Steve via groups.io wrote:
There are pros and cons with any battery chemistry but both sides of the equation can be overstated or misapplied/misrepresented, so you really do want to check multiple sources and be well informed. Do some research on the new options and check out experiences of real world users who can show you working rigs with the chemistry that they are discussing before you make any purchase and you will not have to regret an uninformed decision - whichever direction turns out to be the best fit for you.
I agree; this is good advice.
Check out Will Prouse on youtube.
Thanks for the youtube video links. I took a look. I'm afraid these fall into the "advertising" and "popular science" category. Entertainment and opinions, with selective use of the facts to bolster it.
For instance, they use words like "very dangerous" and "very safe" with no data to back it up. This is equivalent to saying "gasoline is very dangerous, very flammable, and a lot more likely to explode". That's true; but the NUMBERS tell us that a billion cars use gasoline every day; yet poisonings, fires, and explosions are still so rare that we hardly give it any thought. It only makes the news in the rare event that it *does* happen.
Then they steer into a commercial for Battleborn batteries. Now, I don't know of Battleborn batteries are any good or not. All I have is their OPINION on the matter.
What you want to find is actual hard data. I know, I know... who has time for that? So people generally look for the most "popular" answer, without regard to where it comes from.
I have been using these Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, (NOT the lithium polymer type found in portable devices!)? for several years in my van's house system and they work very very well. I could not return to lead/acid without a significant loss in functionality in several directions.
I agree; the data shows that Lithium Iron Phosphate is safer than Lithium Cobalt or Lithium Manganese. But "safer" means they burn like kindling wood, instead of like matches. If either type catches on fire, they burn ferociously and can't easily be put out.
To be clear, I'm not prejudiced against lithium batteries. I use Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries myself in my electric car. (Mine are CALB brand). They are indeed lighter, and store about twice the energy of the lead-acid AGMs I previously had in it. But I have tested them myself, and though they are good, they do NOT meet the manufacturer's claims. I can also tell that their life isn't as good as claimed. I measure about a 30% loss of capacity after 5 years -- good, but not great.
Lead-acids have their disadvantages, but they don't burn. They're full of water, after all. And as for lead-acids "exploding", that's a loaded word, chosen to inspire emotion and fear. A pop can will "explode" if you shake it up and drop it; but that's not really an "explosion". Serious abuse can blow the top off a lead-acid battery, but that's not really an "explosion", either.
Lee Hart
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trouble with computers is that you 'play' with them! (Richard Feynman)
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Lee Hart, 814 8th Ave N, Sartell MN 56377, www.sunrise-ev.com
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Lee Hart