48V Server Rack Batteries Anyone?

[CatLove]

I couldn't find any reference to anyone using lithium server rack batteries on their boats on this forum.
Also in real life don't know anybody using them on boats.
Looking at specs, most look like a perfect fit .
Metal enclosure that allows disassembly, troubleshooting and servicing .
All connections already made correctly.
DC rated circuit breaker.
BMS's that have wired comms (rs485, Ethernet) and can talk to most brands, including Victron.
T class fuse included in some.
Fire suppression systems included.
All for a price and in a volume that couldn't be matched by a stick built . And with a lot less work.


This is just part of due dilligence for my next build that should include a 10-20kWh 24-48V house bank, also to allow some future expansion.
A small rack of 2-4 such units would greatly simplify things.
Where's the catch? What am I missing, why have I not seen this used ?
Is there any glaring issue I may be missing, or is it that they became so good and cheap just recently, while individual cells have been available for ages?

[mvweebles]

Charging - not a lot of 48v alternators out there. Also running two different voltages is a pain.

But I agree with your general premise. There's some really impressive stuff out there if you get past focus on 12v/24v with Victron controls.

[CatLove]

Originally Posted by mvweebles

Charging - not a lot of 48v alternators out there. Also running two different voltages is a pain.

But I agree with your general premise. There's some really impressive stuff out there if you get past focus on 12v/24v with Victron controls.

48V IS the goal for numerous reasons .
I'm much more leaning toward 48 than 24, while 12V is out of the question for this one.

[Mal Reynolds]

I run a 12v boat with 48v batteries and charging to put watts back in quickly.

On racks, space, ferrous metals, and ABYC E-13/ISO standards would be my concerns.

[CatLove]

Originally Posted by Mal Reynolds

I run a 12v boat with 48v batteries and charging to put watts back in quickly.

On racks, space, ferrous metals, and ABYC E-13/ISO standards would be my concerns.

I haven't looked into using actual racks, just rack batteries so don't know yet if racks themselves make sense.


I have no idea if ABYC E-13 contains any show stoppers. If you know of any, please let me know. I am not married to the server rack battery idea and the sooner I can validate or rule it out the better.


What batteries do you use in your 48V install ?

[dannc]

Not really what the OP is asking but there are two marine rack batteries I now about:

• MG - https://www.mgenergysystems.eu/en/products/rs-series/
  • These are 48V and up.
• Praxis - https://www.praxis-automation.eu/pro...energy-storage
  • These are 96V but maybe they could make them at 48V.

Both are Dutch companies.

Comparing the certifications on the MG and Praxis batteries with the computer room rack batteries would be interesting/informative.

[Mal Reynolds]

Originally Posted by CatLove

What batteries do you use in your 48V install ?

I'm using Victron 24v 200AH batteries (x4). This allows the Lynx BMS and good integration with the Wakespeed regulator.

[misssherry]

I have three 48v server rack batteries on my boat for the electric propulsion motor. Custom built wooden rack holds a battery under each of the settees. The other one is where the fuel tank was. All are wired in parallel with equal length cables. I'm thinking of getting a Victron 48v to 12v charger to help maintain the 12v house batteries.

Because of their use in home solar systems, they cost much less than most other 48v batteries and are very dependable.

[CatLove]

Originally Posted by misssherry

I have three 48v server rack batteries on my boat for the electric propulsion motor. Custom built wooden rack holds a battery under each of the settees. The other one is where the fuel tank was. All are wired in parallel with equal length cables. I'm thinking of getting a Victron 48v to 12v charger to help maintain the 12v house batteries.

Because of their use in home solar systems, they cost much less than most other 48v batteries and are very dependable.

What electric propulsion do you have installed?
What do you use to supervise the batteries, especially given the large peak currents electric propulsion could potentially generate?
Do you charge with shore power or have sufficient solar ? If solar, do you have boost MPPT's ?

[s/v Jedi]

That Danish guy on Youtube has a rack aboard. Thomas.

Found it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J500Am0YFCY

[misssherry]

Originally Posted by CatLove

What electric propulsion do you have installed?
What do you use to supervise the batteries, especially given the large peak currents electric propulsion could potentially generate?
Do you charge with shore power or have sufficient solar ? If solar, do you have boost MPPT's ?

I have an Electric Yachts 10kw propulsion motor system.

The server rack batteries are Vatrers. They each have a JBD BMS that communicates with the Overkill BMS app that I also use with the 12v house bank. Class T fuses protect the cables from batteries to controller.

I have a small solar array, only 350 watts, so rely mainly on shore power for quick turn-around charges. I use a Victron mppt 12v controller for the solar. I can charge the 48v system with the 120v inverter using the 120v to 48v charger when not at the dock.

[shrspeedblade]

Another option you've probably considered and the way I went is 48v golf cart batteries. Powering a 10kw Thunderstruck system.
I figured they would be more suitable for a marine environment. Also the max current issue although in reality I find myself rarely using over 2kw!

I have two 48v 135ah TCB Worth wired in parallel. I liked the redundancy in that just one battery can easily power the boat if needed. With 390ah of bifacial solar now installed and a boost controller I've never needed to use the charger again.
*Note I sail most of the time!*

If I can ever get around to it once I get the 460ah Vatrer 12v house battery and the Victron 48v>12v Orion installed (and probably 2 more panels, charging either the 48v or the 12v haven't decided) I doubt I'll ever have to plug into a dock again.

[CatLove]

Originally Posted by shrspeedblade

Another option you've probably considered and the way I went is 48v golf cart batteries. Powering a 10kw Thunderstruck system.
I figured they would be more suitable for a marine environment. Also the max current issue although in reality I find myself rarely using over 2kw!

I have two 48v 135ah TCB Worth wired in parallel. I liked the redundancy in that just one battery can easily power the boat if needed. With 390ah of bifacial solar now installed and a boost controller I've never needed to use the charger again.
*Note I sail most of the time!*

If I can ever get around to it once I get the 460ah Vatrer 12v house battery and the Victron 48v>12v Orion installed (and probably 2 more panels, charging either the 48v or the 12v haven't decided) I doubt I'll ever have to plug into a dock again.

What boost controller are you using and if you were to choose one now, would you get the same one?
For a long time Genasun was the one but recently I see a bunch of new boost controllers , Eco-Worthy etc and have no idea how good, efficient, reliable they are.

[CatLove]

Originally Posted by shrspeedblade

Another option you've probably considered and the way I went is 48v golf cart batteries. Powering a 10kw Thunderstruck system.
I figured they would be more suitable for a marine environment. Also the max current issue although in reality I find myself rarely using over 2kw!

Golf cart batteries and trolling motor marine batteries would be more rugged and waterproof but I dislike the lack of wired communications. I don't want to be checking batteries on a phone app .
I want them to integrate with charging and monitoring gear like Victron . Locally, real time, no internet or cloud needed. Wired RS485, CAN, Ethernet. If in addition there is wifi or BT, that's ok as long as it doesn't detract from the wired functionality.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by CatLove

What boost controller are you using and if you were to choose one now, would you get the same one?
For a long time Genasun was the one but recently I see a bunch of new boost controllers , Eco-Worthy etc and have no idea how good, efficient, reliable they are.

Well you immediately you have a 5-8% loss before it even gets to the MPPT circuitry… an additional loss that can be completely avoided.