Are Your Saved LiFePO4 Batteries Secure Throughout Freezing Temperatures?
After I was first requested to put in writing an article on the way to hold saved LiFePO4 batteries protected throughout freezing temperatures I used to be going to say no, as my RV nonetheless has lead acid batteries. Nevertheless, like a lot of you, I hope to improve to LiFePO4 batteries very quickly. And since there appears to be a lot confusion on this topic, I knew eventually I would wish to teach myself. So I made a decision to tackle the topic now.
1200AH LiFePO4 RV Batteries (Picture: @SteveUpp, iRV2 Boards)
What I now perceive will present me with the data to buy the suitable LiFePO4 batteries for my wants. Plus, I now know the way to correctly retailer them throughout freezing temperatures, and you’ll too.
What Does LiFePO4 Imply?
“LiFePO4” describes a kind of battery: Lithium (Li) Iron (Fe) and Phosphate (PO4).
At the moment, like a lot of you, I’ve two lead acid batteries serving as my home batteries on my journey trailer.
A number of years in the past, I wrote an article entitled Defend Your RV Batteries Whereas in Winter Storage. That article handled lead acid batteries quite than LiFePO4 batteries. Most of the steps shared in that article are applicable for LiFePO4 batteries in addition to lead acid batteries. Nevertheless, one step shared within the article, whereas applicable for lead acid batteries, can severely injury LiFePO4 batteries. This seems to be one of many areas that creates confusion, so now I’ll clear it up.
The Two Ways in which Storing LiFePO4 Batteries and Lead Acid Batteries in Winter are Comparable
Identical to lead acid batteries, the next two steps apply to LiFePO4 batteries:
What occurs if an RV battery cost drops throughout storage?
Lead acid batteries, of every type, self-discharge when in storage a lot quicker than LiFePO4 batteries. Due to this fact, charged LiFePO4 batteries will retain far more of their cost whereas in winter storage than their lead acid counterparts. That is essential to know. Right here’s why:
The Backside Line: A well-charged* LiFePO4 battery in winter can survive storage in freezing temperatures with no additional consideration. In different phrases, cost it, disconnect it, and neglect it.
*Most of the lithium battery producers suggest merely charging them as much as between 50% and 100%, disconnecting them out of your RV electrical system through the battery ON/OFF change, and leaving them alone.
RV Electrical energy knowledgeable Mike Sokol
The Vital Distinction Between Secure Winter Storage of LiFePO4 Batteries Versus Lead Acid Battery Storage
Now for the massive distinction between winter storage of LiFePO4 batteries, or placing lead acid batteries in storage.
Some RVers using lead acid batteries, me included, have the luxurious of shore energy the place they retailer their RV. This offers them with the flexibility to maintain their RV home batteries charged whereas saved throughout freezing temperatures. Because the talked about article particulars, a totally charged lead acid battery gained’t freeze thereby defending the battery from injury.
Whereas offering a cost to a lead acid battery throughout freezing temperatures is acceptable, it has the potential to destroy a LiFePO4 battery. Right here’s why:
When attempting to cost a LiFePO4 battery beneath 32°F/0°C, a chemical response often known as “lithium plating” or “lithium dendrite development” happens.
Some manufactures declare that their LiFePO4 batteries are straightforward to cost in freezing climate. Simply cost them at very low fee. However most all battery specialists suggest in opposition to it.
To maintain your LiFePO4 battery protected in freezing temperatures, simply cost and disconnect.
As acknowledged above, for winter storage functions, simply cost* your LiFePO4 battery, disconnect it and you might be tremendous till spring. Bear in mind not solely to disconnect it from hundreds that may draw the battery down, however from charging methods, together with photo voltaic, as properly.
Observe: Some producers suggest storage no decrease than -4 levels F others say you possibly can as little as -15 levels F. All the time learn and observe the producer directions. If unsure, take away the batteries and retailer them in a heat surroundings throughout excessive durations of freezing.
So why all of the confusion concerning storing LiFePO4 batteries throughout freezing temperatures?
Producers of LiFePO4 lithium batteries generally specify an efficient temperature vary of -20°C to +55°C (this will differ throughout varied manufacturers and fashions). Nevertheless, it is very important be aware that there’s a widespread misunderstanding surrounding this vary. Many RVers assume that it applies to each charging and discharging processes, however that is incorrect.
In actuality, the operational temperature vary solely pertains to the discharging of the battery, not the charging of the battery.
Whereas exterior the scope of this text, when you do have to cost your LiFePO4 batteries when they’re beneath 32°F/0°C, it’s good to heat them up first. Let’s clarify how.
The 2 methods to heat up LiFePO4 batteries
Simply warmth the RV when you retailer them inside a chilly camper. Or, depend on a BMS (battery administration system). Right here’s how each methods work:
Observe: In contrast to lead acid batteries that “off fuel” when charging, LiFePO4 don’t off fuel making them protected to mount throughout the enclosed portion of the RV.
BMS usually additionally lets you learn the temperature of the batteries letting you understand when it’s protected to cost if not geared up with heaters.
Merely look forward to the temperature to rise through the day. Set up a mixture of heating pads together with insulation to heat them and hold them heat. Then disconnect the LiFePO4 batteries, and carry them right into a heated surroundings for charging.
Conclusion: The Greatest Solution to Preserve LiFePO4 Batteries Secure Throughout Freezing Temperatures
LiFePO4 batteries are simply saved over the winter throughout freezing temperatures, with minimal effort or concern. Nevertheless, remember that charging them when they’re beneath freezing can injury them if not completed appropriately.
Bear in mind, options of LiFePO4 batteries differ between model and fashions. All the time learn and observe producers directions to get the very best efficiency out of your battery in addition to working them safely whereas preserving the guarantee.
Assist your LiFEPO4 batteries protected in winter.
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