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LiFePO4 Lithium Batteries For Marine Use

100Ah, 120Ah, 150Ah, 180Ah, *150+A Maximum Draw*, 12v and 24v, bluetooth, phone app
lifepo4 marine battery
Picture
lifepo4 marine battery with top opened showing cell and BMS electronicsLiFePO4 Battery Showing Cells and BMS Electronics
​LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) is a lithium-ion battery technology that is safe, powerful and plug compatible with most lead acid battery charging systems. This battery technology offers many advantages over lead acid technology including high capacity storage, delivery of consistent high power, longer cycle life, less weight, longer shelf life and rapid charging. 

LiFePO4 batteries are the safest type of Lithium batteries as they will not overheat, and even if punctured they will not catch on fire. The cathode material in LiFePO4 batteries is not hazardous, and thus poses no negative health hazards or environmental hazards. Our LiFePO4 lithium boat batteries are plug compatible with lead acid batteries and will accept a charge from most lead acid configured chargers. 

A LiFePO4 battery has two primary components, the LiFePO cells and the Battery Management System (BMS).  Both are housed in a sealed battery case.  The quality of each component is key to the longevity and performance of the battery.  LiFePO cells are wired in parallel to form a module producing 3.2 volts.  Four of these units are connected together in series to form a rated 12.8 volt LiFePO4 battery.  The temperature, charge and discharge of each cell is managed by the BMS, a computer built into each battery.  A common LiFePO4 boat battery is rated at 100 amp hours and is roughly the size of a group 31 lead acid battery.  These batteries are also rated as to their maximum discharge capacity.  100 Amps max discharge is common.  We prefer a higher maximum discharge rate of 150 Amps for marine applications for both house and start power.

Advantages and Features of Our LiFePO4 Lithium Marine Boat Batteries

Charge/discharge cycles - LifePO4 batteries have an expected life of 2,000-4,000 charge/discharge cycles at a discharge to 90%.  Lead acid batteries have an expected life of 300-700 charge/discharge cycles at a discharge to 50%. 


Discharge profile - LifePO4 batteries stay at a voltage of 13 to 13.4 volts during discharge of up to a 95+%.  Voltage then drops off rapidly.  A lead acid battery decreases in voltage from 13 to below 12 volts as more current is drawn.  This means many appliances will  operate more efficiently throughout the discharge cycle using LiFePO4 batteries.

Discharge rate - The BMS built into our batteries has a 100 amp or a 150 amp discharge capacity.  This means the batteries can sustain a heavy discharge without damage or degradation.  Our manufacturer has advised us that the quality of the cells and quality of the BMS is key to the longevity and performance of a LiFePo4 battery.   We have seen this firsthand.
Lifepo4 battery discharge curves at 0.2C and 25C and a second chart different rate discharge curves
"C" is the rated Amp Hour BMS Discharge Capacity (150 Amps)
lifepo4 marine battery voltage and charging time curve and second chart different DOD discharge cycle life curves
Charge and Cycle Curves
Weight/power ratio - A typical 100 Ah LiFePO4 battery weighs about 31 pounds.  A comparable lead acid battery is over twice that.  Because LiFePO4 batteries can be safely be drawn down 95% vs 50%-60% for lead acid, fewer batteries are required to achieve the same power.  Battery weight combined with usable power capacity means battery bank weight can be cut by more than half using LiFePO4 lithium batteries.  Also, LiFePo4 batteries will occupy up to 40% less space than equivalent lead acid batteries.

​For example, 3 group 31 110 amp hour lead acid batteries weighing a total of 200 pounds can be replaced by 2 group 31 size 100 amp hour LiFePO4 batteries weighing a total of 62 pounds.  Both configurations have roughly the same power capacity because the lead acid can be safely drawn down 50% (330 amps @50% = 165 amps) and the Lithium battery can be safely drawn down 95% (200 amps @ 95% = 190 amps).  Also, the lead acid will endure 400-600 cycles and the LiFePO4 over 2,000 cycles.

          Example:                                 Lead Acid                       LiFePO4 (Lithium)  
          Battery Bank                    3 Group 31 110 Ah          2 Group 31 size 100 Ah
          Rated Capacity                         330 Amps                       200 Amps
          Useable Capacity                     165 Amps                       190 Amps
          Charge/discharge cycles           400-600                        2,000-4,000
          Weight                                     200 pounds                     62 pounds
Picture
smartphone app pic for lifepo4 battery monitoringSmartphone app for LiFePO4 Battery Monitoring
Safety - Lithium batteries have a reputation for catching fire.  This is not so with LiFePO4, a very different technology.  The built-in Battery Management System (BMS) monitors the state of charge of each cell group and manages the temperature, charge and discharge rates.  The BMS will prevent over-charging and over-discharging by disconnecting from the source.  There are no toxic chemicals or gases as in many types of lead acid batteries.  The batteries can be mounted in any direction; bottom or side.

Compatibility - While the optimal charging parameters vary between LiFePO4 and lead acid battery technology, the BMS built into our LiFePO4 batteries compensates for this.  Thus, our LiFePO4 boat batteries are compatible with most lead acid battery charging systems. 

Bluetooth Battery Monitoring - Our LiFePO4 batteries are equipped with Bluetooth for monitoring battery State of Charge (SOC) through a Smartphone or tablet app.  This is important because unlike lead acid batteries, LiFePO4 batteries maintain a constant voltage between 13 and 13.4 volts so a voltmeter is not an accurate indicator of SOC.   A built in Bluetooth capability enables real time monitoring of each battery through an app on either an Android or IOS smartphone or tablet.  The app displays the state of charge (SOC) of the battery, the amp draw and voltage level, the temperature, the time to full charge and the number of charge/discharge cycles.  This capability is nearly equivalent to having a built in battery bank monitoring system like a Link 2000.

Winter Operation and Storage - LiFePO4 batteries can be stored in temperatures from 0°F to +100°F (-18°C to +38°C).  It is recommended they not be charged and discharged at temperature below 0°F (-18°C) .   It is recommended that the negative terminals be disconnected  during winter or long term storage so there is no chance of draining the batteries while in storage.  LiFePO4 batteries should be recharged at a minimum every 6 months while in storage.

Long Term Investment - Keep Them for Life - Because the number of charge cycles of well cared for LiFePO4 batteries is in excess of 2,000 they can be a long term  investment you can take with you from boat to boat or boat to RV.  Also, because the batteries have a built in cycle recording system, the batteries can be resold at a value based on their number of charge cycles.  For example:  The owner of a sailboat purchased three LiFePO4 batteries two years ago; two for house and one for engine starting.  After two years of cruising the starting battery had 2 charge cycles and the house batteries, wired in parallel, had only 20 charge cycles as shown on the Bluetooth APP.  These batteries are like new and can be taken to their new boat or sold as quality longlife used batteries.  In fact, if and when CMP LiFePO4 batteries become available from our customers, we will post them on our website for purchase.

Cost - LiFePO4 batteries are 2 to 4 times the cost of comparable lead acid or AGM type batteries.  Cost justification is often based on convenience, performance and longevity.  Factors to consider in evaluating cost include the number of charge cycles, power to weight ratio, charge and discharge efficiency and compatibility.  Over the long term, these batteries are often considerably more cost effective than lead acid or AGM batteries.

Bottom line - Our LiFePO4 marine batteries have the following advantages:
1. lighter than lead acid - generally less than half the weight of lead acid
2. can be drawn down 90% vs 50% - more useable capacity
3. hold steady voltage through 95% discharge - constant power and voltage
4. generally plug compatible with lead acid chargers - drop-in replacement
5. charge more quickly and efficiently than lead acid batteries - excellent for solar systems
6. have up to 10 times more charge cycles than lead acid and AGM batteries - could last a lifetime
7. nontoxic and safe, very low fire risk - no toxic gases emitted, many built-in protections
8. low self-discharge - easy winter storage, long shelf life
9. Bluetooth equipped to monitor battery State of Charge with free app - built in battery monitor
​10. cost effective in the long run

​They are more expensive than lead acid however their advantages and longevity often outweigh the additional initial investment.

Learn More - LiFePO4 Marine Battery Manual

Specifications for 12V 100-150A Continuous Draw LiFePO4 Batteries
Picture
LiFePO4 Marine Battery - 100 Ah 12.8 Volt 100 amp BMS with Bluetooth
$
899.00    
 
 

This 12 V100 Ah LiFePO4 battery is designed for both house and engine start marine applications. It has a built in 100 amp continuous draw Battery Management System (BMS) and is plug compatible with most lead acid and AGM charging systems. A Bluetooth battery monitor system for monitoring the state-of-charge of the battery with a free app is included .

This battery measures 13x6.7x8.3 inches 330x170x210 mm.

LiFePO4 Marine Battery - 100 Ah 12.8 Volt 150 amp BMS with Bluetooth Monitoring
$
949.00    
 
 

This 12 V100 Ah LiFePO4 battery is designed for both house and engine start marine applications. It has a built in 150 amp continuous draw Battery Management System (BMS) and is plug compatible with most lead acid and AGM charging systems. A Bluetooth battery monitor system for monitoring the state-of-charge of the battery with a free app is included .

This battery measures 13x6.7x8.3 inches 330x170x210mm.

LiFePO4 Marine Battery - 120 Ah 12.8 Volt 150 amp BMS with Bluetooth Monitoring
$
1,089.00    
 
 

This 12 V120 Ah LiFePO4 battery is designed for both house and engine start marine applications. It has a built in 150 amp continuous draw Battery Management System (BMS) and is plug compatible with most lead acid and AGM charging systems. A Bluetooth battery monitor system for monitoring the state-of-charge of the battery with a free app is included .

This battery measures 13x6.7x8.3 inches 330x170x210 mm.

LiFePO4 Marine Battery - 150 Ah 12.8 Volt 150 amp BMS with Bluetooth Monitoring
$
1,289.00    
 
 

This 12 V150 Ah LiFePO4 battery is designed for both house and engine start marineapplications. It has a built in 150 amp continuous draw Battery Management System (BMS) and is plug compatible with most lead acid and AGM charging systems. A Bluetooth battery monitor system for monitoring the state-of-charge of the battery with a free app is included .

This battery measures 18.9x6.7x9.5 inches 480x170x240mm.

LiFePO4 Marine Battery - 180 Ah 12.8 Volt 150 amp BMS with Bluetooth Monitoring
$
1,489.00    
 
 

This 12 V180 Ah LiFePO4 battery is designed for both house and engine start marine applications. It has a built in 150 amp continuous draw Battery Management System (BMS) and is plug compatible with most lead acid and AGM charging systems. A Bluetooth battery monitor system for monitoring the state-of-charge of the battery with a free app is included .

This battery measures 18.9x6.7x9.5 inches 480x170x240mm.


                  Specifications for 24V 150A Continuous Draw LiFePO4 Battery
Electrical Characteristics
     Normal Voltage                          25.6 V
     Rated Capacity                          150±3 Amp hrs
     Energy                                       3,840 Watt hrs
     Internal Resistance                    ≤30mΩ
     Cycle Life                                   ≥2,000 @ 100% DOD    (Depth of Discharge DOD)
                                                        ≥3,000 @ 80% DOD
                                                        ≥5,000 @ 50%DOD
     Self Discharge                            <3% per month
     Passive Protection                     Over charge, over discharge, temperature, short circuit protection
 Standard Charge
     Charge Voltage                          28.8±0.2 V
     Charge Mode                             CC/CV
     Optimal Charge Current             30 - 75 Amps (.2 - .5C)
     Max. Charge Current                  120 Amps
     Charge Cut-off Voltage                29.2 V
Standard Discharge
     Continuous Current                     120 Amps
     Discharge Cut-off Voltage            9 V
 Environmental
     Charge Temperature                    32
°F to 113°F         0°C to 45°C
     Discharge Temperature               -4°F to 140°F       -20°C to 60°C     
     Storage Temperature                  -10
°F to 104°F      -25°C to 35°C
     Water/dust Resistance                  IP56
Mechanical
     Material System                           LiFePO4
     Material Case                               ABS+PC UL V-0 flame resistant 
     Dimensions                                  20.5 in x 10.5 in x 8.7 H in
                                                          520mm x 267mm x 220 H mm
     Weight                                          86 lb.      39 Kg
     Terminal                                        M8
     State of Charge                            Bluetooth app
     Shelf life                                       6 months - recharge 

***** NEW *****

LiFePO4 Marine Battery - 150 Ah 25.6 Volt 120 amp BMS with Bluetooth
$
2,300.00    
 
 

This 24 V150 Ah LiFePO4 battery is designed for both house and engine start marine applications. It has a built in 120 amp continuous draw Battery Management System (BMS) and is plug compatible with most lead acid and AGM charging systems. A Bluetooth battery monitor system for monitoring the state-of-charge of the battery with a free app is included .

This battery measures 20.5x10.5x8.7 inches 520x267x220mm.

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Efficiently and Sustainably Powering Your Boat. Call us any time, we're happy to help you work through designing your boat's solar system.
Call 248 705-8337, 773 965-2546 or email info@custommarineproducts.com

Link To Our Article On How To Size Your Solar Panels For Your Boat
  • Home
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    • Marine Solar Panels >
      • Semi-Flexible Marine Solar Panels
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    • Solar Controllers >
      • MPPT DuoRacer Dual Output Series
      • MPPT Tracer Series
      • MPPT Xtra-N Series
      • MPPT Victron Smart Solar Series
      • PWM Duo Dual Output Controller
      • Electrical Components
    • Complete Marine Solar System Kits For Boats >
      • Flexible Solar Panel Kits
      • Pole Mounted Solar Panel Kits
      • Auxiliary Solar Panel Kit
    • Solar Panel Mounting Kits For Boats >
      • Flexible Solar Panel Mounting Kits
      • Rigid Marine Solar Panel Mounting Kits - Top OF Pole
    • Outboard Motor Lifting Crane
    • Solar Water Heating System
    • LiFePO4 Marine Batteries
    • 12/24 Volt DC Refrigerator/Freezer
    • Visit Our Store
  • Testimonials
    • Testimonials/Customer Comments
    • Gallery of Installations
  • Blog
  • Support
    • Manuals & Info
    • Contact Us
    • About us
    • Call (248) 705-8337
    • Return Policy
    • Marine Solar Panel Sizing Calculator Tool
  • Sailboat Solar Power System