When we have a class rules approval, note things to look for in such a bettery itself in this youtube video.
https://marinehowto.com/insane-lifepo4-value/
Note the speaker is a certified marine electrician, system designer of marine electrical systems for all types of boats, installer, and until stroke ran a business installing dozens of these systems annually. He as many writing credit to his name, and his own website which has many DIY electrical system improvements and tools is a great resource I go to.
He reviewed my J/109 electrical design I use today. While i does not linclude Lithium, it is almost lithium ready.
Seeking 20 names to support future vote on lithium batteries. Add your name
Moderators: forumadmin, Vento Solare
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Dan Corcoran
- Posts: 353
- Joined: Sun Jan 29, 2017 4:32 pm
Re: Seeking 20 names to support future vote on lithium batteries. Add your name
I’m late to this discussion, but I now need to replace my AGM batteries after only 4 years (the reasons for this are for another discussion) and I would like this as option before investing in another round of AGM batteries. Even though we don’t do much OD racing in the Pacific NW (almost none), I’d still be in favor of allowing lithium batteries as an option as long as 1) there is no distinct advantage between AGM and lithium powered boats and that 2) it meets all the ABYC requirements for safety and upgrade (which it sounds like it does). Technology does advance.
My one question is, if on a distance race can you sail longer before needing to recharge Lithium batteries via the engine/alternator and if so is that a speed advantage over AGM batteries? Correct me if I’m wrong but when you need to charge via the alternator, a free-wheeling prop does add a slight bit of drag over the lock prop when in reverse. So, is it possible on a long distance race with lithium batteries you may only need to recharge once, but with AGM you may have to do it twice? Doe that slight amount of drag of a free-wheeling prop add up to a disadvantage? It this just theoretical since there are very few OD distance races?
So count me in
My one question is, if on a distance race can you sail longer before needing to recharge Lithium batteries via the engine/alternator and if so is that a speed advantage over AGM batteries? Correct me if I’m wrong but when you need to charge via the alternator, a free-wheeling prop does add a slight bit of drag over the lock prop when in reverse. So, is it possible on a long distance race with lithium batteries you may only need to recharge once, but with AGM you may have to do it twice? Doe that slight amount of drag of a free-wheeling prop add up to a disadvantage? It this just theoretical since there are very few OD distance races?
So count me in
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Dan Corcoran
- Posts: 353
- Joined: Sun Jan 29, 2017 4:32 pm
Re: Seeking 20 names to support future vote on lithium batteries. Add your name
Count you in! Thank you for the thoughtful questions.
On class racing, no advantage. If my proposed rules are accepted, the J/109 would be upgraded as a true dual battery system with additional ABYC requirements like fuses, plus wiring and switches so our boats can fully operate on one battery if any single lithium BMS fails (lightning strike EMF, general failure, etc.). With two LiFePO4 batteries the system actually ends up heavier than stock. With one LiFePO4 and lead acid starting battery, total weight is a wash.
On distance racing, yes, I can see the advantage. Over a long race where you need the engine for charging, fewer charging cycles means less time dragging a freewheeling prop especially the time before the first charge. That said, sailors have been adding larger battery banks for distance racing forever and the rules already allow it. Lithium just makes it lighter to accomplish the same thing. Not a new advantage, just a lighter way to do what people were already doing. My 109 came with three very large batteries as the owner frequently participated in distance racing and wanted to have a battery bank big enough to accept all the charge of the alternator, for less engine run time.
The overall reduction in engine run time, even for deliveries and cruising, also reduces wear and tear on your engine.
On class racing, no advantage. If my proposed rules are accepted, the J/109 would be upgraded as a true dual battery system with additional ABYC requirements like fuses, plus wiring and switches so our boats can fully operate on one battery if any single lithium BMS fails (lightning strike EMF, general failure, etc.). With two LiFePO4 batteries the system actually ends up heavier than stock. With one LiFePO4 and lead acid starting battery, total weight is a wash.
On distance racing, yes, I can see the advantage. Over a long race where you need the engine for charging, fewer charging cycles means less time dragging a freewheeling prop especially the time before the first charge. That said, sailors have been adding larger battery banks for distance racing forever and the rules already allow it. Lithium just makes it lighter to accomplish the same thing. Not a new advantage, just a lighter way to do what people were already doing. My 109 came with three very large batteries as the owner frequently participated in distance racing and wanted to have a battery bank big enough to accept all the charge of the alternator, for less engine run time.
The overall reduction in engine run time, even for deliveries and cruising, also reduces wear and tear on your engine.