fact or fiction (LiFePO4)

[BruceS]

On THAT other forum there is a thread that I'm warning others to investigate the advice very thoroughly before doing what is suggested.

https://www.caravanersforum.com/viewtop ... 11&t=81817

I can see quite a few people investing in pain.... one way or another!!!
I can't post a warning over there so be careful folks!

[dapope]

lots of fiction and eggspurts over there....

[bagmaker]

on which particular bit of advice are you worried about Bruce?

[BruceS]

Wayne I'm not going into specifics but as you know there are so many different varieties around now and what is advised for some will not suit other ones.
Unlike Lead/Acid batteries of all types, a blanket bulk, absorption and float charge (with small variation), these 'new' batteries require a user to stick to what is dictated by the seller.
Many sellers ..... many variations.
I'd think many would not agree with your suggested limit of charge voltage for starters.

[bagmaker]

I think I suggested 13.8 max. I reckon thats heaps for when you are driving, not much chance of hearing alarms, lots of oxygen if it all goes arse up.
Happy to go a bit higher if you are a helicopter gauge watcher but in reality its only a percent or two capacity for a whole lot of risk.
But then later I asked for clarification on what type of battery the OP was looking for - I am not used to these new-fangled ones with the built in BMS.
Thats his aim, a drop-in style.
So now they are tossing 14.6 etc at the poor guy. I tend to agree, folks are going to burn things down sooner or later.
Just my 2c.
I reckon its worth trying to keep newbies on track if only for the sake of future insurance premiums and legislation on electrical installations in rigs.
When a few get fried its going to be a pain in the harse for all of us, note how premiums have gone up recently after every second vanner got a new awning. Sigh.

So you think I posted incorrect info Bruce? Which part? (c'mon, we are nice here, specifics are fine )

[Vik351]

I thought Long Tall Sally was puttin on a good show ...

vik... Knows TMFM

[BruceS]

No I don't think you or anyone else gave the 'wrong' info for their particular installation but without giving every single item in each install & it's purpose it can be a trap for others to follow.
How many km's have you done feeding LiFePO4 battery bank direct off your alternator?
How many drive belts? Aluminium or cast pulleys? How often do you replace the belts?

[bagmaker]

No I don't think you or anyone else gave the 'wrong' info for their particular installation but without giving every single item in each install & it's purpose it can be a trap for others to follow.
How many km's have you done feeding LiFePO4 battery bank direct off your alternator?
How many drive belts? Aluminium or cast pulleys? How often do you replace the belts?

yes, good points. Every installation is slightly different.
I dont charge at all with an alternator. If this weather keeps up though, I might just have to -I am pretty sure when I do it will be by using a VSR and MPPT controller inline between the alternator and existing solar charge setup. Big arsed 24v alternator (280a I think) single steel pulley.
Have you fried an alternator or drive whilst charging? They are greedy, them lifepo4s

[T1 Terry]

My recommendation is to use a DC to DC charger with a power supply mode set at 13.8v. All DC to DC chargers have internal voltage sensing, so the true battery end of charge voltage will be less than 13.8v. This needs to be backed up with a BMS that monitors cell voltage and has the ability to turn all the charging devices off if a cell reaches 3.6v yet leaves the load functioning as normal.
From my testing experience, the batteries with an inbuilt BMS simply disconnect the battery from the terminal if the voltage goes high, not cell voltage but battery voltage, a quick way to kill cells and this is happening already.
As far as the advice about the Itechworld drop in batteries from Sterling Sal and others, towards the end of the thread she admits the longest user in her "group" is 8 mths. I remember the brains trust over there telling us to come back after 4 yrs when our concept and theories had proved themselves, yet they are eating up the advice for someone with 8 mths user experience
It won't be long before the problems start to surface, I wonder who will take the blame for the thousands lost by those that followed the advice given?

I'm just thankful I can no longer post over there, I'd be a nervous wreck battling the mis-information gurus across all those threads.

T1 Terry

[BernieQ2]

I think Itecworld are giving three year warranty for all new and existing battery's now ?
Read it on the other forum .
Bernie .