Li-ion Battery Challenges

Unlike conventional batteries, when Li-ion batteries fail, they can do so catastrophically. Here's the problem: When an individual Li-ion cell gets overcharged, it gets hot. This can initiate a process of self-heating that causes the cell temperature to continue to rise even if the cell is taken off charge &#; something known as thermal runaway. Once started, thermal runaway is difficult to stop. Depending on the battery chemistry, the cell may get hot enough to spontaneously catch fire.

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It gets worse: If a single cell enters thermal runaway, it begins to overheat its neighbor, which overheats the next one, and so on. This can cause a cascading failure that results in the battery burning uncontrollably. Even if a cell that has entered thermal runaway does not get hot enough to catch fire, it can swell up and rupture, venting the flammable electrolyte.

The potential for thermal runaway with any Li-ion battery chemistry means that when installing them on boats, they aren't plug-and-play. They charge at different voltages than lead-acid batteries do, and simply connecting them to a conventional charger is asking for trouble. To keep their concentrated power in check, Li-ion batteries rely on a sophisticated management system that actually tracks and balances the voltage differences between each cell, unlike the monitoring systems used with lead-acid batteries that simply show you what's going on. Among other things, proper management systems also contain over-voltage and short-circuit protection. Unfortunately, these management systems are vulnerable to lightning strikes or power surges, and any failure in the system can lead to a fire. While some Li-ion chemistries may be more resistant to thermal runaway than others, if you mismatch a charging system or choose the wrong battery management system, you could still find yourself with a charred hull. That's why the design and installation of Li-ion battery systems are best left to professionals.

If the potential dangers of Li-ion batteries are not enough to convince a hopeful early adopter to wait for the technology to mature, the price almost certainly will. A single replacement house battery will set you back around $2,000, and that's before the battery management system and the upgrades to alternators, battery chargers, and voltage regulators.

Electric Boats: The Risks and Challenges of Lithium Batteries

Like cars, electric boats are becoming increasingly popular. There are many advantages: less impact on marine ecosystems, improved performance, reduced noise... At the heart of this revolution are lithium batteries. They are characterized by their long life, lightweight, and energy efficiency. But that's not all: they don't emit harmful gases into the air or pollutants into the water, and they help reduce noise pollution for both wildlife and potential residents. However, recycling and replacing batteries at the end of their life is still a prickly subject.

Lithium Batteries: Balancing Performance and Safety

You may not know this, but there are several types of lithium batteries. They all have strengths and weaknesses, which need to be considered from a boating perspective.

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are known for their high energy density, long life, and low weight. They are available in a variety of configurations, including LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate), NMC (nickel manganese cobalt), and LFP (lithium iron phosphate). Their performance and availability in numerous variants make them a popular choice for marine activities. Historically, this type of battery has been used mainly in electric cars.

Lithium Polymer (Li-po) Batteries

Lithium-polymer batteries offer a slightly higher energy density than Li-Ion batteries but are more expensive and require additional safety and handling precautions. Their use is less common in the marine environment, but they may be considered for specific applications.

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Lithium Titanate (Li-Titanate) Batteries

Lithium Titanate batteries are characterized by their fast-charging capacity, long life, and tolerance to extreme temperatures. They are less prone to overheating problems and are considered very safe. However, their lower energy density makes them less attractive for specific applications.

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries

Lithium-iron-phosphate batteries are known for their safety, long life, and tolerance to extreme temperatures. Their chemical stability makes them especially popular for marine applications. These batteries are Dolphin Charger's preferred technology due to their optimal power/stability ratio. Although they do not entirely replace NCA batteries, LFP batteries are increasingly used in the automotive sector.

Risks Associated with Lithium Batteries for Electric Boat Equipment

Despite their performance, there are risks associated with the use of lithium batteries. Understanding these hazards and preventive measures is essential to ensure the safety of marine equipment.

Thermal Runaway and its Consequences

When exposed to prolonged overheating, lithium batteries can undergo thermal runaway. This leads to a chain reaction that raises the battery's temperature, causing flammable electrolytes, gas leakage, sparks, flames, and even explosions. Analyses by specialized organizations highlight the main risk factors: misuse, manufacturing anomalies, and mechanical shocks.

Environmental impact and safety

Lithium batteries also present challenges in terms of environmental impact. Shocks and overcharging can alter battery safety, increasing the risk of accidents. Moreover, the market value of small-volume lithium batteries makes them attractive to thieves. Some manufacturers are offering solutions that allow users to take their batteries with them at the end of the day, a practice that remains marginal for now but could develop.

Choosing the Right Lithium Battery for Your Electric Boat

Choosing the right lithium battery is essential to optimize your electric boat&#;s performance. This choice must consider the boat's primary usage, whether it&#;s for recreational or professional purposes.

Matching the battery to the boat

Choosing a battery must match the boat&#;s usage. A yachtsman uses his boat recreationally, with fewer constraints than a professional who regularly operates a shuttle. A professional needs powerful chargers to recharge the batteries and quickly maximize the boat's uptime.

Regulatory and Technical Considerations

Regulatory and technical requirements also vary by use. A passenger transportation professional needs to ensure that the boat is in continuous operation, which requires fast charging. On the other hand, a yachtsman has longer, less frequent recharging times, reducing the need for charging.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Charger

When choosing a battery, you must also select a suitable charger. Dolphin Charger recommends chargers that match the battery fleet and specific applications. An unsuitable charger may not only reduce the charging efficiency but also compromise the safety of the installation.

Read also: Which battery charger for your boat?

Dolphin Charger has chosen Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, which offer the best power/stability ratio. Take advantage of our expertise to optimize your installation safety and performance. For help choosing your battery and charger, contact us!

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