4x4 Action Group

I have studied data and spec sheets on LifePO4 batteries. Yes it is true that they overshadow lead acid batteries.
But when you compare them with GEL batteries the advantages shrink by considerable amounts.
Comparison were done between 100Ah batteries

Few things to keep in mind when changing over to LifePO4. Your current chargers might need replacement. Not all intelligent chargers can produce the higher charge voltage needed to be effective.
LifePO4 batteries are known for their short charge times. The trick however to achieve that is to charge at 50A to have a full charge in two hours.
Normal charging is at 20A. Very few 12V chargers available in that range. If you charge at the normal current rate of Lead Acid and GEL batteries the charge time will not differ much.
Excample. LifePO4 charged at 10A = 10hr charge time.
15A = 7hrs
20A = 5hrs
50A = 2hrs.
100w solar panel output at 12v with calculated losses is around 5.5A.

LifePO4 scores in longevity, weight, discharge rate and that is about all.

grips wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 28, 2020 2:39 pm

LifePO4 scores in;
* longevity,
* Weight,
* Discharge rate
...that is about all.

So it ONLY loses in Cost?

But your point about the charging is valid.

It is sold as a 'Drop In' replacement - but it's not always the case...

[quote=grips post_id=24753 time=1603888751 user_id=63]
I have studied data and spec sheets on LifePO4 batteries. Yes it is true that they overshadow lead acid batteries.
But when you compare them with GEL batteries the advantages shrink by considerable amounts.]


Tell us more please?

There is a Youtube channel with a young guy that tests all sorts of batteries
https://www.youtube.com/user/errolprowse

He even built his own batteries as well. You need the cells, a BMS and a bit of skill and it will work out even cheaper. I had 3x 24V, 100Ah battery built (while at previous employer) for a solar application using LiFePo4 cells. Importing from China worked out to ~R20000 for all 3. Import and taxes were added and the final price came to ~R9000 per battery. That was cheaper than buying it here at the time. At the current company, they are designing their own solar battery using 2nd hand electric bus cells (from China), the cells have lost the ability to deliver high current (5x the Ah capacity) but their longevity is still good and this works out EVEN cheaper than AGM batteries...