As I've mentioned in a few posts over the last couple of months, I'd like a LifePO4 battery bank in my camper rebuild. This build is designed for the Missus, dog and myself to go full-time.
12v power is vital for me, as I work online. Having a lot of 12v power means I can spend longer off grid without EHU or having to drive for hours.
Of course the initial costs of this type of setup are high, compared to a traditional lead acid battery bank. But the advantages (in my opinion) are huge.
Firstly LifePO4 is generally smaller and lighter than the equivalent in lead acid. This is a big deal in a small van.
More of the power can be used (much more) than with traditional batteries. It's normally recommended not to go below 50% capacity in lead acid, whereas a LifePO4 can safely use at least 85% of it capacity.
LifePO4 can be charged and discharged at far higher rates than traditional batteries. This is a huge deal to me, as it means quick charging with a short drive.
LifePO4 is as safe as a normal battery and doesn't have the volatile characteristics of other types of lithium battery.
There are other advantages, but for me, these are the main ones.
Anyway, a few weeks ago I made a decision and ordered my cells. I went for 4 x 400Ah, 3.2v Winston cells, which will be wired in series to create a 400Ah 12v battery bank. They arrived today from China.
I've had to learn a lot about what's involved in creating what I want, so I thought it might be useful to some if I did a bit of a build log on my setup. So here it is, starting with a quick un-boxing video.
12v power is vital for me, as I work online. Having a lot of 12v power means I can spend longer off grid without EHU or having to drive for hours.
Of course the initial costs of this type of setup are high, compared to a traditional lead acid battery bank. But the advantages (in my opinion) are huge.
Firstly LifePO4 is generally smaller and lighter than the equivalent in lead acid. This is a big deal in a small van.
More of the power can be used (much more) than with traditional batteries. It's normally recommended not to go below 50% capacity in lead acid, whereas a LifePO4 can safely use at least 85% of it capacity.
LifePO4 can be charged and discharged at far higher rates than traditional batteries. This is a huge deal to me, as it means quick charging with a short drive.
LifePO4 is as safe as a normal battery and doesn't have the volatile characteristics of other types of lithium battery.
There are other advantages, but for me, these are the main ones.
Anyway, a few weeks ago I made a decision and ordered my cells. I went for 4 x 400Ah, 3.2v Winston cells, which will be wired in series to create a 400Ah 12v battery bank. They arrived today from China.
I've had to learn a lot about what's involved in creating what I want, so I thought it might be useful to some if I did a bit of a build log on my setup. So here it is, starting with a quick un-boxing video.