Charging Lithium Ion 12v Batteries

[scottarue]

I'm a newbie...
I am planning to get a 21C with the 2 solar panels and 2 Lithium Ion batteries from ETI. Can someone tell me how long it will take to charge 2 - 12v Lithium Ion batteries plugged into shore power?

[Vermilye]

It, of course, depends on how empty they are. I believe the converter installed by Escape is rated at 55 amps. If so, and if it actually produces that (some WFCO converters rarely get out of the float mode which produces far less current, but the lithium version they are using with lithium batteries may be better), then it will put 55 amps into the batteries until they are close to 95% - 98% full, then taper for the last couple of percent.

If you dragged the two batteries down to low voltage shutdown, it would take about 4 hours to fully recharge them. If you have additional loads on the converter, that will increase the time.

[scottarue]

Originally Posted by Vermilye

It, of course, depends on how empty they are. I believe the converter installed by Escape is rated at 55 amps. If so, and if it actually produces that (some WFCO converters rarely get out of the float mode which produces far less current, but the lithium version they are using with lithium batteries may be better), then it will put 55 amps into the batteries until they are close to 95% - 98% full, then taper for the last couple of percent.

If you dragged the two batteries down to low voltage shutdown, it would take about 4 hours to fully recharge them. If you have additional loads on the converter, that will increase the time.

Thank you! less time than I thought - that gives me to opportunity to charge up the batteries in an afternoon. I live in a condo that prohibits trailers in the driveway overnight.

[BigSwede]

LiFePO4 batteries can be charged quickly compared to lead acid.

Also note that lithium does not like or need to be trickle charged in between full charges.

[alanmalk]

Originally Posted by BigSwede

LiFePO4 batteries can be charged quickly compared to lead acid.

Use some caution here. Not all LiFePO4 lithium batteries charge quickly - read the manufacture's recommendation.

From the dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-100ah-deep-cyle-lifepo4-marine-solar-battery/ (100AH)

Charge 50 A max, 14 V max recommended, 15 V max. Please note: this battery should be charged using a LiFePO4 compatible charger. A SLA charger may work, but will reduce performance and lifespan of the battery.
(my emphasis.)

--
Alan

[cpaharley2008]

I need to go out and check my batteries this week, it has been awhile since they were checked and also gives me a reason to open the trailer............

[camp4528]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I need to go out and check my batteries this week, it has been awhile since they were checked and also gives me a reason to open the trailer............

How wonderful that you are feeling well enough to “leap” back into your RV!!

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by camp4528

How wonderful that you are feeling well enough to “leap” back into your RV!!

Yes, it has been awhile sine it was last used, but each day I'm stronger and itching to start camping again...........

[BigSwede]

Originally Posted by alanmalk

Use some caution here. Not all LiFePO4 lithium batteries charge quickly - read the manufacture's recommendation.

From the dakotalithium.com/product/dakota-lithium-12v-100ah-deep-cyle-lifepo4-marine-solar-battery/ (100AH)

Charge 50 A max, 14 V max recommended, 15 V max. Please note: this battery should be charged using a LiFePO4 compatible charger. A SLA charger may work, but will reduce performance and lifespan of the battery.
(my emphasis.)

--
Alan

50 amps is quickly IMO, compared to lead acid. And lithium will take those amps until full, whereas lead acid will drastically reduce intake as it approaches full charge, which makes full charge much longer to achieve.

Bottom line is it is worth getting a charger made with a lithium charge mode to best preserve your expensive lithium batteries lifespan.