Article on LiFePO4

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zoneblue
zoneblue Solar Expert Posts: 1,220 ✭✭✭✭
in Advanced Solar Electric Technical Forum #1
As our esteemed moderator has closed the previous lithium thread (cant say i blame him, we dont really want 4000 post threads) before i had a chance to post this, here is the direct link to the article.

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/lifepo4_on_boats

The author also has many other interesting and sensible articles, including one where he tests and makes the point that Lithium gets more value out of MPPT controllers because they spend more time in bulk mmpt mode.

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/solar_controller_testing

FWIW!
1.8kWp CSUN, 10kWh AGM, Midnite Classic 150, Outback VFX3024E,
http://zoneblue.org/cms/page.php?view=off-grid-solar


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  • Mountain Don
    Mountain Don Solar Expert Posts: 494 ✭✭✭
    #2
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    Re: Article on LiFePO4

    I read several of the articles posted over there. He sounds like a sensible hands on guy. Years of experience in maintaining, repairing marine systems, electrical, batteries, mechanicals... Loved his article on crimped connectors too.


    One thing I noted ans had only seen one other place (regarding LFP.... LFP should not be charged when below 32 F. I would be a problem with our system where the cabin may sit Dec thru Mar with only three visits. Unheated between visits.
    Northern NM, 624 watts PV, The Kid CC, GC-2 batteries @ 24 VDC, Outback VFX3524M
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  • PNjunction
    PNjunction Solar Expert Posts: 762 ✭✭✭
    #3
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    Re: Article on LiFePO4

    Yes, extremely low temperature charging is a problem. But if they are indoors, and you bring that environment up to 32F then you are good to go.

    And since you don't float lifepo4, you merely leave them in a partially discharged state before you leave, and the low temps between Dec and Mar are not an issue when they are not in use. Be sure to guard against parasitic loads, so total disconnect is the way to go.

    This hurdle can be overcome. One doesn't charge frozen lead-acid batteries either, so some of the same environment temperature solutions may be useful.
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