Best Batteries and Parts

[XFILE36]

Can you recommend the BEST battery to buy?  I have a lithium battery (AKA Fuelless Generator 1000 watt with built in controller and inverter) with a 100 watt suitcase panel.  It is not going to be enough.  I will want to use an air conditioner as well as heater, dual freezer/fridge, etc.  In other words, I need the max power and want to buy the best battery(s) to start.  I don't really like the idea of not really being able to see the inverter/controller like I have.  What do you recommend to buy if money weren't an issue (ALL parts I need to buy too) to add to what I have?  I know almost nothing about this subject, but I think I don't want the lead batteries.  I have so much going on trying to plan, sell my condo, get rid of things, sell my car, buy a van, etc.  I am completely overwhelmed, and need out right away.   I am thinking electricity should be #1.  BTW, does anyone have a list of priorities converting a van, like a checklist?  I have a bunch of jumbled notes. Thank you.

 

[IGBT]

If money were no option I would probably buy a 24V inverter like the Magnum MSH4024 that we have now and I would buy two Torqeedo 24V Lithium batteries (24V at 108AH for about 4800 watt-hr for two).

This would run a small AC most of the night.

Features:

• Superior Protection against short circuits and maltreatment (wrong charging, deep discharge, wrong polarity etc.)
• Cutting edge integrated electronic battery management system
• No external accessories needed to perform protective services
• High efficiency - 2,685 Wh from just 44.1 lbs of battery weight
• Uncompromising design for marine use - Safe battery chemistry, and 4 safety-hardware features for each individual cell
• Fully submersible IP67 (voltage shut-off from terminals in case of submersion to avoid galvanic effects).
• Long life expectancy - Torqeedo Power Series normally only lose about 4% of their capacity each year
• Batteries will remain charged for several months even when not in use
• Maintains 96% of rated capacity when stored at 32° F for 1 year
• The batteries have no memory effect
• Lithium-Manganese batteries require no maintenance charging while in storage, and can be stored fully discharged

http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|215570|1825671|1794311&id=1712670
http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|215570|1825671|1794311&id=1712670

 

[Weight]

The only chemistry, other than lead acid, would be LiFePo. Other rechargeable batteries such as NiCa are not well suited for house batteries. It is highly recommended to start with less expensive batteries as the first set are like a learner package and will soon be distressed by operator error. My advice is golf cart batteries. Much information is available about them with a simple search. If the maintenance will be a problem, then maybe glass mat type, with no liquid acid to check. My favorite brand is made by East Penn under the Duracell Label.

 

[XFILE36]

If money were no option I would probably buy a 24V inverter like the Magnum MSH4024 that we have now and I would buy two Torqeedo 24V Lithium batteries (24V at 108AH for about 4800 watt-hr
http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|215570|1825671|1794311&id=1712670

IGBT,
Could I get away with one to start and use an air conditioner on and off throughout the night?  Also, WEIGHT below says:  "It is highly recommended to start with less expensive batteries as the first set are like a learner package and will soon be distressed by operator error. My advice is golf cart batteries. If the maintenance will be a problem, then maybe glass mat type, with no liquid acid to check. My favorite brand is made by East Penn under the Duracell Label. "  Is there something I could do wrong to the Torqeedo and do u agree with them?  BTW, I do not want to do maintenance on them.  Thank you

 

[XFILE36]

The only chemistry, other than lead acid, would be LiFePo. Other rechargeable batteries such as NiCa are not well suited for house batteries. It is highly recommended to start with less expensive batteries as the first set are like a learner package and will soon be distressed by operator error. My advice is golf cart batteries.

What does the only chemistry...mean?  I already have a LITHIUM battery as stated above, and don't believe there is anything I can do wrong to it.  I don't have to learn anything about it.  Do you know something about it I don't?

 

[John61CT]

Can you recommend the BEST battery to buy?  I have a lithium battery (AKA Fuelless Generator 1000 watt with built in controller and inverter) with a 100 watt suitcase panel.  It is not going to be enough.  I will want to use an air conditioner as well as heater, dual freezer/fridge, etc.  In other words, I need the max power and want to buy the best battery(s) to start.

There is no one "best", depends on your context and your needs, which need to be pretty well defined.

And there are few shortcuts to learning at least some level of details for these topics, if nothing else to keep you from getting ripped off (tip: avoid anything called a "generator" that doesn't burn fossil fuels).

For example, using batteries for heating your living space is very inefficient compared to burning fossil fuels directly. A/C from batteries is doable for a few hours a day, but that's unrealistic for most, and will require running a genny as well as a lot of solar.

Have you got a vehicle that can carry, has space for hundreds of pounds of batteries? Or are you going to pull a trailer? What about roof space for solar, talking like 100sq ft?

To answer your question, the two suggestions I have, if you really are wealthy, and are willing to spend several thousands on just the batteries, more than many do on their whole van setup, are both LiFePO4

1 a turnkey system from Victron

2 talk to Bruce Schwab at Ocean Planet

If you are planning on spending only a few thousand on your electric system, then other choices offer better value.

To keep this thread on track, best to focus only on the batteries bank first, and your usage. Once you have that in place, move on to the other pieces.

 

[XFILE36]

To answer your question, the two suggestions I have, if you really are wealthy, and are willing to spend several thousands on just the batteries, more than many do on their whole van setup, are both LiFePO4

1 a turnkey system from Victron

2 talk to Bruce Schwab at Ocean Planet

If you are planning on spending only a few thousand on your electric system, then other choices offer better value.

To keep this thread on track, best to focus only on the batteries bank first, and your usage. Once you have that in place, move on to the other pieces.

 John,
I am not wealthy, just going to sell things and will have some money to invest in my new home.  I don't want to invest in junk and don't want to do maintenance on batteries.  I don't want to keep buying and selling/using up things.  I want things that last.  Just so everyone understands, I KNOW I don't have a generator, we've already been thru this and it's CALLED a Fuelless Generator.  I just told you what I have above and fully understand it is a LITHIUM battery.   I won't be using a heater on it, just propane for that, but Air Conditioning is important and both a freezer and a fridge, fan, immersion heater for hot water to use a small bathtub, laptop.  That's about it.  Regarding your 2 numbers above, are they actually called turnkey system and are these 2 different places to find them?  Do you have links?  .

 

[XFILE36]

P.S. I plan to buy a class b or convert a van

 

[IGBT]

LiFePO4 is not the only battery nor the best battery.

The Lithium Manganese batteries used in the Torqeedo are safer, higher power density and last longer.  The problem is they are hellacious expensive.  LiFePO4 from a little guy in China is cheaper.    Warranty is 30 yards or 30 minutes away from the factory.

 

[WalkaboutTed]

It sounds like it will be quite a set -up.  I've seen solar awnings, that might be a possibility as a van might not have enough roof space for all the solar you need.  Maybe something like this on a smaller scale. 
Ted

 

[XFILE36]

It sounds like it will be quite a set -up.  I've seen solar awnings, that might be a possibility as a van might not have enough roof space for all the solar you need.  Maybe something like this on a smaller scale. 
Ted

Why????  Just because I want to bathe???  I really don't understand the resistance here.   People have air conditioning all the time in rv's!  People use kiddie pools!  BTW, I didn't mention asking about solar only either.  I am looking for solutions from people who I AM SURE have done what I will do.  MAN!! :huh: :s

 

[WalkaboutTed]

There are windmills on that RV also. Perhaps a small thorium fuel cell with Tesla batteries?

 

[XFILE36]

There are windmills on that RV also.  Perhaps a small thorium fuel cell with Tesla batteries?

LOL!  Oh, I didn't notice them.  Perhaps a donkey and a slave too, LOL!

 

[akrvbob]

I deleted a bunch of posts so let's all just step back, take a deep breath and start again.

 

[caretaker]

sounds like a job for a flux capisator

 

[DLTooley]

Having a vehicle big enough to hold the solar panels needed for AC is a factor. To run a 12v fridge your existing setup is enough, however depending on your other loads some additional solar would be worthwhile. What is the load of the AC system you are looking at?

 

[XFILE36]

Having a vehicle big enough to hold the solar panels needed for AC is a factor.  To run a 12v fridge your existing setup is enough, however depending on your other loads some additional solar would be worthwhile.  What is the load of the AC system you are looking at?

DLTooley, That is a great question.  I plan to get another panel that will accommodate the battery I have.
(I need to find out exactly how large of a panel I can add, but don't see anywhere to figure out the formula.)  I probably should start a new post to see what low voltage air conditioning others use.  Do you have one or know of a good one?

 

[XFILE36]

I happen to have a portable air cond but it might be too big.  Here is what I got off the back:  115V - 60 Hz, Current 7.9A  Can you tell me if it could work?

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

I probably should start a new post to see what low voltage air conditioning others use.  Do you have one or know of a good one?

This is being looked at in this thread:

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-F...00lbs-of-batts-and-of-course-SOLAR-A-C?page=2

JiminDenver, who is our resident expert at running ac off of solar, is recommending they look at this unit:

http://www.climax-air.com/

 

[XFILE36]

This is being looked at in this thread:

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-F...00lbs-of-batts-and-of-course-SOLAR-A-C?page=2

JiminDenver, who is our resident expert at running ac off of solar, is recommending they look at this unit:

http://www.climax-air.com/

Has anyone gotten a price on the climax air?  I see that you have to email them to get a price?  Also, how much more power/panels would I need to run this? Thanks