Lithium batteries during storage

[trailertrawlerkismet]

We’ve ordered our R25OB with the lithium battery option to generate power while away from shore power, as the boat has no built in generator available. When it comes to prolonged out of the water storage I’ve always disconnected my batteries in the past but I’m wondering if lithium batteries might not need to be. Most storage buildings don’t allow you to plug your boat while stored for safety reasons or power may just not be an option for keeping them topped off. I did read one should have lithium batteries charged up to 90% when put into storage but nowhere did I read about if they should disconnected or not. Any thoughts from fellow Tugnutters?

Jim F

 

[Horigan]

Some lithium battery chemistries store better at 50% charge. Check with the manufacturer. Either way, I would just turn the battery switch off and leave it at that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

If the batteries have a built in management system, they will discharge to a predetermined rate whether they are connected or not.

I don’t have lithium in the boat, but the rather sophisticated batteries in my drone discharge to 50% automatically after 3 days of non-use. Lithium batteries don’t like to be stored fully charged. Lead acid batteries love a full charge.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Horigan]

Drone batteries are a different lithium chemistry than RV/boat batteries, as is likely the battery management system. I would check with the manufacturer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

I’ve got a call into the manufacturer and will report what I find out.

Jim

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

Drone batteries are a different lithium chemistry than RV/boat batteries, as is likely the battery management system. I would check with the manufacturer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Point taken - lithium polymer, in my case. My point was the BMS should handle it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

In talking with Dakota Lithium, makers of the lithium batteries offered on Ranger Tugs, I’ve gotten the answer to my question about how to handle lithium batteries while a boat is stored. I was told to put the boat away with a full charge on the batteries and DO NOT keep a charger on them while stored. The reason for this is that the lithium batteries from Dakota do not discharge while stored. Turn the battery power control off and for anything that is directly connected to the batteries (bilge pumps, smoke detectors, etc) pull there dedicated spade fuse. If you plan on storing for more then 3 months I was advised to put the batteries on the charger for 24 hours. Lastly if you store your boat in a cold freezing climate he suggested it was better for the batteries to take them out of the boat and store them in a warm environment.

Jim

 

[Horigan]

Thanks foe the follow up!