After I was first requested to put in writing an article on find out how to preserve saved LiFePO4 batteries secure throughout freezing temperatures I used to be going to say no, as my RV nonetheless has lead acid batteries. Nonetheless, 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.
What I now perceive will present me with the information to buy the suitable LiFePO4 batteries for my wants. Plus, I now know find out how 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 present, 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 Shield Your RV Batteries Whereas in Winter Storage. That article handled lead acid batteries slightly than LiFePO4 batteries. Lots of the steps shared in that article are acceptable for LiFePO4 batteries in addition to lead acid batteries. Nonetheless, one step shared within the article, whereas acceptable 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 Related
Similar 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 sooner than LiFePO4 batteries. Subsequently, charged LiFePO4 batteries will retain far more of their cost whereas in winter storage than their lead acid counterparts. That is necessary to know. Right here’s why:
The Backside Line: A well-charged* LiFePO4 battery in winter can survive storage in freezing temperatures with no further consideration. In different phrases, cost it, disconnect it, and overlook it.
*Lots of the lithium battery producers suggest merely charging them as much as between 50% and 100%, disconnecting them out of your RV electrical system by way of the battery ON/OFF change, and leaving them alone.
The Necessary Distinction Between Protected Winter Storage of LiFePO4 Batteries Versus Lead Acid Battery Storage
Now for the large distinction between winter storage of LiFePO4 batteries, or placing lead acid batteries in storage.
Some RVers using lead acid batteries, me included, have the posh of shore energy the place they retailer their RV. This offers them with the power to maintain their RV home batteries charged whereas saved throughout freezing temperatures. Because the talked about article particulars, a totally charged lead acid battery received’t freeze thereby defending the battery from injury.
Whereas offering a cost to a lead acid battery throughout freezing temperatures is suitable, it has the potential to destroy a LiFePO4 battery. Right here’s why:
When making an attempt 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 secure in freezing temperatures, simply cost and disconnect.
As acknowledged above, for winter storage functions, simply cost* your LiFePO4 battery, disconnect it and you’re tremendous till spring. Keep in mind not solely to disconnect it from masses that can draw the battery down, however from charging techniques, together with photo voltaic, as effectively.
- Be aware: Some producers suggest storage no decrease than -4 levels F others say you’ll be able to as little as -15 levels F. At all times learn and comply with the producer directions. If doubtful, take away the batteries and retailer them in a heat setting throughout excessive intervals of freezing.
So why all of the confusion relating to storing LiFePO4 batteries throughout freezing temperatures?
Producers of LiFePO4 lithium batteries generally specify an efficient temperature vary of -20°C to +55°C (this may occasionally differ throughout varied manufacturers and fashions). Nonetheless, you will need to notice that there’s a frequent 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 outdoors the scope of this text, in case you do must cost your LiFePO4 batteries when they’re beneath 32°F/0°C, it is advisable to heat them up first. Let’s clarify how.
The 2 methods to heat up LiFePO4 batteries
Simply warmth the RV in case you retailer them inside a chilly camper. Or, depend on a BMS (battery administration system). Right here’s how each methods work:
Be aware: Not like lead acid batteries that “off gasoline” when charging, LiFePO4 don’t off gasoline making them secure to mount throughout the enclosed portion of the RV.
BMS sometimes additionally lets you learn the temperature of the batteries letting you recognize when it’s secure to cost if not geared up with heaters.
Merely look ahead to the temperature to rise in the course of the day. Set up a mix of heating pads together with insulation to heat them and preserve them heat. Then disconnect the LiFePO4 batteries, and carry them right into a heated setting for charging.
Conclusion: The Finest Option to Preserve LiFePO4 Batteries Protected Throughout Freezing Temperatures
LiFePO4 batteries are simply saved over the winter throughout freezing temperatures, with minimal effort or concern. Nonetheless, remember that charging them when they’re beneath freezing can injury them if not achieved appropriately.
Keep in mind, options of LiFePO4 batteries differ between model and fashions. At all times learn and comply with producers directions to get one of the best efficiency out of your battery in addition to working them safely whereas preserving the guarantee.
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