it was a mix of overcast days and sunny days.
I used the JBD BMS on my 105Ah build and it works great, I used JBD as I felt it was a better unit than the Daly and it came complete where the Daly everything was sold as an extra. I recommend Amy Won too, she has a good rep on diysolar forum too. The reason I went for smaller cells was because I read that for offroad/camping it was advised that you stick with batteries between 100-200Ah and run them in parallel as this elevates cell issues created by weight.
Hi has anyone who has had their lithium batteries for at least two years and use them for running air through their inverter and or constantly using their battery storage day in day out .I have two 135 amp agm batteries fitted in external boxes and to change to 2 by 200 amp lithium I will have to relocate to inside and lose cupboard space I also have a compressor fridge which does use a lot of amps.
Just wondering the best battery to go with I have enerdrlive 1600 watt inverter 60 amp charger which have to be upgraded for the air to 3000 watt Cheers

Hi John.Please note that I am in no way an expert on this,but I have 540ah VICTRON Lithium batteries through a 5kw Victron inverter.My AC (2.5kwMitsubishi) runs 24/7 if needed,plus I can use my microwave,toaster,airfryer,slow cooker,electric jug as needed.Fridge is 175 litre Evakool,plus have stereo,TV etc etc .NO gas in my van at all.Just make sure that you have plenty of Solar..I have 1650 watts Suntech,and I have NEVER run out of battery power.Used to carry Yamaha 2800i inverter,but gave it away.Fella was rapt,as it had never been started. Cheers

nomadz · Veteran Member

Gday Gumpo

Only one part of your info requirement but why would you need to upgrade the inverter to 3000w to run the air con.

A Honda 2.0 (rated at 1600w continuous) will start and operate most modern caravan air cons. If your inverter is a good quality one and the air con reasonably modern, the 1600w inverter may be adequate, provided the cabling from the battery is adequate.

If an older style air con with high start up current, one of these may help. https://eltwin-hyper.com/

Regards,

Ian

travelyounger · Guru

yobarr wrote:
travelyounger wrote:
peatop wrote:
Gumpo wrote:
Hello does anyone have any experience regarding the preferred brand of Lithium Batteries ? Thanks
As some others have said there isn't really a preference required but there are some guidelines to follow, and the first one is only buy from a reputable dealer, It will cost you far more in dollars but save you headaches later on.
The required input needs to match output, so if your using 100Ah every 24Hrs then you need to be able to replace that power used and then allow for rainy days, this was my main issue when looking into batteries, basically I only use around 28Ah every 24Hrs so my needs aren't great, BUT! what if it's overcast for a week? what then? so this is where you need the combination of extra storage and charging facilities, storage (batteries) if lithium don't mind being kept at 20-80% charge while lead needs constant input, so for my setup I built in several redundancies, 20A dc-dc charger(backup) 200w solar blanket (backup) 100w panel (maybe backup) my main charging is 2x145w panels that seem to charge my 105Ah battery before I even get outa bed. but I have only used this system twice now and both times it was a mix of overcast days and sunny days.
I used the JBD BMS on my 105Ah build and it works great, I used JBD as I felt it was a better unit than the Daly and it came complete where the Daly everything was sold as an extra. I recommend Amy Won too, she has a good rep on diysolar forum too. The reason I went for smaller cells was because I read that for offroad/camping it was advised that you stick with batteries between 100-200Ah and run them in parallel as this elevates cell issues created by weight.
Hi has anyone who has had their lithium batteries for at least two years and use them for running air through their inverter and or constantly using their battery storage day in day out .I have two 135 amp agm batteries fitted in external boxes and to change to 2 by 200 amp lithium I will have to relocate to inside and lose cupboard space I also have a compressor fridge which does use a lot of amps.
Just wondering the best battery to go with I have enerdrlive 1600 watt inverter 60 amp charger which have to be upgraded for the air to 3000 watt Cheers
Hi John.Please note that I am in no way an expert on this,but I have 540ah VICTRON Lithium batteries through a 5kw Victron inverter.My AC (2.5kwMitsubishi) runs 24/7 if needed,plus I can use my microwave,toaster,airfryer,slow cooker,electric jug as needed.Fridge is 175 litre Evakool,plus have stereo,TV etc etc .NO gas in my van at all.Just make sure that you have plenty of Solar..I have 1650 watts Suntech,and I have NEVER run out of battery power.Used to carry Yamaha 2800i inverter,but gave it away.Fella was rapt,as it had never been started. Cheers

Hi yobarr

The room for Panels on roof is a bit of an issue only room for 450 watts but that should be enough as I will have a dc dc charger and also the generator when it needs a top up.The reason for the bigger inverter is so it does not have to work to hard on those hot days when I am using the generator to run inverter while air con is on but if the 1600 can handle Ill keep it

cheers

travelyounger · Guru

nomadz wrote:
Gday Gumpo
Only one part of your info requirement but why would you need to upgrade the inverter to 3000w to run the air con.
A Honda 2.0 (rated at 1600w continuous) will start and operate most modern caravan air cons. If your inverter is a good quality one and the air con reasonably modern, the 1600w inverter may be adequate, provided the cabling from the battery is adequate.
If an older style air con with high start up current, one of these may help. https://eltwin-hyper.com/
Regards,
Ian

Hi Ian

I have an ibis 3 air con the Honda struggled the other day running the air and charging the batteries which is a 60 amp enerdrive .The Honda 2.2 kept going into limp mode until the charge going in dropped to under 30 amps not sure on wiring thickness but will check

cheers

nomadz · Veteran Member

Hi John,

If it was a warm day, the Honda 2.2 may struggle with the air con and the Enerdrive running together, especially if the Enerdrive was set on full capacity.

My Honda 2 will operate the air con and the Projecta battery charger, but only if the Projecta is set at 6 amps. Any higher and it will trip out.

The Projecta is selectable at 2, 6, 12, 25 or 50 amps.

Regards,

Ian

yobarr · Guru

travelyounger wrote:
yobarr wrote:

Hi John.Please note that I am in no way an expert on this,but I have 540ah VICTRON Lithium batteries through a 5kw Victron inverter.My AC (2.5kwMitsubishi) runs 24/7 if needed,plus I can use my microwave,toaster,airfryer,slow cooker,electric jug as needed.Fridge is 175 litre Evakool,plus have stereo,TV etc etc .NO gas in my van at all.Just make sure that you have plenty of Solar..I have 1650 watts Suntech,and I have NEVER run out of battery power.Used to carry Yamaha 2800i inverter,but gave it away.Fella was rapt,as it had never been started. Cheers

Hi yobarr

The room for Panels on roof is a bit of an issue only room for 450 watts but that should be enough as I will have a dc dc charger and also the generator when it needs a top up.The reason for the bigger inverter is so it does not have to work to hard on those hot days when I am using the generator to run inverter while air con is on but if the 1600 can handle Ill keep it

cheers

Hi John.If room on your roof is an issue,you might like to look at mounting hinged panels on the rear of the van,or on the sides if van is under 2500mm wide.Peter'n'Margaret has a big panel mounted on the back of the OKA,so may be able to give advice. My van is not big,and has 4 seasons hatch,plus sat TV and skylights etc above ensuite,yet I easily found room for 1710 watts solar (9x190 watt panels) until I broke some.There now is 1650 watts solar on roof,being 6x275 panels.Good luck.Cheers

travelyounger · Guru

nomadz wrote:
Hi John,
If it was a warm day, the Honda 2.2 may struggle with the air con and the Enerdrive running together, especially if the Enerdrive was set on full capacity.
My Honda 2 will operate the air con and the Projecta battery charger, but only if the Projecta is set at 6 amps. Any higher and it will trip out.
The Projecta is selectable at 2, 6, 12, 25 or 50 amps.
Regards,
Ian

Oh I wonder why it was tripping

cheers

travelyounger · Guru

yobarr wrote:
travelyounger wrote:
yobarr wrote:
Hi John.Please note that I am in no way an expert on this,but I have 540ah VICTRON Lithium batteries through a 5kw Victron inverter.My AC (2.5kwMitsubishi) runs 24/7 if needed,plus I can use my microwave,toaster,airfryer,slow cooker,electric jug as needed.Fridge is 175 litre Evakool,plus have stereo,TV etc etc .NO gas in my van at all.Just make sure that you have plenty of Solar..I have 1650 watts Suntech,and I have NEVER run out of battery power.Used to carry Yamaha 2800i inverter,but gave it away.Fella was rapt,as it had never been started. Cheers
Hi yobarr
The room for Panels on roof is a bit of an issue only room for 450 watts but that should be enough as I will have a dc dc charger and also the generator when it needs a top up.The reason for the bigger inverter is so it does not have to work to hard on those hot days when I am using the generator to run inverter while air con is on but if the 1600 can handle Ill keep it
cheers
Hi John.If room on your roof is an issue,you might like to look at mounting hinged panels on the rear of the van,or on the sides if van is under 2500mm wide.Peter'n'Margaret has a big panel mounted on the back of the OKA,so may be able to give advice. My van is not big,and has 4 seasons hatch,plus sat TV and skylights etc above ensuite,yet I easily found room for 1710 watts solar (9x190 watt panels) until I broke some.There now is 1650 watts solar on roof,being 6x275 panels.Good luck.Cheers

Thanks mate all the same I dont think I will go to those extremes at the moment but your setup sounds great

have a merry Xmas and may be one day we will meet

Cheers