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Topic: Lithium Batteries (Read 805 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Lithium Batteries

Reply #1 –
Most likely would require a charger change--- most lead acid chargers would not be compatible with the LI batteries--- different volts per cell and charge rates.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: Lithium Batteries

Reply #2 –
Over $6000 for about the same amp-hr cap. of three 8-d's that cost $500 each.
Have do  a lot of boondocking to break even.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Lithium Batteries

Reply #3 –
When comparing Li batteries to Lead acid look at the usable AH, not the total AH. You can consistently pull 80% + out of Li with no impact. Also compare the usable cycles in the batteries. Yes, they are still a LOT more expensive, but so are a lot of other things....look at the recent conversation on water hose replacement on the reels.

Maybe when Elon gets finished with his factory .... ?
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Lithium Batteries

Reply #4 –
Quote from: toyman –
When comparing Li batteries to Lead acid look at the usable AH, not the total AH. You can consistently pull 80% + out of Li with no impact. Also compare the usable cycles in the batteries. Yes, they are still a LOT more expensive, but so are a lot of other things....look at the recent conversation on water hose replacement on the reels.

Maybe when Elon gets finished with his factory .... ?

our electric bikes supposedly use the same cells in their 48 volt batteries as the tesla car. we use 36 Panasonic square li-ion he uses 3,000 or so.

work great.  then stop when the management system stops the output versus go past the design limit.

I did look very hard at the li-ion stuff as my bus buddies have 2 $6k batteries.  and the draws to need it which we do not have
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Lithium Batteries

Reply #5 –
Several past topics on this.  Just search the forum for LiFePO4 or lithium batteries

Lithium ion batteries

Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries

Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries (was House Battery Replacement)

Lithium Ion Batteries for RV Motorhome House System - LFP / LiFePO4 |...
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Lithium Batteries

Reply #6 –
I get along just fine using one set of golf cart batteries in series-- we have two sets, but I never need the second set.  Our DC amp draw is light, we have LED lights and don't use the inverter.  Only heavy draw is the furnace fans if it's cold.  We can go for days and days without charging batteries.
Just came back from a week in deep south Texas dry camping while deer hunting-- didn't have to charge batteries once in that time.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: Lithium Batteries

Reply #7 –
Having a Chevy Volt with a lithium battery, I read several articles posted on the internet to learn a bit about lithium batteries.  One of the main advantages is that they do not weigh as much  as a lead acid battery and the size is smaller.  The disadvantage is the cost, but they can have a long life if properly used.  The Volt has a roughly 16 kwh battery (size varies a little with the model year) but only about 10.5 kwh is used.  For long life it is never fully charged or discharged.  A 50% charge might be best for long life, but isn't practical.  A full charge reduces life and a complete discharge will probably kill the battery.  The best operating temperature is around 70 F.  If they get too hot they can catch fire.  The chemistry of the battery can be adjusted to make the battery less prone to catch fire but at a loss of power.  The Volt has a plate between every two cells of the 288 cells with coolant that can either heat or cool the cells.  Battery electronics check each cell several times a second for the proper voltage during charging and if one cell reaches max charge before the others it is bypassed.  The battery cooling/heating system is separate from the other 3 cooling systems (gas engine, power electronics/charger, electric drive motors/generators/gearing), but is tied into the air-conditioning via a chiller.  On a hot day during charging the electric AC compressor may run to cool the battery if the radiator fans are not doing the job.  The battery and  the electronics on the battery have an 8 year/100,000 mile warranty.  I don't know the replacement cost.  I can usually go about 40 miles on a charge, and recharging uses about 13.5 kwh.  Someone went 80 miles driving at 23 mph, and rumor has it that at 100 mph you get 16 miles before the gas engine starts up.  It's a fun car to drive, very pleasant, and no need to worry about a depleted battery with the gas engine driven generator.  Drive it anywhere like a regular car, but at home almost all the miles are electric.  Last gas bought in June and I still have a half tank! 
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Lithium Batteries

Reply #9 –
Quote from: rsihnhold –
Looks like there might be another option in the pipeline soon.

Tesla wants its Powerwall to save the grid and your bank account

Not anytime soon - Technomadia's review here Tesla's Lithium Powerwall – Awesome, But Not For RVs | Technomadia
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Lithium Batteries

Reply #10 –
But for our northern "home base" the Tesla battery will be perfect. We'll probably only be there during the summer and there are heat pumps that work using 48vdc input (and are extremely efficient); so cooling is covered and probably not much heating needed but a heat pump should cover that, too.

i'm thinking that I'll keep the shop side connected to the grid (240vac for air compressors, welders, etc.) but the apartment side will be completely off the grid using 5 or 6 kw of solar panels on the rooftop. The roof is conveniently slopped facing south. :)

Just maintenance of maybe 40F in the winter should work out where we live. With the grid connection to the shop only a wall away we should be able to rig some failsafe system to keep the apartment side from freezing in the winter when we're gone.

Things are looking up... by the time the DW retires (in 2017) we should have a good idea where the technology is going.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."
 

Re: Lithium Batteries

Reply #11 –
James and Susan just finished a major renovation at FOT- saw them there just before they left this week.  They work on the road ( computer work) and have installed solar and are using lithium ion batteries from Balqon ( not sure of spelling, sorry).  I'm sure they will give updates on how they are holding up, issues with them etc.

They are full time on the road with their 2 kids .

Great folks, very technical, and will share their experiences as they travel.
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing