Lithium mini batteries

[admiralslater]

I recently have discovered the 100 amphere lithium mini Batteries. I dont own any but I found it interesting that the same capacity battery as a group 31 could be this small, and weigh 16 lbs .
What is the catch?

[fxykty]

Li-on rather the LFP? Are you looking at motorcycle or hobbyist batteries? It’s probably the chemistry that is not suitable for a boat (LFP is not very energy dense, hence the issues on super yachts with the non-LFP batteries in their various water toys, and any boat carrying an electric scooter or surfboard).

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by admiralslater

I recently have discovered the 100 amphere lithium mini Batteries. I dont own any but I found it interesting that the same capacity battery as a group 31 could be this small, and weigh 16 lbs .
What is the catch?

Got a link to the ones you are referring to?

Pete

[Letterkenny]

They are LFPs and I got four 100ah for the same price as a 100ah battleborn. So far no problems and if there ever is, significantly cheaper to replace. Had 3x 70ah group 24s here before. Very happy with the extra capacity.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by admiralslater

I recently have discovered the 100 amphere lithium mini Batteries. I dont own any but I found it interesting that the same capacity battery as a group 31 could be this small, and weigh 16 lbs .
What is the catch?

LiTime 12V 100Ah Mini LiFePO4 Lithium Battery [lithium iron phosphate]
• Industry highest energy density: 164.5wh/L (142.2wh/kg).
• The lightest 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery, only 19 lbs.
➥ https://ca.litime.com/products/litim...-1280wh-energy

[admiralslater]

I am just not sure how the same capacity can fit into such a small space .
Is this just progress in the industry?

[Ryban]

100Ah or 100A? There are some pretty small batteries out there able to discharge more than 100A continuously, but with pretty low capacities, like 20Ah. These are sold as emergency jump starters sometimes.

LFP has an energy density about 3 times higher than LA, which is pretty meaningful on our small sailboats.

[Pete7]

Doesn't appear to have any bluetooth to connect with the BMS. This would be a no for me. However, others may prefer the lower price.

Wonder if they have used cylindrical cells rather than prismatic cells to get the weight and price down.

Pete

[fxykty]

Originally Posted by Pete7

…

Wonder if they have used cylindrical cells rather than prismatic cells to get the weight and price down.

Pete

Bingo!

Cheap and scant innards to get the weight down. Will they last? Handle vibrations and hull smacks? High C charging/loads?

[shrspeedblade]

I saw a tear down of one of these, I don't remember if it was Will Prowse or Sailing Temptress on YouTube (both very informative). It was a pouch cell, LiFe chemistry but a bit different, probably not as durable as prismatic cells. I'd go this route if space was the absolute critical factor, but prismatic or cylindrical otherwise.

I believe Battleborn and some of the other top brands use cylindrical.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by shrspeedblade

I saw a tear down of one of these, I don't remember if it was Will Prowse or Sailing Temptress on YouTube (both very informative). It was a pouch cell, LiFe chemistry but a bit different, probably not as durable as prismatic cells. I'd go this route if space was the absolute critical factor, but prismatic or cylindrical otherwise.

I believe Battleborn and some of the other top brands use cylindrical.

Yes, I expected pouch cells as that reduces volume of course. It moves the mechanical properties to purely the outer housing of the battery. The ones I have seem to have a good housing so I wouldn’t worry, but what is the life expectancy of the pouch material they use for pouch cells? I simply don’t know, maybe it’s 30 years, maybe 10 years?

[carstenb]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Yes, I expected pouch cells as that reduces volume of course. It moves the mechanical properties to purely the outer housing of the battery. The ones I have seem to have a good housing so I wouldn’t worry, but what is the life expectancy of the pouch material they use for pouch cells? I simply don’t know, maybe it’s 30 years, maybe 10 years?

I just installed 6 of these. LiTimes warranties a minimum of 4000 cycles. At 1 cycle per day that means 10 years.


10 years is more than enough for me

[Letterkenny]

These are all 100ah and higher discharge I believe. I’m not worried about not having a Bluetooth BMS - not even sure what the benefit is to be honest, and having multiple helps if there is an issue in one.

[Montanan]

LiTime is a rebranding from Ampere Time which occurred in December 2022.

LiTime brand belongs to Shenzhen LiTime Technology Co., Ltd. which was founded in 2009.

[Montanan]

Attachment 286342The configuration of your 12 volt batteries in parallel will work properly and is atypical but an enhanced balance of the currrent of the battery bank can be configured.

The resistance differences between each terminal is reduced by not daisy chaining the connectors.

Reference image.

Enjoy your batteries and bon voyages.