Choosing the right battery for off grid usage, Lithium vs lead acid and something special

[@todamnbad]

I like my lifepo4, have some drop in and rack mount. just need to get off grid now

[@gordonb2011]

The lifepo4 batteries are a different chemistry so they're not comparable to cell phone, power tools or even ev batteries that can catch fire more easily. Also with lead acid you don't have the rated capacity available for use. As the battery should only be discharged 50% or less without affecting the duty cycles then a similar sized lifepo4 battery offers more capacity. As mentioned weight can also be a huge factor especially if your offgrid in a mobile situation e.g. rv or boat so lifepo4 becomes a definite contender. So lifepo4 definitely needs to be considered as lead acid isn't always the best choice?

[@veggitarianredneck]

That's a really good point. I knew that new developments in lipos are taking place, and imo that's good news. Would be nice to get beyond the old lead acids.

[@able880]

For a camper or small boat lithium is the way to go - I was a power production man in the offshore oilfields and remote mountain oilfields for decades - We generated all of our own power - modern large platforms have a hurricane mode they can switch to - When there is to much water in the air engines that generate electricity are shut down - In the hurricane mode the platform is running on large. 2 volt 10000 amp cells there can be 250 of them on a modern platform - In our case we still prefer flooded battery's but with a 1.220 strength acid - battery's with 1.275 acid only last around 7 yrs or so - were as when the acid is deluted to 1.220 they last several decades -. For stationary use we prefer the flooded battery's

[@able880]

@@veggitarianredneck the buckle iron battery often has its place - but it's 30% inefficient also it self discharges quickly - but will last for generations - You can use wood Ash water for electrolyte if needed - the old Edison battery's are easily taken apart to de-moss - that's scrub the plates - there are many still in service after 100 yrs

[@charlieabel1533]

I've had my nickel iron batteries for 5 years now and they're still going strong. I really don't understand your math. To me, the nickel iron battery is less expensive than any other battery chemistry, it's the only logical choice for me.

[@veggitarianredneck]

Well what you get outa them they definitely are the cheapest per hour of serviceable life.

[@mikaelfransson3658]

Still it coming soon much better alternative! like RFB (redux flew Battery) with Vanadin as working Metal, works up to 40 years with a low cost and high performance! And the Ambri heat battery! So for me its all about a cheap solutions to the new safe and better choices are here! 🥸