When looking at only initial cost, flooded batteries are the cheapest per amp hour. But AGM can often deliver more range from the same size (in Ah) batteries in a single charge than FLA. If one factors in the potential for more discharge cycles from AGM, then AGM can be cheaper per delivered Ah over the lifetime of the battery.
Moving on to lithium, in addition to even more amp hours delivered per charge cycle and a lifecycle that most of us are not able to exploit (greater than 2000 cycles), they are also half the size and less than half the weight. LiFePO4 batteries are even more sealed than AGM, do not vent and will also work in any position. So if overall weight or size affects your performance or boating experience, then "premium" could well be worth it.
For example, my 200 pound Li battery pack will deliver more range at higher speeds than a 500 pound FLA battery pack. My batteries are mounted on trays and strapped for inversion, no box around them. I should cover the tops to avoid shorts from stray conductive material flying around my engine space, but that hasn't been a problem yet.
Like you said, one has to find one's personal balance between cost and functionality. We all have different priorities, so we get to find our own "best" solutions.
Fair winds,
Eric
Marina del Rey, CA
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, Daniel Michaels <nov32394@...> wrote:
>
> They are, you just have to weigh the cost against safety. Nothing beats the cost per amp than a flooded battery. Since this is like buying fuel I look at it as "Do I really need to buy premium over regular".
>
> Dan
>
> --- On Tue, 8/31/10, Steve Spence <steve@...> wrote:
>
> From: Steve Spence <steve@...>
> Subject: Re: [Electric Boats] Re: Retrofiting a classic
> To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 5:16 AM
>
> AGM batteries are ideal for marine use, as they are sealed, and mixing
>
> with acid and salt water are not an issue. Even if they get broken, they
>
> do not leak. They will also work inverted, in case the unthinkable happens.
>
> Steve Spence
>
> Renewable energy and self sufficiency
>
> http://www.green-trust.org
>
> http://arduinotronics.blogspot.com/
>
>
No comments:
Post a Comment