Sunday, September 25, 2022

Here is Why 36-volt Lithium Battery Should Be Used for a 36V Trolling Motor

A powerful 36v marine trolling motor deserves a battery that can keep up with it. That’s why it makes sense to use a 36-volt lithium battery to get the most benefits. It suits a wide range of trolling motors from well-known brands like Minn Kota, Motor Guide, Caroute, and Bass Pro, so you won’t have difficulty replacing a traditional lead-acid or gel battery. Here are more reasons to use this battery:

More power for your applications

Lead-acid batteries are barely 50 percent efficient, while lithium-iron phosphate batteries are up to 95 percent efficient. You’ll get more power from a 36-volt lithium battery than three AGM or lead-acid batteries rated at ~12V +80AH. That means it has over five times the lifetime of those traditional power sources.

Increased safety performance

Lithium batteries are known for their safety and reliability. They can withstand high and fluctuating temperatures, provide steady output voltage, and have pressure-resistant cells. That means they’re less susceptible to explosions, thermal shock, or fires. Lithium-iron phosphate batteries produce green energy without contaminants. Their built-in battery management system offers further protection from overcharging, over-discharging, short-circuiting, and reverse polarity.

Forget about regular maintenance.

Maintenance will be the least of your worries with a 36-volt lithium battery. So, you can save money, time, and energy and enjoy more time in the water.

Versatility

36-volt lithium batteries are not just for trolling motors. They are practical for solar storage, too, in case you want your boat to have an off-grid charging capability. No matter the application, lithium-iron phosphate batteries will continue to provide triple safety protection and shock- and vibration resistance with no memory effect.

Fast charging

The 36-volt lithium battery doesn’t take too long to recharge, so you can get back in the water with minimal downtime. It’s easy to monitor the status from the built-in LED charge indicator on top of the battery, so you know when to recharge.

A Brief Idea About 24-Volt Deep Cycle Batteries

When you’re in the water, the last thing you want to worry about is the battery on your boat. You’ll want to focus on fishing, trolling, freight transport, or the sport you love. If your current lead-acid or gel batteries are giving you more trouble than they’re worth, it might be time to upgrade. One option you’ll find is the lithium 24-volt deep cycle batteries.

At first, switching to lithium deep-cycle batteries might seem overwhelming, especially if you have been using conventional power sources for years. The initial cost might even make you think twice about it. However, it will be worth it when you realize how reliable and safer you can be in the water with better battery technologies, such as lithium-iron-phosphate. Here are more things you should know about them, so you can make an informed choice to switch:

Versatility

24-volt deep cycle batteries come in different sizes, from 40Ah to 100Ah. So, you should find something ideal for your marine application, including trolling and propulsion. These batteries are also ideal for solar power storage, RVs, and mobility scooters.

More power

Lithium deep-cycle batteries offer consistent power delivery to extend your time in the water. They will keep your electronic devices safely powered so that you can navigate the waters easily and confidently. It’s easier to monitor the remaining charge left by referring to the built-in LED charge indicator on top, so you’ll know when to recharge or start going back to shore.

Better than regular batteries

Weight is a typical issue with conventional lead-acid and gel batteries. They could weigh down your boat, causing you to go slower or bog you down when treading shallow waters. Lithium-iron phosphate 24-volt deep cycle batteries are 50 to 60 percent lighter than those options. Moreover, they are safer and more reliable. They are 95 percent efficient, and they can recharge fast to reduce your downtime.

How to Select the Best Lithium-Ion Solar Battery for Energy Storage

Lithium-ion solar batteries vary in technology, size, reliability, safety, and overall quality. Here are some tips to help you choose the best lithium-ion solar battery for solar energy storage.

Pick the right technology.

Lithium battery technology has come a long way. One of the most dependable options these days is lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4), the most stable form of lithium that can store more energy than other battery technologies. It’s also the safest choice for energy storage in homes and businesses because of its wide operating temperature range and superior high-temperature performance.

LiFePO4 batteries also run longer and can store almost 50 percent more energy than lead-acid batteries. A high-quality lithium-ion solar battery can work 5,000 to 8,000 cycles, which is significantly greater than the 500 cycles of lead-acid batteries.

Buy from a reputable retailer.

Look for an established and trustworthy retailer that specializes in lithium batteries. They offer high-quality lithium-ion batteries built under UN 38.3 and ISO9001 safety standards to ensure the safest, non-explosive energy storage solutions for your home or business. If you’re unsure which system is best for your application, you can contact them and share your KW solar array to get recommendations that can help you make informed choices.

Ensure sufficient capacity

Use amp-hours when estimating your peak power requirements. For instance, a battery rated 100 amp-hours can deliver an ampere of electric energy for 100 hours or 10 amps for ten hours. Know your power needs to ensure a lithium-ion solar battery with sufficient storage.

Mind the cycles

Lithium-iron-phosphate batteries have longer lifespans when compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. However, consider factors like the depth of discharge and cycle life. A good option should offer at least 6,000 life cycles.

Check the features

Look for a lithium-ion solar battery with a built-in battery management system that protects it from overcharging, over-discharging, reverse polarity, and short-circuiting. There should be a LED charge status indicator on top of the battery, so you won’t have difficulty determining the remaining charge.

A Complete Guide to Replacing Lead-Acid Batteries in Boats with Lithium Marine Batteries

You might have relied on lead-acid batteries for your boat for the longest time, but if they’ve become more trouble than they’re worth, it’s time to switch to a more reliable power source. Lithium marine batteries are fast becoming the standard for trolling motors, propulsion, bow thruster, and other hybrid or electric needs. Here are some factors to consider if you want to upgrade from lead-acid to lithium batteries safely.

Charging profile or charge controller

Do you charge your lead-acid batteries with solar power, shore power, and an alternator? You can keep the existing inverter/charger or charge controller. The low voltage cutoff and charging profiles of lithium marine batteries differ from lead-acid, so get an appropriate charger.

Starter battery or cranking amps

Lithium batteries don’t have a CCA (cold crank amps) rating, unlike lead-acid batteries. You need to ensure they are rated to handle enough current, especially if you’re still using lead-acid as your starter battery and intend to use lithium for other applications in your boat. They can serve as a backup if your lead-acid starter stops working.

A DC/DC converter

Lithium batteries have low internal resistance and can’t handle too much charging current from an alternator as necessary. Alternators can’t run at full speed for extended periods, so they work too hard and make themselves prone to overheating and damage. Using a DC-to-DC converter between the lithium marine batteries and alternator can limit the current they can draw from your alternator. Ideally, you should draw from the alternator only at half its rating.

Battery bank monitoring

Choose lithium marine batteries that let you monitor the entire battery bank and individual units. Ensure a battery management system is built into the battery to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, short-circuiting, and other problems.