RV FEATURE
When the battery is charging, the ions move
from one electrode to the other, and when it is
discharging (supplying power), the lithium ions
move in the opposite direction.
IT’S WHAT INSIDE THAT COUNTS
Internally, a standard lead acid batteries has six
2V cells, whereas a lithium battery has four 3.2V
cells to create a 12V battery which are in parallel
and managed by a critical set of electronics
called a battery management system (BMS)
which ensures the cells are being charged and
discharged evenly.
A lithium battery is inherently safe: the BMS
provides a range of safety features including
a shutdown process if the battery is discharged
fully so that is can be recovered with a suitable
charger.
Yes, upfront lithium batteries are an investment;
however, there are substantial advantages, such as:
1. Lithium batteries are less than half the
weight of lead acid batteries, making them
an obviously better choice for RVing.
2. Available energy in the same space means
that if you discharge a lithium battery to 20
per cent depth of discharge and a lead acid
to 50 percent DOD, you receive 60 per cent
more energy.
3. Lithium batteries have a superior lifetime.
You would have replaced the lead acid
battery five times before replacing the
lithium.
4. Faster charge and discharge means you
can recharge batteries faster with available
sources, such as AC/DC/solar, and they
are perfect for those using inverters to
power that coffee machine.
– BMPRO ambassador David Bayliss
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