LiFePO4 Marine battery

[Todd j]

This is in the new Suzuki brochure. I’m not sure if it helps, but thought it was cool either way

[RCPDesigns]

If I was building new today, I'd have an AGM start battery charged by the alternator, and a lithium house battery charged primarily by a battery to battery charger and also by solar with charge controllers specifically suited for lithium batteries, and I'd engineer a way to shut the charge controllers down when the house battery reaches a certain voltage or amperage....or I'd install a manual switch and keep track of things enough to manually shut the solar panels down then the house battery was satisfied.

I think this is the route to go.  I'm looking at having at least 1kW solar and a hefty lithium bank.  My future boat is currently experiencing feature creep and has gone from "puttering around the ICW" to "live aboard island hopping in the tropics".   I'll need AC, fridge, freezer, satellite, computer system, etc, etc.  It looks like this will cost a small fortune but heck... if I'm dreaming I might as well be dreaming in style.

[Rbob]

Back from shrimping and was able to post a couple videos if the LiLead battery starting my 2006 Nissan Titan.  It is in no way a scientific or complicated test, just hooked it up and started the truck with ease, you can listed to both videos and compare.

I am not set on the Lifep04 starting battery idea for my boat yet but I will look into it further because of the potential issues. 

https://youtu.be/0y-Ff2hhUS4

on edit, changed video to original battery for comparison.
https://youtu.be/HtJYWy-sOIE
 

[Brian.Dixon]

Nice job on the shrimp!

[Rbob]

Shrimping was great until the Saturday, wind picked up 20-25mph and 4-5ft waves made it a rodeo to pull the pots and headed in with 1/2 limits. 

Best part was spending time with my Father in-law, he is 80 and had an epic adventure.

[Brian.Dixon]

Awesome!

[Rbob]

In my quest for a LiFep04 start battery I have discovered a few hurdles, the Relion DCC30S does not regulate charging of the start battery so a simple solution is to use a AGM/ Flooded Lead acid battery as recommended by Dan Boccia. 

Sterling APD will be destroyed if a big spike happens, so you save the alternator.  Not a great option for me.  I found a alternator regulator that looks like it will work, I I welcome your opinions once again.  In talking with Balmar their MC-614 works with alternators that are externally regulated.  Most outboards have internally regulated alternators.

Wakespeed WS500 will work with either type of alternator and have programs for most popular LifePo4 Batteries!  Most will require current shunt and battery temperature sensor.

http://www.wakespeed.com/products.html 

Scroll down to "Configurations Based On Battery Or BMS Brand"
Configurations Based On Battery Or BMS Brand

http://www.wakespeed.com/CU/Victron%20SmartLithium.zip

I have send email to Wakespeed with questions and I will post answers when I receive them.

[Brian.Dixon]

I'll sticky all this at some point ... I think we need a sub-forum ..."Boat Electrical & Electronics".  200 posts by Dan Boccia and ... a few more, LOL ... But seriously, this is very challenging stuff and it would be good to collect it all up in one board.

Here's a technique: Go to the boat show, photograph every component that you find in a fancy dancy SeaSport and then go buy the same list ... LOL

[tom e]

Bob, 

I didn't study this thread, so if this has already been brought up...apologies.

Did you talk with the outboard techs (vs. salesmen) about the impact on their alternator? 

te

[Rbob]

Tom,  No I have not but, not sure they would know the charge profile of the VR so It would still need to be modified for use

I have discovered that the alternator has an internal regulator that must be bypassed and one field grounded. See below.

It is getting pretty complicated, I had a long conversation with Wakespeed and they suggested purchasing a rebuild alternator and have it converted.

All of this just to assure proper charging of the LifeP04 start battery.  I think I am jumping ship on the LifeP04 start battery, but will use them for house batteries as suggested.