Hi Roger,
I have LFP batteries in my trimaran, and after some initial hiccups due to not properly understanding about balancing, I'm happy with them.
There are advantages other than weight and these are related to energy stored. The rated capacity of lead acid batteries is usually based on a low current discharge but when you consider the currents required for electric boats, the capacity of a lead-acid battery is somewhat less than its rating. As well you need to consider depth of discharge and voltage drop under load, both of which reduce the available energy in a lead-acid battery.
When you consider the usable capacity, LFP batteries are actually cheaper than sealed lead acid batteries such as AGMs.
When charging with alternative energy, where the recharge may be slow, LFPs have a few advantages here as well, such as tolerance of being partially charged, little loss when charging. It means the batteries won't be destroyed by a delay in charging and you don't need as many solar panels to recover the same useful charge.
You can see more details about this on my blog at http://www.currentsunshine.com
Cheers
Chris
On 19/02/2010, at 12:59 PM, roger.dann wrote:
Back in China for another 6 months and can't help looking at all the electric motor and battery technology in use everyday here on bikes and scooters. Lifepo batteries are affordable and readily available. Motors are rugged and powerful. Has anyone in the group thought about applying these products to the marine industry?
Roger
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