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Topic: Small lithium battery question (Read 532 times) previous topic - next topic

Small lithium battery question

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.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Small lithium battery question

Reply #1
Lithium i think is different from Li-ion, 
"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: Small lithium battery question

Reply #2
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.
Oscar & Janet Valent
2023 Coach House 261XLQD
Former 2004 U320 3820 PBBS
Former 2007 Newell Coach #815
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Re: Small lithium battery question

Reply #3
They are being re-charged via the solar panel on each light.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Small lithium battery question

Reply #4
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.
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Small lithium battery question

Reply #5
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.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

 

Re: Small lithium battery question

Reply #6
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.


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.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.