Get to know more about Lithium rv battery-

Do you own a recreational vehicle? Do you know what miracle can a lithium rv battery do for you? Yes, there are rv Lithium-Ion batteries designed specifically for the needs of the Recreational Vehicle owners.

Lithium technology is understood and well proven for powering small electronic items like cordless tools, laptops, etc. It has gained increasing popularity in these applications with its numerous advantages. It has edged out earlier Nickel-Cadmium rechargeable battery chemistry. However, most of us might recall from several stories and news a few years back for defective laptop batteries catching fire or bursting into flame.

Formulation for normally used lithium-ion battery had been LiCoO2 (Lithium-Cobalt-Oxide). If this battery is overcharged accidentally, it is somewhat prone to thermal runaway. This could result into the battery setting itself on fire. Further, a lithium fire burns quickly. If this was a case with a small laptop battery, how nasty the fire would be if it was a large battery burning. Due to this, until recently, lithium was hardly ever used for large battery banks.

With some research, a new formulation LiFePO4 or LFP was developed in late nineties for lithium-ion batteries. These batteries having a slightly lower energy density were relatively safer than earlier versions. With more research and advancements, large scale LFP batteries are mass-produced. It initially targets the electric vehicle market. This clearly portray that we are now on the cusp of batteries becoming useful for RV.

Lithium rv battery means:

• No More Trickle Chargers
• Ready to Use
• No More Dead Batteries
• Capacity to Store Your coach/RV/Trailer
• Reduced Generator Use
• Higher Dry Camping Time

Understand the lithium difference-

In 1859, Lead acid battery was the first type of rechargeable battery developed. It is made from a mixture of sulfuric acid and lead plates. On the other hand, Lithium ion battery is a much newer invention.

Lithium Ion Batteries- amazing advantages

·         Higher Useable Capacity- Dissimilar to lead acid batteries, Li-ion batteries are supposed to be practical option.

·         Extended Life- A lithium-ion battery pack has the potential to possibly last longer for your RV. Off course these are theoretical results expected under certain conditions.

·         Efficient and fast Charging-LiFePO4 batteries can be charged quickly to 100percent of capacity. Dissimilar with lead acid, an absorption phase is not needed to get the final 20percent stored. This saves generator run time. With a powerful charger, lithium batteries can also be charged instantly just in few minutes.

·         Little Maintenance Requirements- Lithium batteries should be comparatively maintenance free. Definitely, an occasional balancing process will help all the cells in a battery bank to get equally charged. A well designed energy management system does this automatically.

As we are still in the experimental phase with our lithium rv battery system, they are far from maintenance free system. It is needed to perfect our setup. This newer technology it tested for RV use. The battery manufacturers are still trying to tweak the energy management system, which protects the batteries as well.

Lithium car batteries- Towards the future

Technological advancement has changed our lifestyle. From computers to bikes, we can enjoy miraculous benefits of technology and even car batteries are not the exception for it. The days are now gone when a heavy, bulky battery was used for our vehicles. Now, lithium car batteries can let us enjoy a high performance vehicle ride with light weight, smaller batteries.

Yes, the arena of Lithium car batteries is one of the areas where technology has a large impact. Lithium car batteries have made a huge leap in the auto industry. These batteries offer higher performance specifications.

Most lithium car batteries available in the market these days are Lithium Ion batteries. These batteries use LiFePO4 (Iron Phosphate LiFePO4 e) as the cathode material. Earlier, most of the motorcycles featured lead acid batteries. However, recent advancements in motorcycle lithium batteries help improve high performance. Similarly, in automotive area, Lithium-ion batteries have a more powerful punch in terms of energy.
What makes a lithium car battery so powerful option?
Lithium-ion batteries are capable to store more energy in smaller spaces. As compared to nickel-metal-hydride and lead-acid options available, light weight lithium car batteries let you enjoy more power. The nickel-metal-hydride batteries in hybrids on the road are heavy and have this limits their potential too. Lithium has the most electrochemical potential and energy density of all metals. This makes it different from other leading equivalents. Lithium-ion batteries can amplify vehicle speed without making it heavy. Due to this feature, smaller versions of these batteries are also used in different consumer electronics products including ipods, laptops and cell phones.
Like all other products, Lithium car batteries too have a few bumps in the road like costs and safety. Good quality Lithium car battery costs almost twice its leading equivalent. However, the benefits are worth its cost. Safety is another concern as there is a chance for explosion. In Lithium-ion batteries, a thin layer called an electrolyte separates its negative and positive sides. This layer is perforated and the lithium ions can pass through from one side to another. This produces a current. In manufacturing process, some tiny bits of metal can potentially stuck in perforations. This can create obstacles for freely flowing ions. Heat and pressure can build up and result into an explosion. Thus, the ions moving too quickly can result into overheating leading to an explosion. As scientists and car companies are well aware about the broad potential of these batteries, time, efforts and money are put into finding ways to eliminate any safety hazards. Systems are developed to address safety concerns.
All above points make it clear that lithium car batteries will definitely make a big leap in the industry. With technological advancement, research and efforts, the days are no long, when lithium car batteries will be recognized as a major arena in industry. 

How to replace Lithium automotive batteries in your vehicle?

Hybrid cars- this word is buzzing around us since last few years. Lithium-ion battery is supposed to be the next generation of the hybrid car batteries. With higher energy density and lower toxicity as compared to nickel-metal hydride or lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries prove to be better option to power vehicles. Like all other products, the lithium-ion battery also have some drawbacks like a higher number of recharging cycles it needs and its tendency to weaken faster than other rechargeable equivalent available.

Depending upon the chemistry of cathode, Lithium-ion batteries may differ. Cathode is one of the two electrical conductors present in a battery. As what the cathode is made of decides the capacity of a cell, it is very crucial aspect. Main cathode materials like nickel-cobalt-manganese, Cobalt dioxide, iron phosphate, etc. may differ in safety, cost, performance and durability.

The Lithium automotive batteries are meant to outlast the car. Unless there is a defect, it is not likely for you to replace battery of your hybrid. Majority of the warranties cover Lithium automotive batteries for 8 to10 years. Therefore, if your battery is within that limit, you need not to replace the battery on your own. However, if for any reason, you have to replace battery of your hybrid, it can be done at ease. Let us have a look at steps to replace lithium automotive battery.

• First of all look for a new lithium-ion battery. You have to search for a compatible battery with your particular make or model of your car.
• If you are not aware ‘what type of battery you should buy’, you can take help of internet instructions, information, articles, etc. to find more in this regard. Refer to owner's manual. This will help you locate the placement of battery model. It will be located in the back or front of the vehicle.
• Disconnect all cables and plugs of the old battery. Do not forget to note down the order you removed them. This will help you reconnect easily by following the reverse order.
• Look if the housing bolt is present. Remove it with a ratchet wrench. Now, take the battery out and put it somewhere safely. You have to dispose it carefully later.
• Now, put the new lithium automotive battery in the space you took out the old one from. Change and tighten the housing bolt. Reconnect the wires and plugs following the earlier order.
• As mentioned earlier dispose your old battery correctly. In general, this includes making a call and getting it picked up and disposed of by a professional. Off course you have to pay the expenses for the same. Some hybrid cars do have a phone number on the battery. So, you can get it quickly. You are now done with the procedure for changing battery.
• If you face any kind of problem while following above steps, look for some professional help.

With above steps, you will definitely succeed in replacing the Lithium automotive batteries in your car on your own.

Best of luck!

Full spectrum batteries

Points you need to know about fullspectrum batteries

Are you one of those who are proud to have ultra light weight yet high power racing motorcycle batteries? Have you ever heard about full spectrum batteries? Are you aware what miracle these batteries can do for your bike? No matter, whether you own a small dirt bike or a full-on superbike, you will find a battery suitable for each performance machine. Full spectrum battery is the leading name in light weight lithium motorcycle batteries.

If you are planning to buy one and enjoy its excellence, you should have thorough understanding about these batteries. Let us have a look at some of the interesting points you need to know about full spectrum batteries.

Battery systems have 2 key characteristics that help choose a battery system you need.

·         Pulse Discharge Capacity – It refers to the ability of battery system to produce a power burst for 10 seconds. By comparing this with CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) of a lead acid battery, you can easily find out what battery you should select. Fullspectrum batteries are very powerful in terms of pulse discharge capacity. They are ideal where space limitations and weight reduction are primary concerns and lead-acid batteries cannot compete with FSP battery in this area. In generally, lead acid batteries weigh 5 to 6 times greater than a FSP battery system. Further, physical size is almost 4 times the FSP battery.

·         Amp Hour Capacity – It refers to the ability of a battery system to supply 1 amp for 1 hour at a specified voltage. Full spectrum batteries provide remarkable amp hour capacity for their size. For example, 6.9 amp hour battery weighing about 2lbs can supply 1amp for 6.9hours at 13.8volts. This will help you decide if this is a suitable choice for your bike.

Full spectrum battery systems are designed for race and performance use. They are not storage and deep cycle batteries transformed for race or performance use.

Charging your full spectrum battery-

All Full spectrum batteries come fully charged and are ready to install. In other words, while installing a FSP battery, you need not to charge it. Even if it is left on the shelf for six months, new battery system will feature almost 95% of full capacity.

If you want to recharge batteries still, then here are few choices –

You will need auto type battery charger that provides 5 amps for 15 minutes

You can get a FSP charger from your dealer. Buy a charger specifically designed to work with your battery system. Keep in mind that once running, a motorbike will mostly use the generator or alternator to power everything else on the bike that is PC3, headlight, CDI, ECU, etc. Therefore,  you need to be keen about your Full spectrum batteries than regular lead-acid batteries.

All above mentioned points will help you choose correct fullspectrum batteries. Get ready for the excellence now!