I've been following this thread for a long time. Great info!
Please excuse my interruption. (I will explain why at the bottom.)
Regarding "lithium" batteries, I would like to add some comments.
Disclaimer: I am not a battery expert.
There are different types of lithium battery chemistries. According to Batteryuniversity.com, there are 6 lithium batteries that are the most common. I've taken some excerpts from their article to highlight one of the characteristics of each type that is of great importance/concern to me when using these in an RV. That is, "thermal runaway" or the propensity to catch fire. None of these batteries are expected to "spontaneously combust" in normal conditions. However, if they are overcharged,
some of them can have some serious issues.
For more info, feel free to follow the link to their article:
https://batteryuniversity.com/articl...of-lithium-ion
Quote:
Lithium Cobalt Oxide(LiCoO2) — LCO
Thermal runaway 150°C (302°F). Full charge promotes thermal runaway
Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4) — LMO
Thermal runaway 250°C (482°F) typical. High charge promotes thermal runaway
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2) — NMC
Thermal runaway 210°C (410°F) typical. High charge promotes thermal runaway
Lithium Iron Phosphate(LiFePO4) — LFP
Thermal runaway 270°C (518°F) Very safe battery even if fully charged
Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (LiNiCoAlO2) — NCA
Thermal runaway 150°C (302°F) typical, High charge promotes thermal runaway
Lithium Titanate (Li2TiO3) — LTO
Thermal runaway One of safest Li-ion batteries
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Personally, I am adding LiFePO4 batteries to my motorhome as part of an electrical storage and solar upgrade. I am constructing my own 48V battery bank from 3.V 280AH LiFePO4 cells. Each battery will have its own BMS (Battery Management System), fuses, etc.
Commercially available LiFePO4 batteries, such as those offered by Battleborn, include their own BMS, etc.
Several points I am trying to make:
1) Please do not dismiss ALL types of lithium batteries because of the shortcomings of some.
2) Lithium batteries may or may not be practical for your particular application. There are a number of factors to be considered when contemplating a change from Lead Acid (Wet, Sealed, or AGM). They are not really a "drop-in replacement" battery for Lead Acid. They have different charging requirements. They are typically more expensive. They are lighter weight per a given amount of power storage. They can be deep discharged (up to almost 100%) without damage as opposed to Lead Acid (they prefer only 50% discharge). They do not need to be recharged up to 100% every time. They can be recharged much faster than Lead Acid. I am sure there are more factors. I am not attempting to be completely thorough. I am not a battery expert.
3) If your RV usage typically means being connected to shore power at a campground, then the added costs associated with a more expensive battery may not be worthwhile.
4) Would I want to sleep over ANY BATTERY? No. However, in my coach the bed is over the main diesel engine, so that is not an issue. There is not enough room for a nice set of batteries. I will note that Fleetwood put the electrical distribution panels (both AC and DC load centers) under the bed.
During our current remodel, I will be replacing the load centers with up-to-date equipment and relocating them away from the bedroom. My LiFePO4 batteries will be going in the enclosed basement. This location will protect them from extreme temperatures and outside weather elements.
OK, Mike. Thanks in advance for my interruption. Why did I want to add this post?
A few years ago I thought that all lithium batteries were the same: dangerous.
I have learned much since. I just wanted to share.