Not Foretravel related, just a question about small, say AA and AAA lithium batteries. There are some very knowledgeable people here who know this battery tech.
I have many outdoor solar lights that are powered by AA and AAA lithium batteries. I just installed them and they work great, now.
My question is during the winter. As I have read lithium batteries don't like cold weather, I live in Chicago.
I doubt there is much of a battery management system in a yard light.
Will all the batteries need to be removed during winter?
Replace in winter with nicad?
Suggestions please.
Lithium i think is different from Li-ion,
Here are the specs for AAA Lithium Energizers:
12 pack of Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAA batteries
Energizer Ultimate Lithium is the No.1 Longest Lasting AAA Battery in high tech devices
Leak proof construction protects the devices you love (based on standard use)
Powers your most critical devices ideal for your smart home devices, outdoor surveillance systems, digital cameras, and handheld games
Holds power up to 20 years in storage for trustworthy backup energy, so you're always prepared
Performs in extreme temperatures, from -40F to 140° F, for year round, indoor and outdoor use
See why nothing outlasts Energizer in high tech devices
The issue I believe is for recharging lithium batteries at below freezing temps. You are not recharging these batteries so it should not be a problem as shown above in the specs.
They are being re-charged via the solar panel on each light.
Solar lights are one of my pet peeves. Billions are wasted on this environmental catastrophe worldwide. A few comments:
1. AA lithium Energizer cells are not rechargeable. 18650 cells are rechargeable.
2. Cheap Chinese solar lights are destined for the dump. This is an environmental catastrophe, with billions of defunct lights leaching chemicals in dumps.
3. Buy a plug-in, low-voltage, house-powered system. Please don't, but if you MUST buy this failure-prone technology, get a well-engineered system with a quality BMS (Battery Management System ) and batteries. It must specify:
- Temperature range. Lithium batteries can be ruined if charged at cold temperatures. My design would use solar power to warm the cells prior to charging.
- Replaceable batteries. Dispose of batteries responsibly.
- Water proof rating. E.g. IP68 withstands dust, dirt and sand, and are resistant to submersion up to a maximum depth of 1.5m
- UV (Ultra Violet) resistance rating. E.g. Glass panels and metal case.
- The estimated lifespan would be 20 years. This is possible with today's technology.
Based on my research, these lights do not exist on the market. If an investor wants to fund me to design and mass-produce a long-life, intelligently-designed, environmentally responsible system, I am available.
We put lithium (whatever) AAA batteries in out outdoor temp/humidity sensors at the suggestion of the manufacturer because they hold up better in very cold temps. They last about a year. No recharge. Clumping all batteries that start with lithium into the same anything is not right. Lots of different chemistries and construction techniques. We use rechargeable in most devices.
In shady campgrounds, the perms go around and install new alkaline batteries as required.
In the motorcycle world lithium batteries are the new shiny thing to be installed. Some bikes use them because of the light weight, some because of their ability to be installed on edge or upside down. All however suffer from the cold morning problem. In order to start your motorcycle on a cold morning you need to warm up the battery, usually by running the headlight for 30 seconds, in order to have enough current available to turn the engine.
Enjoy your lights! They're great for a season or two.