I'm trying to figure out the best
battery setup for my next
boat. The contenders Firefly vs
Lithium. I'm wanting about 900Ah useable. It looks like
Lithium is the go but I'm concerned that they are complex and need someone with skills to keep them alive. Fireflys on the other hand look pretty easy to manage. Data, assumptions, etc below.
Questions
1. Have I left anything significant out?
2. Would I need additional
gear to use Li?
3. Has anyone used a
Balmar 612 or 614
regulator for Li and was it easy to setup?
4. Does Li need special expertise to install and maintain?
Thanks!
GWL/Power WB-LYP400AHA LiFeYPO4 3.2V/400Ah
Weight (kg) 13.5
Height (mm) 285
Length (mm) 461
Width (mm) 65
Footprint (sqm) 0.03
Price $520
Discharge / Life expectancy in cycles
50% / ?
80% / ?
1200Ah 12v bank - 12
batteries
Footprint (sqm) 0.36
Weight (kg) 162
Useable 960Ah based on 80% (that's what I read on the
Victron site)
Price $6,240
Firefly G31 12V/110Ah
Weight (kg) 33.5
Height (mm) 238
Length width (mm) 340
Width (mm) 172
Footprint (sqm) 0.059
Price $480
Discharge / Life expectancy in cycles
50% / 3,600
80% / 1,000
1210Ah 12v bank - 11
batteries
Footprint (sqm) 0.65
Weight (kg) 368
Useable Ah say 850Ah based on a combo of the following.
1. 938Ah = 100% down to 20% if charged via
solar
2. 726Ah = 80% (because
charging to 100% takes to long) down to 20% if charged by alternators when
boat is anchored.
3. 938Ah = 100% down to 20% if charged via alternators when motoring.
Price $5,280
So if his correct Li vs Fireflys
1. 200kg lighter
2. Half the footprint
3. 100Ah more usable capacity
4. Cost $1000 more
Assumptions
1.
Victron 3000w 12v
inverter /
charger that has the correct sensors etc for both Li and Firefly.
2. 2 x 200amp 12v alternators with
Balmar MC-612
Regulator (same features as a 614 but handles two alternators).
3. Circa 1500w of
solar with appropriate controllers.
4. Both the Firefly and Li banks can accept all the
charging power from the above sources.
5. Cost of terminal connectors for both types of batteries are similar so I have not included them in the costs.