For Power on the Water
Weight dispersion is a topic of importance across all leisure industries. Lithium marine batteries are a great choice when you are concerned about excess weight in your vessel.
The advantages of 24V lithium batteries in marine applications include great savings in weight and space, as well as overall cost effectiveness. Large vessels benefit by making the switch to lithium batteries as hundreds of kilograms of dead lead can be removed.
For example, 4 x 12V 110 Ah lead-acid batteries can weigh 136 kg, compared to 2 x 24V 110 Ah lithium batteries that weigh a meagre 46 kg and have a smaller footprint!
Why change to 24V Lithium House Batteries on your Yacht / Boat?
Baintech Whitehaven Marine Series lithium batteries are a great alternative to lead-acid house battery banks, and are available in 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V with half the weight and more than double the capacity.
24 Volt Advantages
When we look at boats in the 50 to 60-foot range, it’s common to see 24V systems in use. 24V systems require smaller diameter cabling than 12V systems, because the higher voltage (24V) requires less current to produce the same power.
A 24V system has many benefits, including:
- Reduced weight due to smaller cabling size
- Reduced wiring costs
- Increased efficiency to meet power demands over 3000W
24 Volt Lithium Advantages:
– Less than half the weight
– More power
– Greater capacity
– Greater lifespan
– Faster charging; and
– Comparable cost over the life cycle
How to Charge your 24V Lithium Battery Bank
Recharge your lithium auxiliary (house) batteries while on the water.
The Sterling Pro Charge B Ultra is an onboard 35A multi-stage battery charger that runs while your boat is in use. Ideal for a dual-engine vessel, by using two Pro Charge units, you simply connect them between the starting battery and house bank. Whenever the vessel’s alternator is running, the 35A Sterling smart charger will charge the house battery bank.
Typical set-up:
4 x 24V 110 Ah lithium house batteries
2 x Sterling Pro Charge 35A Battery to Battery chargers.
By using dual 24V DC input/24V DC output 35A chargers, the automatic charging system will deliver a total of 70A to the lithium house batteries, efficiently recharging the batteries much faster than by using the alternator alone.
Not all Lithium Batteries are the Same
There are several types of batteries using lithium-ion chemistry on the market, including lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, and lithium iron phosphate.
Lithium cells come in different packages including cylindrical, prismatic, and soft pouch. Cylindrical cells look like bigger AA batteries, while prismatic cells are rectangular, about the size of a small book. The pouch cells contain a soft jelly-like material which needs an outer casing.
Lithium iron phosphate is safest, chemically, and prismatic cells are the most efficient and mechanically robust way to package the stored energy.
Beware of lithium batteries using small cylindrical cells soldered together in plastic boxes using a cheap, low quality, battery management system (BMS). Cylindrical cells sometimes need up to 100 spot welds to join them together, whilst prismatic cells have solid metal posts that withstand vibration and are suited for use in tough environments.
Whitehaven lithium batteries are constructed using safe hard-case aluminium cell enclosures. Aluminium has a melting point of 660C, which is a substantially higher temperature than the 200C melting point of many plastic cell cases and battery outer cases. Unlike plastic, aluminium enclosures are harder to penetrate and do not provide fuel.
Baintech 24V Whitehaven Lithium Battery Range
Designed for direct lead-acid battery replacement, this lightweight Baintech battery has around double the usable capacity, and less than one-third the weight of a lead-acid or absorbed glass mat (AGM) equivalent. The strong aluminium outer enclosure delivers a safe, lightweight, and powerful unit.
Constructed using the latest lithium iron phosphate technology, these prismatic cells are of the highest quality in a hard metal case. The battery has an inbuilt BMS, which has been designed and engineered in Brisbane. Batteries in the Whitehaven range come with a 5-year warranty, backed by local after sales support and maintenance.
Boost your fuel efficiency, increase speed, and reduce drag by switching to Baintech Whitehaven Lithium Batteries. Take a look at our new Baintech Whitehaven Marine Series to see what Bainbridge Technologies can offer you.
Visit our website at www.baintech.com.au or see us at 1224 Lytton Road, Hemmant, QLD, 4174 Phone: 1300 224 683
Published in print October-November 2021
