08-21-2019, 11:28 AM
Interesting debates going around regarding battery chemistries. Two complicate matters which I seem to be good at doing I have two oddball chemistries: Nickel manganese cobalt ( I think that’s what Nissan Leaf Generstion 2 batteries are) and lead calcium ( I think that’s what my ex-telecom ups batteries are). I’m going to a expensive battery university: Unfortunately the lead acid batteries weight broke the leaf springs and dented the frame of my cargo trailer. Actually that’s ad hominem red herring as I’m the one that drove the trailer through the two foot deep hole. Maybe the springs would have cracked without the lead in the trailer.
I have not tried the Leaf Lion batteries yet so cannot speak from direct experience. They are not installed yet as a frost free battery compartment is another complication. I did find a very interesting made-in-Europe external bms (battery management system) and ran it by a battery engineer. He said the connectors are not his favorite type but the electronics design and specs look good at a glance. It can be set up for around $500 rather than $1000-$1500 for the other domestically made external bms systems. I have not purchased it. Still sitting on the fence.
www.energus.com
Now I’m looking for a 1000 lb heated safe to put the Lion batteries in. Just joking! I am trying to save weight and wear and tear. My point is I still have battery worries. I definitely see why the drop in replacement Lithium batteries are desired by many. They have internal bms and the voltage matches the inverter voltages and 12 volt, 24 volt, or 48 volt system.
So to the voltage question: Leaf Lion battery modules make a 12.8- 16 volt battery, a 26.6- 32 volt battery, or a 53.2- 64 volt Leaf Lion battery pack. The modules make a good 48 volt battery pack. But I have a 12 volt inverter or a 24 volt inverter I can use. And a 24 volt system all built in the cargo trailer with 1150 watts of solar connected to the lead acid UPS batteries. A good used Victron 48 volt inverter has eluded me. I could skip one cell at the end of each string of Leaf modules and leave the string end cells disconnected. That would make a 22.2- 28 volt battery which is a good voltage for a 24 volt inverter. But the end cells would be wasted. Separating these cells looks very tricky on these Leaf modules. If I could separate them I could use the extras for a starting battery or ? I have not found much information yet about separating them.
Another complication: Can I place my lead acid batteries in parallel with the Lithium??? How is that done. Id like to rebuild my trailer stronger than stock and taller for boondocking. Most cargo trailers are low and best for highway use. It could easily carry the extra weight as long as I dont drive through any more deep holes.
If anyone has any thoughts on the bms and voltage options Im all ears. I suppose selling the Victron Energy 24 volt inverter and buying a new 48 volt inverter solves the voltage issue. But it’s $1800 for a new Victron Multiplus 48 volt inverter that would work with my Victron control panel. One advantage I’ve heard about these particular Multiplus inverters is they have a remote on off switch connector that a bms can connect to. The inverter and charger can be turned on and off by the external bms. That’s why I’ve been looking for this particular model but have not found a good used one.
If I can get this system working “properly” it would be great for running the tools I carry in the trailer and doing van builds.
Thanks.
I have not tried the Leaf Lion batteries yet so cannot speak from direct experience. They are not installed yet as a frost free battery compartment is another complication. I did find a very interesting made-in-Europe external bms (battery management system) and ran it by a battery engineer. He said the connectors are not his favorite type but the electronics design and specs look good at a glance. It can be set up for around $500 rather than $1000-$1500 for the other domestically made external bms systems. I have not purchased it. Still sitting on the fence.
www.energus.com
Now I’m looking for a 1000 lb heated safe to put the Lion batteries in. Just joking! I am trying to save weight and wear and tear. My point is I still have battery worries. I definitely see why the drop in replacement Lithium batteries are desired by many. They have internal bms and the voltage matches the inverter voltages and 12 volt, 24 volt, or 48 volt system.
So to the voltage question: Leaf Lion battery modules make a 12.8- 16 volt battery, a 26.6- 32 volt battery, or a 53.2- 64 volt Leaf Lion battery pack. The modules make a good 48 volt battery pack. But I have a 12 volt inverter or a 24 volt inverter I can use. And a 24 volt system all built in the cargo trailer with 1150 watts of solar connected to the lead acid UPS batteries. A good used Victron 48 volt inverter has eluded me. I could skip one cell at the end of each string of Leaf modules and leave the string end cells disconnected. That would make a 22.2- 28 volt battery which is a good voltage for a 24 volt inverter. But the end cells would be wasted. Separating these cells looks very tricky on these Leaf modules. If I could separate them I could use the extras for a starting battery or ? I have not found much information yet about separating them.
Another complication: Can I place my lead acid batteries in parallel with the Lithium??? How is that done. Id like to rebuild my trailer stronger than stock and taller for boondocking. Most cargo trailers are low and best for highway use. It could easily carry the extra weight as long as I dont drive through any more deep holes.
If anyone has any thoughts on the bms and voltage options Im all ears. I suppose selling the Victron Energy 24 volt inverter and buying a new 48 volt inverter solves the voltage issue. But it’s $1800 for a new Victron Multiplus 48 volt inverter that would work with my Victron control panel. One advantage I’ve heard about these particular Multiplus inverters is they have a remote on off switch connector that a bms can connect to. The inverter and charger can be turned on and off by the external bms. That’s why I’ve been looking for this particular model but have not found a good used one.
If I can get this system working “properly” it would be great for running the tools I carry in the trailer and doing van builds.
Thanks.