Mahe 36: Batteries and 12vdc Systems

[MKB53]

Hi Mark

Sorry about the delay but we are cruising and between bad phone reception and other activities I have not been on the forum. I am now holed up waiting for a big southerly wind system to pass which is a good time to catch up.

As you noted it is a LifeTech 180Ah battery - WPS series which are the high discharge capacity ones.

I bought it from the Australian importer
LITHIUM BATTERIES AUSTRALIA Lithium Batteries Australia - Home

I paid A$2998 which included a $45 Low voltage cut off board. I have since bypassed this as it trips at 75A current flow and we need higher for charging & potentially for starting. Exclusive of Tax & freight.
I will attach a data sheet on the size and weight.
The importer is happy to answer questions.

I am afraid I don't have specific data for you but in general our charging seems a lot more effective - quicker. It took hours to get the old lead calcium up to full charge.

I need to tailor the alternator charging as the voltage is too low and it goes into the absorbtion phase too early for LifePo4. I have a better solar reg and a new wind generator which are configured for the correct voltages and they top it up nicely if the conditions are good. I have been at anchor for 2 days now in 15-20Kts of wind and intermittent sun and I have not had to run the motors at all.

By the way you explanation on the battery change over procedure was great. I should have taken more time with mine. I cut the panel a bit wider than you indicate to get the long LifePo4 battery in but if you had 2x90 that would not be necessary.

You would have to think that these will get cheaper.

Regards
Martin

[MKB53]

I am having trouble uploading the PDF so here is a copy.
Also the web link above will work but the url is www.lithbattoz.com.au

Image of battery options and size/weights are in the attached Word file.

[vayacondios]

Our Battery Bank Modification (Photo Below)

We changed from standard 315 amp hours to 650 amp hours.(AGM Batteries)

Shut off charging power and 12 V power
Unhooked connection on top of batteries only
Took off the front lip to the battery box case.
Slid the batteries out from the left side
Undid bolts from bottom that attached the battery case to the shelf
Cut the port side of the battery case off
Pushed the the case over to the right
Used the cut portion of the case as a bottom for new area on the left.
Secured the modified battery case to the shelf from underneath.
Slid in 5 AGM batteries (130 AH each).
Put in a piece of treated timber (2x4) about12 inches long behind the two batteries on the port side as they do not have the case behind them.
Reconnected the batteries.
Install Lip on Front (yet to do)
Install some Shelf Strengthing (yet to do)

We paid $290 AU per battery here in Cairns at Casey's Battery Centre
The switches are still easily accessable.

The batteries were 30 KG each so by adding two more batteries (was 3 now 5) we have increased the weight on the port side, but in looking at the water line, there is no change. Boat is still even on the waterline.

Now we should be able to collect all the power from out two solar panels (476 Watts).

Photos 1 Before, 2 After from different angles.
Cheers,
Rozzie

[Cotemar]

Rozzie,

Your Battery box upgrade is GREAT.
Looks like this will be my next upgrade.
Have been wanting to do this for a while, but did not have a good solution as you have done.
Nice Job. Keep them comming.

Mark

[vayacondios]

Here is two pics of complete mod from post 93.
Added support brackets, and a removable lip on the front of the battery case.

Rozzie

[careka]

Here is some very good and useful battery charging info , HOW to do it.

Offshore Sailboat Battery Test, 18 Month Report