Generally, what are Lithium-Ion Batteries?
A. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries in which lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode during discharging and back when charging. They are popular batteries for use in consumer electronics because they provide high energy density, possess no memory effect and have a slow loss of charge when not in use. These batteries come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Compared to lead-acid batteries, Lithium-ion batteries are lighter and provide a higher open circuit voltage, which allows for power transfer at lower currents. These batteries have the following characteristics:
Features of ionic Lithium-ion Deep Cycle Batteries:
Light weight, up to 80% less than a conventional, comparable energy storage lead-acid battery.
Lasts 300-400% longer than lead-acid.
Lower shelf discharge rate (2% vs. 5-8% /month).
Drop-in replacement for your OEM battery.
Expected 8-10 years of battery life.
No explosive gasses during charging, no acid spills.
Environmentally friendly, no lead or heavy metals.
Safe to operate!
The term “Lithium-ion” battery is a general term. There are many different chemistries for Lithium-Ion batteries including LiCoO2 (cylindrical cell), LiPo, and LiFePO4 (cylindrical/prismatic cell). Ionic mostly focuses on designing, manufacturing and marketing LiFePO4 batteries for its starter and deep cycle batteries.
What are LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) Batteries?
A. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries provide several advantages over traditional Lithium-ion batteries based on LiCoO2 chemistry. LiFePO4 batteries provide much higher specific capacity, superior thermal and chemical stability, enhance safety, improve cost performance, enhanced charge and discharge rates, enhanced cycle life and come in a compact, lightweight package. LiFePO4 batteries an offer a cycle life of over 2,000 charge cycles!
Why should I get a ionic’s lithium-ion “Deep Cycle” energy storage battery?
A. Lithium-ion batteries provide multiple advantages over standard lead-acid batteries for energy storage use that we’ll outline below:
Substantially Lighter – Lithium-ion batteries are just a fraction of the weight of the original lead-acid battery.
More Powerful – Lithium-ion batteries operate at a higher voltage than standard lead-acid batteries, giving you faster engine speed for longer durations. Lead-acid batteries drop to just 12.5V when only 20% of the battery capacity is used, but lithium-ion batteries provide over 12.8V even when only 20% of the battery capacity is left.
Low Self-Discharge Rate– Lead-acid batteries lose 4%-25% of their charge every month depending on the quality of the plates and separators used. If you leave a vehicle unattended for a month, the lead-acid battery might lose too much power and the vehicle might not start. On the other hand, our lithium battery chemistry loses less than 3% of charge per month; you can go for several months without having to worry.
Environmental Friendly– Ionic batteries contain no toxic substances. There is no poisonous lead or corrosive sulfuric acid and as a result, no possible way for an explosive gassing event that is common with lead-acid batteries. In addition, there is no need to maintain acid levels or worry about venting like traditional lead-acid batteries do. The only maintenance that ionic batteries require is ensuring that the battery never drains beyond 80% to ensure optimal life.
Long Lasting– Cheap lead-acid batteries usually only last 1 to 2 years while gel and AGM lead-acid batteries last 3-5 years with proper maintenance. However, ionic’s lithium-ion batteries can provide 8-10 years of use, easily exceeding the life of any lead-acid battery. Battery life depends purely on proper operation and maintenance, so use common-sense and ensure the battery does not drain beyond 80% discharge. If you are replacing a lead-acid battery in two years or less due to deep cycling damage, you will save money in the long run moving to a ionic lithium-ion
Fast Recharging – ionic’s lithium-ion batteries can accept charge current at up to 5 times faster than a lead-acid battery. What’s more, the charge efficiency is about 75% for lead-acid in contrast to 97% for ionic’s lithium-ion battery. That means less energy is needed to charge and causes less strain on your alternator.
What advantages does ionic “Deep Cycle Batteries” have over other batteries?
A. ionic utilizes the latest advancements in lithium-ion battery technology along with custom features to provide you with the best battery for your vehicle:
Internal Cell Balancing Circuit – ionic batteries have a micro-processor controlled internal cell balancing board in each of its batteries designed to maximize the performance of each cell in the batteries.
Battery Management System (BMS) – ionic lithium-ion smart batteries contain a solid state switch that controls temperature volatility. This switch prevents overcharging and discharging, improving the overall lifespan performance and safety of the batteries.
Quality Engineering – ionic’s innovation laboratory prides itself on the design and construction of its batteries utilizing the highest quality components in all phases of design and construction. The ionic built-in intelligent components guarantee the safety and quality of each ionic product.
Prismatic Cells – Cylindrical cells only come in certain sizes which limits the possible shapes and sizes of the starter battery case designs. As such, batteries fit for many vehicles may be poor, or impossible as they are too wide or too tall and create internal hot spots. Ionic prismatic cells on the other hand, are rectangular packages which can be freely designed and sized according to the size requirements of the battery case. As such, ionic offers perfect drop-in fit in most vehicles along with having better thermal management properties.
How does ionic’s “Deep Cycle” capacity (Ah) rating compare to lead-acid Ah ratings?
A. Ionic’s “Deep Cycle” batteries have true lithium capacity rating at 1C discharge rate meaning a 12Ah “Deep Cycle” lithium-ion battery will be able to provide 12A for 1 hour. On the other hand, most lead-acid batteries have a 20hr or 25hr rating printed for its Ah capacity meaning the same 12Ah lead-acid battery discharging in 1 hour would typically only provide 6Ah of useable energy. Going below 50% DOD will damage a lead-acid battery, even if they claim to be a deep discharge battery. Thus a 12Ah lithium battery would perform closer to a 48Ah lead-acid battery rating for higher discharge currents and life performance.
Ionic’s lithium-ion batteries have 1/3 the internal resistance of a similar capacity lead-acid battery and they can be safely discharged to 90% DOD. Lead-acid internal resistance rises as they are discharged; the actual capacity which can be used may be as little as 20% of the mfg. rating. Discharging in excess will damage the lead-acid battery. Ionic’s lithium-ion batteries hold a higher voltage during discharge.
Can I use Lead-Acid battery chargers or charger/tenders with ionic Lithium-Ion Batteries?
A. A fully charged lithium-ion battery can sit for a year or more and still retain adequate capacity, without damaging the battery. As such, any electrical device that has no current flowing when OFF should never need a tender. However, some equipment may have a significant draw even when OFF, to maintain clocks, computers, navigation systems, pumps etc. Thus, ionic recommends using a ionic lithium-ion charger sold at Lithiumhub.
Ionic’s lithium-ion battery chargers have been designed to work together with the internal cell balancing board and BMS in the “Deep Cycle” batteries that have special algorithms to prevent over-charge and maximize life of the battery. We have a very simply approach where all the cell balancing maintenance is done automatically when the charger is attached. NO expensive, complicated charger/tender is needed.
Ionic does NOT recommend using lead-acid chargers for (LiFePO4) batteries. Lead-acid batteries charge at 2.30V to 2.45V per cell whereas (LiFePO4) batteries require 3.60V per cell. Your battery would potentially be undercharged, so you will not get use of the full capacity of the (LiFePO4) battery, nor will balancing be triggered in the (LiFePO4) battery pack, both of which are not desired. Furthermore, the floating charge of the lead-acid charger is not expected by the battery and can cause problems. Lead-acid trickle chargers should NOT be used. Use Ionic’s charger.
What happens if I charge my ”Deep Cycle” battery to high?
A. If you charge your “Deep Cycle” battery above 15V for 12V battery, the BMS inside the battery terminal will turn off. The cut-off voltage settings will vary slightly depending on current levels, temperature and part tolerances. To turn ON the battery again, disconnect the charging source and let the battery rest for several seconds (~30 sec) it should come on. In the event the 12V battery had voltages higher than 18V, the internal BMS is damaged and will not turn ON.
What happens if I discharge my ”Deep Cycle” battery to low?
A. If you discharge your “Deep Cycle” battery below 10.5V the BMS inside the battery terminal will turn off. The cut-off voltage settings will vary slightly depending on current levels, temperature and part tolerances. To turn ON the battery again, connect the ionic charger and charge up the battery. Chargers that do not have a voltage on the leads and will not be able to turn ON the battery again.
Can I charge the “Deep Cycle” battery with a solar panel?
A. Yes, but you need to make sure the open voltage of the solar panel is below 18V for a 12V battery. It is best if your solar panel has a voltage regulator to stop charging at 14.4V or (LiFePO4) setting of 14.6V.
If you charge your “Deep Cycle” battery above 15V for 12V battery, the BMS inside the battery terminal will turn off.
The cut-off voltage settings will vary slightly depending on current levels, temperature and part tolerances. To turn ON the battery again, disconnect the charging source and let the battery rest for several seconds (~30 sec). In the event the 12V battery had voltages higher than 18V when turned off, the internal BMS is damaged and will not turn ON.
How come the battery stops working a few seconds after a high current draw?
A. Make sure the load is not exceeding the rated continuous output current. If the electrical load exceeds the limits of the BMS, the BMS will shut down the pack. To reset, disconnect the electrical load and troubleshoot your load and make sure that the continuous current is less than the maximum continuous current for the pack. To reset the pack, attach the charger back to the battery for a few seconds. If you need a battery with additional current output, please contact us at info@lithiumhub.com or call us at 704-360-9311
How do I improve the life span of the battery?
A. Lithium-ion battery life can be enhanced by not discharging the battery to 1Ah capacity or BMS lower voltage cut-off settings. Discharging down to BMS lower voltage cut-off settings can quickly decrease the life of the battery. Instead, we advise discharging down to 20% capacity remaining then re-charging the battery.
Can batteries be put in series? How many?
A. Batteries can be put in series ONLY if individual chargers are on each 12V battery. It is best to use batteries at their design voltages such as using a single 24V or 48V battery and putting more in parallel, inceasing the capacity but not the voltage. The internal BMS will be damaged if the terminal voltages turn-off during charging if a higher voltage (more than 18V) is on the 12V battery.
Do lithium-ion batteries perform poorly when it gets cold?
A. Lithium-ion batteries capacity decreases when it gets below freezing temperatures 32F (0C). The current is still available, but the stored capacity will decrease, the colder the temperature the less capacity available. Both lead-acid and lithium-ion cells have increased internal resistance as the temperatures fall. Lithium batteries have more internal resistance in extreme cold, temperatures of 0°F (-18°C) or lower, however, the batteries can be warmed up much quicker simply by putting a load on the battery, such as turning on your headlights for 15 to 30 seconds. Since ionic batteries have substantially lower mass than lead-acid batteries, they warm up much quicker to deliver power needs.
Can ionic “Deep Cycle” be mounted in any position?
A. Yes. There are no liquids in the “Deep Cycle” batteries. Because the chemistry is a solid, the battery can be mounted in any direction and there are no worries about lead plates cracking from vibration.
I heard Lithium-ion batteries were unsafe and are a fire hazard. Will they blow up or catch on fire?
A. Every battery of ANY chemistry has the potential to fail, sometimes catastrophically or catch on fire. In addition, lithium metal batteries which are more volatile, that are non-rechargeable, are not to be confused with lithium-ion batteries. However, our lithium-ion chemistry, lithium iron phosphate cells (LiFePO4) is the safest on the market having the highest thermal runaway threshold temperature from all the different lithium type of batteries. Remember, there are many lithium-ion chemistries and variations. Some are more volatile than others, but all have made advances in recent years. Also note, that all lithium-ion batteries undergo rigorous UN testing before they can be shipped worldwide further insuring their safety.
How long will my “Deep Cycle” battery last?
A. There are several factors that affect the life of a battery. Weather, temperature, recharge cycles, depth of discharge (DOD), discharge current, charging current, charging method, vibration and duration of static use can all have dramatic effects on battery life. A properly maintained “Deep Cycle” battery should last roughly three times as long as lead-acid battery used in similar conditions. Life expectancy is 8-10 years.
What applications can I use the “Deep Cycle” battery?
A. These batteries are designed and developed to be used for lower discharge current applications. The larger 50Ah and 100Ah “Deep Cycle” batteries can be used to start engines with but NOT the smaller batteries (6Ah, 9Ah, 12Ah, 20Ah, 30Ah). If you have a question about applications please call 704-360-9311 or email info@lithiumhub.com and our customer service professionals will be happy to help.
Will ionic be making batteries for cars?
A. We have no solid introduction date in mind for automotive versions at this time, but we do plan on having more battery models available in the near future to be used in cars as well. The higher PB eqv Ah batteries will start vehicles, but will have limited reserve energy.
Do “Deep Cycle” batteries generate more heat than a lead-acid battery?
A. No. One of the advantages to the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry is that it generates its own internal heat energy. The outside heat of the battery pack itself will get no warmer than a lead-acid equivalent in normal use.
Will the cost of Lithium-ion batteries become cheaper?
A. At the moment, Lithium-ion materials are about 3~4 times higher than lead-acid for the same capacity. This will no doubt come down as worldwide supply goes up.
Is a “Deep Cycle” battery a direct OEM replacement for my stock battery?
A. In most cases, YES but not for engine starting applications. The “Deep Cycle” battery will perform as a direct replacement for your lead-acid battery for 12V systems. Our battery cases match a lot of OEM battery case sizes.
Can ionic batteries be fully discharged and then disposed of in a regular garbage?
A. Lithium-ion batteries are subject to disposal and recycling regulations that vary by country and region. Always check and follow your applicable regulations before disposing of any battery. Contact Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (www.rbrc.org) for U.S.A. and Canada, or your local battery recycling organization. Many countries prohibit the disposal of waste electronic equipment in standard waste receptacles. Place only discharged batteries in a battery collection container. Use electrical tape or other approved covering over the battery connection points to prevent short circuits.
Ionic Deep Cycle 12V50-EP has 12 volts and a 50Ah capacity and is perfect for powering your deep cycle systems. Ionic Deep Cycle has an internal microprocessor controlled battery management system (BMS) that monitors the key operational parameters during charging and discharging, such as voltages, currents and internal temperatures. Ionic Deep Cycle Batteries can be hooked up 4 in series and as many needed in parallel.
The Ionic Deep Cycle Battery has a cycle life of 3,000-5,000 cycles or about 10 calendar years. Our lithium-ion batteries have a usable capacity of 99% compared to 50-60% for traditional lead-acid batteries]. Ionic Deep Cycle batteries function in the widest range of temperatures with a discharge temperature range (Functional) of –5°C to 35°C (23°F to 95°F) and a charge temperature range of -20°C to 45°C (-4°F to 113°F).
At 6.5” (L) x 7.7″ (W) x 7.0” (H) and weighing only 11 lbs., the Ionic Deep Cycle 12V50-EP has the best size to power ratio of any deep cycle battery on the market. Connectors: M6 screws allow the battery to be installed in any direction unlike lead-acid batteries which are fixed. Ionic Deep Cycle Batteries self-discharge rate per month is between 1-3% compared to lead-acid batteries which are about 30%. Max charge voltage is 14.6V and the discharge cut-off voltage is 10.5V. Max charge current is 50A and max discharge current is 50A / 170A(3s). Can be charged with solar chargers. Can be charged with most traditional lead-acid chargers that do not have “Desulfate” mode, provided the current levels do not exceed lithium battery charge specification. Using a traditional lead-acid charger that reaches 14.4-14.6 volts will allow the battery to be fully charged. Chargers that do not exceed 13.6 volts will only charge the battery to 50% capacity or less.
Jerry Bullaboy –
The best valued Lithium battery available. The Highest Quality Lithium avaialable. The only Bluetooth Lithium available. This battery is phenominal. I use 3 in series for a bass boat trolling motor. They run 8-10 hours on 50% trolling speed and at the end of the day are only down 15-20% and the power is constant, it doesn’t loose power, so I don’t have to dial the trolling motor up in speed at all. Just set it and go. The small size is great also. It gave me back a lot of used up space for lead acid batteries. And another important thing is the weight lost from getting rid of the lead acid. These batteries don’t corrode and stay clean and don’t heat and gas like the lead acid batteries, so much nicer! The only way to go. I highly reccomend this battery. Just plain awesome!