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Selecting the ideal batteries to power your marine accessories can be a daunting task when you’re out boating. The abundance of options can lead to confusion regarding manufacturer recommendations, specifications, and what truly matters when choosing the right battery.

Optimal performance and efficiency on the water depend on selecting the correct battery size for your trolling motor. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide all the necessary information to help you make the right choice that meets your boating needs. Determining the appropriate size for your lithium trolling motor battery will consider factors such as your usage patterns, available space, and the weight of your boat. It’s essential to strike a balance between having a large capacity and ensuring that it fits the size of your boat.In the following sections, we will explain how to choose the best trolling motor batteries for your boat in simple terms, enabling you to hit the water with confidence.

Understanding Trolling Motor Batteries

1.1 Types of trolling motor batteries

Trolling motor batteries are crucial components of any electric trolling motor system. They provide the power necessary to propel the boat forward, and selecting the right type of battery can greatly impact your boating experience.

Trolling motor batteries are broadly categorized into three types: lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries, and lithium-ion (LiFePO4) batteries. We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each type in detail below.

(1) Lead-Acid Batteries: Lead-acid batteries are the most affordable option for trolling motors and therefore the most commonly used type. They come in two varieties – flooded lead-acid batteries and sealed lead-acid batteries (VRLA).

Advantages:

• Affordable
• Widely available
• Easy to find replacement parts
• Can handle shallow discharges

Disadvantages:

• Require regular maintenance, such as filling with distilled water and cleaning terminals
• Shorter lifespan compared to other battery types
• Heavy and bulky

(2) AGM Batteries: AGM batteries are a type of sealed lead-acid battery that delivers power through a glass mat separator. They have become increasingly popular due to their longer lifespan and maintenance-free operation.

Advantages:

• Longer lifespan compared to traditional lead-acid batteries
• Virtually maintenance-free
• More resistant to vibration and shock
• Can handle deep discharges

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than traditional lead-acid batteries
• May not be compatible with all trolling motors on the market

(3) Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries are the newest and most advanced option for trolling motor batteries. Their popularity has grown as a result of their extended lifespan and the fact that they require no maintenance.

Advantages:

• Longer lifespan in contrast to traditional lead-acid batteries.
• Lightweight and compact
• Maintenance-free
• Can handle deep discharges

Disadvantages:

• Expensive
• Requires specialized charging equipment
• May not be compatible with all trolling motors on the market

To sum up, the selection of an appropriate trolling motor battery is influenced by various factors such as cost, lifespan, and maintenance requirements. Lead-acid batteries are economical but require frequent upkeep, whereas AGM batteries provide extended lifespan at a higher price point. Lithium-ion batteries are the most advanced option with a high price tag. Being aware of the strengths and limitations of each battery type can help you make an informed decision while selecting the ideal trolling motor battery for your system.

Can I use a Dual Purpose Marine Battery for my trolling motor?

Another battery type you may find during your search is a hybrid cranking/deep cycle battery commonly referred to as a “Dual Purpose” or “Dual Purpose Deep Cycle” battery. You may wonder if these battery types are suitable for use with your trolling motor, and the short answer is yes.

Dual purpose batteries have both the reserve capacity to power accessories long-term as well as the cranking amperage to start outboard engines. These are a versatile battery type and as long as the amp hour rating falls within the guidelines of the below chart these batteries are a great choice for powering trolling motors or other accessories.

Important note: is that when powering a 24 or 36-volt trolling motor system, it is not recommended to use a single battery in the 24 or 36-volt series as a starting battery as it can draw current unevenly from the system and over time lead to battery damage.

Factors to consider when choosing a trolling motor battery

When selecting a trolling motor battery, there are crucial factors to consider beyond just the battery types. The battery capacity, measured in ampere-hours (Ah), is one such factor that determines how much energy the battery can store and supply to the motor. Higher capacity batteries offer longer run times but are heavier and more expensive.

Another critical factor is the voltage of the battery, which should match the power needs of the trolling motor. Typically, 12-volt or 24-volt batteries are used for trolling motors, depending on their power requirements. Using the wrong voltage battery can damage the motor or reduce its efficiency.

For trolling motors with up to 55 pounds of thrust, a single 12V battery is sufficient. More powerful motors up to 80 pounds of thrust require two 12V batteries wired in series to provide a total of 24 volts. The most potent trolling motors generating over 80 pounds of thrust usually require three 12V batteries wired in series to provide a total of 36 volts.

• 55lbs of thrust or less = 12 volts (one battery)
• 68-80lbs of thrust = 24 volts (two batteries)
• 101-112lbs of thrust = 36 volts (three batteries)

It’s worth noting that certain trolling motors are designed to work with specific battery types, so it’s crucial to check the manufacturer’s recommendations before purchasing a battery.

Maintaining your battery is also critical, regardless of its type. For lead-acid batteries, regular maintenance like fluid level checks and terminal cleaning is essential for optimal performance and longevity. AGM batteries require less maintenance but should be periodically checked for charging and storage conditions. Lithium-ion batteries require minimal maintenance but must be charged using a compatible charger to avoid damage.

Selecting the ideal battery for your trolling motor depends on your requirements and budget. It’s vital to consider factors such as capacity, voltage, and compatibility with your motor, as well as the pros and cons of each battery type. Proper maintenance can help ensure that your battery lasts longer and performs at its best.

What Size Battery is Suitable for Trolling?

2.1 Factors to consider when choosing the right battery size

Boat size and weight: The size and weight of the boat are crucial factors to consider when selecting a trolling motor battery size. Larger boats will require larger batteries with higher amp-hour (Ah) ratings to provide enough power to the trolling motor for longer periods.

Trolling motor thrust: The amount of thrust that the trolling motor generates also affects the battery size needed. The higher the thrust, the more power the motor will require, and the larger the battery will need to be to provide enough power.

Fishing conditions: Wind and currents can impact the amount of power needed to operate the trolling motor. Strong winds or currents will require more power, which means a larger battery will be necessary.

2.2 Battery Size for Trolling Motor

The most common battery group sizes for trolling motors are 24, 27, and 31. However, the appropriate size will depend on the size of your boat, the weight you’re carrying, and the motor’s power requirements.

For smaller boats with lighter loads and less powerful motors, a group 24 battery may be sufficient. Group 24 batteries typically have dimensions of around 10 x 6.88 x 9.94 inches and a capacity of around 70-85 Ah.

For larger boats with heavier loads and more powerful motors, a group 27 or 31 battery may be necessary. Group 27 batteries typically have dimensions of around 12 x 6.75 x 8.88 inches and a capacity of around 90-105 Ah. Group 31 batteries are even larger, with dimensions of around 13 x 6.81 x 9.44 inches and a capacity of around 100-125 Ah.

Choosing the Right Trolling Motor Battery

Choosing the right battery for your trolling motor can be a daunting task, but it’s important to take the time to make the right choice. The following factors should be considered when selecting a battery:

Battery Type

As discussed earlier, the three most common types of batteries for trolling motors are Flooded Lead Acid, AGM, and Lithium Iron Phosphate. Each type has its own pros and cons, and the best option for you depends on your individual needs.

Battery Capacity

Battery capacity is measured in amp-hours (Ah), and it represents the amount of current that the battery can deliver over a certain period of time. The higher the Ah rating, the longer the battery will last. When selecting a battery, it’s important to consider the power needs of your trolling motor and choose a battery with enough capacity to meet those needs.

Battery Voltage

Most trolling motors run on a 12-volt system, but some larger motors require 24 or 36 volts. When selecting a battery, make sure it is compatible with your motor’s voltage requirements.

Group Size

When shopping for a battery, you’ll notice that they are identified by their “group size,” which refers to the physical dimensions of the battery. It’s important to pay attention to group size because it determines where the battery will fit in your boat.

Budget

The cost of a battery can vary greatly depending on the type, capacity, and brand. It’s important to set a budget and choose a battery that fits within that budget, while still meeting your power needs.

Maintenance

Some battery types require more maintenance than others. Flooded Lead Acid batteries, for example, require regular maintenance such as topping off the electrolyte solution with distilled water, while AGM batteries are “maintenance-free.”

By considering these factors, you can choose the right battery for your trolling motor that will meet your power needs and fit within your budget.

Amp-Hour Rating

When comparing different types of marine batteries, it’s important to consider the amp-hour rating, which tells you how much amperage a battery can provide for one hour. This rating is useful because it gives you an idea of how long the battery will be able to maintain a charge while outputting a given amperage. For example, a battery with a 100 amp-hour rating that is powering a trolling motor that is drawing 20 amps will last for 5 hours if it is running constantly (100 amp-hour battery / 20 amps drawn = 5 hours of run time).

For best results with a Minn Kota trolling motor, it’s recommended to use a deep cycle, marine battery with at least a 110-amp-hour rating (usually a Group 27 or higher). If the amp-hour rating is not available, you can also look for a deep cycle battery with a minimum of 180 minutes of reserve capacity. This will ensure that your trolling motor has sufficient power to run smoothly and reliably.

Cranking Amp Rating

When shopping for a trolling motor battery, you may come across a rating called cranking amps. This rating is usually found on cranking/starting batteries for outboard engines and is less relevant for trolling motor use. Cranking amps measure the number of amps a battery can deliver for 30 seconds while maintaining a voltage of at least 1.2 volts per cell (or 7.2 volts total for common six cell batteries). This rating is usually given as CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) or MCA (Marine Cranking Amps), depending on the temperature at which it is measured.

Helpful Battery Tips for Electric Trolling Motor Usage

Here are a few battery tips to keep in mind for efficient usage in electric trolling motors and a prolonged lifespan:

• Never mix different battery types for the same purpose (like using a deep cycle and cranking batteries for power delivery).
• Never mix old batteries with new ones.
• Keep a regular check on the fluid levels of a wet-cell battery and keep them filled to the recommended levels at all times.
• Try maintaining a trickle charge in the off-season and store them in a cool, dry place.
• Recharge the batteries after every trip as soon as possible as leaving batteries drained for an extended period can negatively impact their performance and health.
• Keep terminal connectors corrosion-free by periodically cleaning them with a mixture of water and baking soda.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Size Lithium Battery For Trolling Motor?

For trolling motors, group 24volt-12volt with a 75Ah lithium battery is the ideal one. But if you are looking for the highest lifespan and runtime, lithium iron phosphate batteries will work better.

What Size Battery For Canoe Trolling Motor?

Canoe trolling motors generally come in 12volts,24volth, and 36-volt types. Also, a 12V type motor can easily handle a 12volt battery.

What Size Battery For 24V Trolling Motor?

If you have a 24V trolling motor, you have two alternative options in the battery selection. You can either use two 12-volt batteries or a single 24-volt battery.

What Group Size Battery For Trolling Motor?

Group size mainly determines based on particular vehicle manufacture, model, and engine type. It refers to the size of the trolling motor battery that will perfectly fit with your vehicle required type. For trolling motors, a group 27 rating battery with a minimum 100Ah and reverse capacity of 175 is common and ideal.

What Size Battery For 70lb Trolling Motor?

If your trolling motor has 70lb of thrust, you can use two batteries of 24-volts each.

What Size Battery Do I Need For A 55 lb. thrust Trolling Motor?

For a 55 lb. thrust trolling motor, you need a single group 27 size battery or 12volt deep cycle battery with a minimum110 amp hour rating.

How big of a battery do you need to run a trolling motor?

Selecting Battery Quantity

If the motor is 55 lbs. of thrust or less, you will need (1) 12 volt battery. If you have a motor with more than 55 lbs of thrust up to 80 lbs. of thrust, you will need (2) 12 volt batteries for a total of 24 volts.

How long will a 50 amp hour battery last on a trolling motor?

Many of our customers can comfortably run their trolling motor and other accessories for a full day fishing trip with our 50Ah models. With our 100Ah models, many customers report 2 or more full days of fishing before needing a recharge.

How big of a lithium battery do I need for trolling motor?

If you are running at max power often, using spot lock often, or regularly fish in heavy current you want 100 amp hours or more. The 12V 100Ah battery, the 24V 100Ah battery set or the 36V 100Ah battery set will give you a solid day plus on the water.

If you’ve been considering installing a solar panel system recently, chances are you’ve come across the topic of solar batteries. Despite the growing popularity of battery systems, many homeowners still lack sufficient knowledge about them.

Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of solar power and seeking the best system for your property or you’ve had solar panels adorning your home for years, integrating a solar battery can significantly enhance the efficiency and versatility of your solar setup. Solar batteries store surplus energy generated by your solar panels, allowing you to power your home during gloomy, rainy days, or after sunset.

In this blog, we will delve into the benefits and downsides of solar battery storage to help you determine whether it’s a worthwhile investment for your solar energy endeavors. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced user, this information will aid you in making an informed decision.

What Are Solar Batteries?

A solar battery is a device that stores electric charge in chemical form, and you can use that energy at any time, even when your solar panels are not generating power. Although the battery backup systems that are coupled with solar panels are often referred to as solar batteries, they can store charge from any electricity source. This means you can recharge a battery with grid power when solar panels have low productivity, or you can use other renewable sources such as wind turbines.

There are different types of battery chemistries, each with advantages and limitations. Some types of batteries are suitable for applications where you need a large amount of energy in a short time, while others work best when you need a steady output over a longer period. Some common chemistries used by solar batteries are lead-acid, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium and redox flow.

When comparing solar batteries, you should consider both the rated power output (kilowatts or kW) and energy storage capacity (kilowatt hours or kWh). The rated power tells you the total electrical load you can connect to a battery, while the storage capacity tells you how much electricity a battery can hold. For example, if a solar battery has a rated power of 5 kW and a storage capacity of 10 kWh, you can assume:

• The battery can power up to 5,000 watts (or 5 kW) of the electrical load simultaneously.
• Since the battery stores 10 kWh, it can sustain a maximum load of 5 kW for two hours before depleting its charge (5 kW x 2 hours = 10 kWh).
• If the battery powers a smaller load of only 1,250 watts (or 1.25 kW), it can last for eight hours with a full charge (1.25 kW x 8 hours = 10 kWh).

It’s important to note that the rated power of solar panels and battery storage systems are not the same. For example, you could have a 10 kW home solar system with a battery that has a rated power of 5 kW and 12 kWh storage bank.

How solar batteries work

Solar batteries store the extra solar energy your panels produce that you don’t immediately use so that you can draw from it later.See, solar panels produce the most electricity during the middle of the day, which also happens to be the time when your home uses the least amount of electricity. A standard grid-tied solar system sends that excess solar energy back to the utility grid.

However, when solar panels are paired with a home battery, excess electricity goes into the battery instead of the grid. Then, when the sun goes down and your panels aren’t producing electricity anymore, you can use the energy you have stored in your battery – instead of paying for electricity from the utility. This means you get to power your home with all of the clean, renewable solar power your solar panels produce, no matter what time of day it is.

Solar Battery Types

The four main types of batteries used in the world of solar power are lead-acid, lithium ion, nickel cadmium and flow batteries.

Lead-Acid

Lead-acid batteries have been in use for decades and are one of the most common types of battery used in automotive and industrial applications. They have a low energy density (meaning they cannot hold much energy per kg of weight), but remain both cost-effective and reliable and thus have become a common choice for use in a home solar setup.

Lead-acid batteries come in both flooded and sealed varieties and can be classified as either shallow cycle or deep cycle depending on the intended function and safe depth of discharge (DOD). Recent technological advancements have improved the lifespan of these batteries and lead-acid continues to be a viable option for many homeowners.

Lithium-Ion

The technology behind lithium-ion batteries is much newer than that of other battery types. Lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density and offer a smaller, lighter and more efficient option. They allow the user to access more of the energy stored within the battery before needing to be recharged, making them great for use in laptops and phones—and in your home.

The major drawback of lithium-ion batteries is the significantly higher cost to the consumer. If improperly installed lithium-ion batteries also have the potential to catch fire due to an effect called thermal runaway.

Nickel-Cadmium

Nickel-cadmium batteries are rarely used in residential settings and are most popular in airline and industrial applications due to their high durability and unique ability to function at extreme temperatures. Nickel-cadmium batteries also require relatively low amounts of maintenance when compared to other battery types.

Unfortunately, cadmium is a highly toxic element that, if not disposed of properly, can have a significant negative impact on our environment.

Flow

Flow batteries depend on chemical reactions. Energy is reproduced by liquid-containing electrolytes flowing between two chambers within the battery. Though flow batteries offer high efficiency, with a depth of discharge of 100%, they have a low energy density, meaning the tanks containing the electrolyte liquid must be quite large in order to store a significant amount of energy. This size makes them a costly and impractical option for most household use. Flow batteries are much better suited to larger spaces and applications.

Advantages and disadvantages of solar lithium batteries

Advantages of Solar Lithium Batteries:

• High Energy Density: Solar lithium batteries have a high energy density, meaning they can store a large amount of energy in a relatively small and lightweight package. This makes them ideal for applications where space and weight are critical factors.
• Long Lifespan: Compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, solar lithium batteries generally have a longer lifespan. They can endure a greater number of charge-discharge cycles, leading to extended usability and reduced maintenance costs over time.
• High Efficiency: Solar lithium batteries are known for their high charge and discharge efficiency, meaning they can convert a larger percentage of the stored energy back into usable electricity. This efficiency translates into better overall performance and utilization of solar power.
• Fast Charging: Lithium batteries can charge at a faster rate compared to other battery types. This allows for quicker recharging from solar panels, ensuring the battery is ready to store energy during periods of peak sunlight.
• Lightweight and Portable: The lightweight nature of lithium batteries makes them easier to handle and transport, making them suitable for off-grid and mobile applications, such as camping or RVs.

Disadvantages of Solar Lithium Batteries:

• Cost: Solar lithium batteries can be more expensive upfront compared to other battery technologies, such as lead-acid batteries. However, the costs have been decreasing over time due to advancements in technology and increased demand.
• Safety Concerns: While lithium batteries are generally safe, there have been rare cases of thermal runaway and fire incidents. Proper installation, monitoring, and use of battery management systems are essential to mitigate potential safety risks.
• Limited Availability of Raw Materials: Lithium-ion batteries rely on specific rare earth elements, and as demand increases, there may be concerns about the availability and responsible sourcing of these materials.
• Capacity Fade: Over time, the capacity of lithium batteries can gradually decrease due to chemical reactions and aging. However, proper battery management practices can help mitigate capacity loss and extend the battery’s usable life.
• Disposal and Recycling: The recycling and disposal of lithium batteries require specialized processes to handle the potentially hazardous materials properly. Proper recycling and waste management are essential to minimize environmental impact.

In summary, solar lithium batteries offer several advantages, including high energy density, long lifespan, and high efficiency. However, they also come with some drawbacks, such as initial cost, safety concerns, and the need for responsible recycling practices. Evaluating these factors can help users make informed decisions regarding the suitability of solar lithium batteries for their specific energy storage needs.

Things to Look for When You’re Picking a Solar Battery

Several factors contribute to the performance of your solar battery. Before choosing your battery system, consider the following:

Type or Material

Among the types of batteries to choose from, each type offers a different major advantage. Weighing these pros and cons can help you decide which style is right for you. If you’re looking for something compact and longer-lasting, lithium-ion may be right for you. Lead-acid might be better for those conscious of more immediate budget constraints.

Battery Life

The “lifespan” of any battery is multifaceted; the age, type, quality and depth of discharge of the battery all contribute to its longevity. Referring to the manufacturer’s specifications for a battery can help you determine how long it’s likely to last.

In general, lead-acid batteries can last anywhere from one to 10 years depending on how they’re used. Lithium-ion batteries typically last seven to 15 years.

Depth of Discharge

Depth of discharge refers to how much of a battery’s stored energy is used before the battery is recharged. Typically, the deeper the battery is discharged, the shorter its lifespan will be.

Batteries often come with both a cycle life estimate (indicating how many cycles it will last given a particular depth of discharge) and a recommended maximum depth of discharge.

Both lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries will decay more quickly when deeply discharged, but lead-acid batteries tend to offer a lower tolerance for deep discharges than lithium-ion batteries, significantly reducing life expectancy if deeply discharged on a regular basis.

Efficiency

Solar systems and batteries are not 100% efficient when transferring and storing the collected solar energy from panels to batteries, as some amount of energy is lost in the process. Depending on the amount of energy you’re able to generate from your panels and how your system is configured, it may be worth investing in a more expensive, more efficient battery. This can help save money long-term.

Are Solar Batteries Worth It?

Solar batteries represent a significant upfront financial investment, but can ultimately help save you money on energy costs after sundown or during an emergency. If you’re living off-grid, they may be critical components of your energy system.

Solar batteries provide your home with clean, fairly green, renewable energy that would otherwise need to come from an outside source. Some areas also provide incentives or rebates to help mitigate the costs of adding a solar battery to your system and it’s possible to receive up to 30% off of your battery installation if you qualify for the federal solar tax credit.

Ultimately, only you can decide if the investment in a solar battery and its rewards is worth the cost and upkeep requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Batteries

Which battery is best for solar?

Lithium-ion batteries are considered the best option for home solar power systems since they can achieve a long service life even under a daily charging cycle.

What is the average cost of a solar battery?

The price varies depending on the brand and model, but the average price is around $800 to $1,000 per kWh of battery capacity.

How long do solar batteries last?

Solar batteries last for about 5 to 15 years. The life of the solar battery depends on its type, how well it’s maintained and how frequently it gets used.

How long do solar batteries hold charge?

The length of time your solar battery will hold a charge depends on the battery and the amount of energy being stored. A standard solar battery will store energy for one to five days.

Is it a good idea to get a battery with solar panels?

Using a solar battery helps you generate, store and use your power on your terms and enjoy life without the hassle of blackouts or high electrical bills.

When you buy or DIY your own lithium solar battery pack, the most common terms you come across are series and parallel, and of course, this is one of the most asked questions from the FlyKol team. If you have ever worked with batteries you have probably come across the terms,Series, Series-Parallel, and Parallel is the act of connecting two batteries together, but why would you want to connect two or more batteries together in the first place?By connecting two or more batteries in either series, series-parallel, or parallel, you can increase the voltage or amp-hour capacity, or even both; allowing for higher voltage applications or power hungry applications.

For those of you who are new to Lithium solar batteries, this can be very confusing, and with this article, FlyKol, as a professional lithium battery manufacturer, we hope to help simplify this question for you!

Basics

Battery packs are designed by connecting multiple cells in series; each cell adds its voltage to the battery’s terminal voltage. Figure 1 below shows a typical 13.2V LiFePO4 starter battery cell configuration.

Batteries may consist of a combination of series and parallel connections. Cells in parallel increased current handling; each cell adds to the ampere-hour (Ah) total of the battery The is an example of a series and parallel configuration. The configuration, 13.2V / 12.4Ah, is shown in Figure 2.

A weaker cell in series connected cells would cause an imbalance. This is especially critical in a series configuration because a battery is only as strong as the weakest cell (analogous to the weak link in the chain). A weak cell may not fail immediately but may be drained (voltage dropping below a safe level, 2.8V per cell) more quickly than the strong ones when discharging. On charge, the weak cell may fill up before the healthy ones and be over-charged (voltage exceeding 3.9V per cell). Unlike the weak link in a chain analogy, a weak cell causes stress on the other healthy cells in a battery. Cells in multi-packs must be matched, especially when exposed to high charge and discharge currents. Figure 3 below shows an example of a battery with a weak cell.

How to Connect Lithium Ion Batteries in Parallel

What is Series and Parallel Connection?

Actually, in simple terms, connecting two (or more) batteries in series or parallel is the act of connecting two (or more) batteries together, but the harness connection operations performed to achieve these two results are different. For example, if you want to connect two (or more) LiPo batteries in series, connect the positive terminal (+) of each battery to the negative terminal (-) of the next battery, and so on, until all LiPo batteries are connected. If you want to connect two (or more) lithium batteries in parallel, connect all positive terminals (+) together and connect all negative terminals (-) together, and so on, until all lithium batteries are connected.

Why do You Need to Connect the Batteries in Series or Parallel?

For different lithium solar battery applications, we need to achieve the most perfect effect through these two connection methods, so that our solar lithium battery can be maximized, so what kind of effect do parallel and series connections bring to us? The main difference between the series and parallel connection of lithium solar batteries is the impact on the output voltage and battery system capacity.

Lithium solar batteries connected in series will add their voltages together in order to run machines that require higher voltage amounts. For example, if you connect two 24V 100Ah batteries in series, you will get the combined voltage of a 48V lithium battery. The capacity of 100 amp hours (Ah) remains the same. However, it is important to note that you must keep the voltage and capacity of the two batteries the same when connecting them in series, for example, you cannot connect a 12V 100Ah and 24V 200Ah in series!

What are the benefits of connecting solar lithium batteries in series?

Firstly, series circuits are easy to understand and build. The basic properties of series circuits are simple, making them easy to maintain and repair. This simplicity also means that it is easy to predict the behavior of the circuit and calculate the expected voltage and current.

Secondly, for applications that require high voltages, such as a home three-phase solar system or industrial and commercial energy storage, series-connected batteries are often the better choice. By connecting multiple batteries in series, the overall voltage of the battery pack increases, providing the required voltage for the application. This can reduce the number of batteries needed and simplify the design of the system.

Thirdly, series-connected lithium solar batteries provide higher system voltages, which result in lower system currents. This is because the voltage is distributed across the batteries in the series circuit, which reduces the current flowing through each battery. Lower system currents mean less power loss due to resistance, which results in a more efficient system.

Fourthly, circuits in series do not overheat as quickly, making them useful near potentially flammable sources. Since the voltage is distributed across the batteries in the series circuit, each battery is subjected to a lower current than if the same voltage were applied across a single battery. This reduces the amount of heat generated and lowers the risk of overheating.

Fifthly, higher voltage means lower system current, so thinner wiring can be used. The voltage drop will also be smaller, which means that the voltage at the load will be closer to the nominal voltage of the battery. This can improve the efficiency of the system and reduce the need for expensive wiring.

Finally, in a series circuit, current must flow through all components of the circuit. This results in all components carrying the same amount of current. This ensures that each battery in the series circuit is subjected to the same current, which helps to balance the charge across the batteries and improve the overall performance of the battery pack.

What are the Disadvantages of Connecting Batteries in Series?

Firstly, when one point in a series circuit fails, the entire circuit fails. This is because a series circuit has only one path for current flow, and if there is a break in that path, the current cannot flow through the circuit. In the case of compact solar power storage systems, if one lithium solar battery fails, the entire pack may become unusable. This can be mitigated by using a battery management system (BMS) to monitor the batteries and isolate a failed battery before it affects the rest of the pack.

Secondly, when the number of components in a circuit increases, the resistance of the circuit increases. In a series circuit, the total resistance of the circuit is the sum of the resistances of all the components in the circuit. As more components are added to the circuit, the total resistance increases, which can reduce the efficiency of the circuit and increase the power loss due to resistance. This can be mitigated by using components with lower resistance, or by using a parallel circuit to reduce the overall resistance of the circuit.

Thirdly, series connection increases the voltage of the battery, and without a converter, it may not be possible to get a lower voltage from the battery pack. For example, if a battery pack with a voltage of 24V is connected in series with another battery pack with a voltage of 24V, the resulting voltage will be 48V. If a 24V device is connected to the battery pack without a converter, the voltage will be too high, which can damage the device. To avoid this, a converter or voltage regulator can be used to reduce the voltage to the required level.

What are the Benefits of Connecting Batteries in Parallel?

One of the main advantages of connecting lithium solar battery banks in parallel is that the capacity of the battery bank increases while the voltage remains the same. This means that the run time of the battery pack is extended, and the more batteries that are connected in parallel, the longer the battery pack can be used. For example, if two batteries with a capacity of 100Ah lithium batteries are connected in parallel, the resulting capacity will be 200Ah, which doubles the run time of the battery pack. This is especially useful for applications that require a longer run time.

Another advantage of a parallel connection is that if one of the lithium solar batteries fails, the other batteries can still maintain power. In a parallel circuit, each battery has its own path for current flow, so if one battery fails, the other batteries can still provide power to the circuit. This is because the other batteries are not affected by the failed battery and can still maintain the same voltage and capacity. This is particularly important for applications that require a high level of reliability.

What are the Disadvantages of Connecting Lithium Solar Batteries in Parallel?

Connecting batteries in parallel increases the total capacity of the lithium solar battery bank, which also increases the charging time. The charging time may become longer and more difficult to manage, especially if multiple batteries are connected in parallel.

When solar lithium batteries are connected in parallel, the current is divided among them, which can lead to higher current consumption and higher voltage drop. This can cause problems, such as reduced efficiency and even overheating of the batteries.

Parallel connection of solar lithium batteries can be a challenge when powering larger power programs or when using generators, as they may not be able to handle the high currents produced by the parallel batteries.When lithium solar batteries are connected in parallel, it can be more difficult to detect defects in the wiring or the individual batteries. This can make it harder to identify and fix problems, which can result in reduced performance or even safety hazards.

Battery Management System (BMS) Cell Protection

A BMS continuously monitors each cell’s voltage. If the voltage of a cell exceeds the others, the BMS circuits will work to reduce that cell’s charge level. This ensures that the charge level of all the cells remains equal, even with the high discharge (> 100Amps) and charge current (>10Amps).

A cell can be permanently damaged if over-charged (over-voltage) or over-discharged (drained) just one time. The BMS has circuitry to block charging if the voltage exceeds 15.5 volts (or if any cell’s voltage exceeds 3.9V). The BMS also disconnects the battery from the load if it is drained to less than 5% remaining charge (an over-discharge condition). An over-discharged battery typically has a voltage less than 11.5V (< 2.8V per cell).

Multiple Batteries In Series And Or Parallel (Each Battery With Its Own BMS)

EarthX batteries are approved for use in applications with up to two batteries in parallel, with no additional external electronics. The restriction to two batteries allows for normal variations in one battery without adversely affecting the other battery. For applications with more than two batteries in parallel, please contact EarthX tech support.

EarthX batteries are NOT approved for series operation without engineering design and approval. This restriction is due to the fact that impedance, capacity, or self-discharge rates vary between cells and between batteries. EarthX offers many 26.4 volt batteries. It is always preferred to use a single 26.4 volt battery versus two 13.2 volt batteries in series, for the single battery can internally monitor each of the 8 cells in series and ensure the charge level of all cells are balanced.

Parallel Operation

Like individual cells, you can combine batteries together in parallel to achieve higher energy/power (amp-hours, amps). Up to two batteries can be put in parallel. To combine batteries in parallel, connect positive to positive and negative to negative as shown in Figure 4 right.

It is important to use the same battery model with equal voltage and never to mix batteries of a different age.

When connecting two batteries, it is important to make sure the charge levels are similar (voltages are within 0.3 volt) before connection. If there is a large difference in charge level, high current can flow between the batteries.

In situations where the batteries are automatically connected/disconnected there must be external equipment to limit the current to less than the batteries maximum charge current specification and/or interconnecting wire ampacity specification.

Series Operation

Unlike parallel operation, series operation or series/parallel operation requires thoughtful engineering and maintenance to make the system function properly. Contact engineering for design approval. It is important to use the same battery model with equal voltage and capacity (Ah) and never to mix batteries of a different age. Both batteries in a series configuration must have the EXACT same load, meaning you cannot connect a load to just one battery in the series. If you charge one battery you must charge the other to an equal charge level. If you replace one battery, you must replace the other battery. See the example below for series wiring (Figure 5).

SERIES / PARALLEL OPERATION

Below is the approved series and parallel configuration (Figure 6). The batteries are wired as two separate series battery paths, meaning there is no cross ties between the centers of the two separate paths. Figure 7 shows an incorrect connection with a cross tie between the centers of the two separate series paths.

Is it Possible to Connect Lithium Solar Batteries both in Series and in Parallel?

Yes, it is possible to connect lithium batteries in both series and parallel, and this is called a series-parallel connection. This type of connection allows you to combine the benefits of both series and parallel connections.

In a series-parallel connection, you would group two or more batteries in parallel, and then connect multiple groups in series. This allows you to increase the capacity and voltage of your battery pack, while still maintaining a safe and reliable system.

For example, if you have four lithium batteries with a capacity of 50Ah and a nominal voltage of 24V, you could group two batteries in parallel to create a 100Ah, 24V battery pack. Then, you could create a second 100Ah, 24V battery pack with the other two batteries, and connect the two packs in series to create a 100Ah, 48V battery pack.

Series and Parallel Connection of Lithium Solar Battery

A combination of a series and a parallel connection allows greater flexibility to achieve a certain voltage and power with standard batteries. The parallel connection gives the required total capacity and the series connection gives the desired higher operating voltage of the battery storage system.

Example: 4 batteries with 24 volts and 50 Ah each result in 48 volts and 100 Ah in a series-parallel connection.

Series / Parallel Operation And Fault Indication

Each EarthX battery requires its own remote fault indication LED. The 12V LED is connected across the battery’s positive terminal and the remote fault indicator wire (pigtail wire out the side of the battery), see Figure 8 below. Connecting the remote fault indicator to an EFIS is not an option in any series configuration (12V LED light is the only option).

Series / Parallel Operation Charging (Maintenance)

With an approved engineering design, when using two 13.2 volt batteries in series, it is most important to keep the two batteries matched. If charging is needed, both batteries must be charged to an equal level. If a battery needs to be replaced, both batteries must be replaced. Both batteries must have matching capacity, and charge level always.

Frequently Asked Questions

Golf carts are a convenient way to get around the golf course. If you’re thinking of investing in a golf cart (we recommend these top golf carts), you might wonder how many batteries it takes to power one. So, how many batteries are in a golf cart?There are 3 to 8 batteries in a typical golf cart. The overall voltage of the golf cart determines how much it needs. Golf cart batteries come in various types and power configurations and have varying lifespans.

Golf carts are similar to cars in the sense that both vehicles need batteries in order to operate. The power from the battery provides the energy to start the car or golf cart. However, there is a difference between the typical car battery and a golf cart battery. Your car will only have one battery under the hood, while your golf cart will actually have multiple batteries in order to run. This is because an electric golf cart does not utilize gas in order to run, while a car does.

Golf carts have become increasingly popular for recreational use, transportation within gated communities, and on the golf course. The performance of a golf cart depends largely on the battery it uses. A golf cart lithium battery provides the power needed to drive the cart, and without it, the cart would not function properly.There are various types of golf cart batteries available in the market, and each has its unique features and characteristics. In this article, we will explore the different types of batteries and how many batteries are used in golf carts. Let’s dive in!

What Is A Golf Cart Battery?

A golf cart battery is a deep-cycle battery that provides the necessary power to drive an electric golf cart. These batteries are designed to provide a continuous flow of power over an extended period, unlike starter batteries used in cars that provide a burst of energy to start the engine. Golf cart batteries are usually lead-acid batteries and are available in different voltages, capacities, and sizes. They are typically mounted underneath the golf cart and are charged using an onboard charger.

How to Figure Out How Many Batteries are in a Golf Cart

Option 1 – The Easy Way

The easy way to figure out how many batteries are in a golf cart is to flip up your seat and count the number of batteries in the battery compartment.

Don’t overcomplicate things. If that battery compartment has eight lead acid batteries, you’ve answered your question in less than 15 seconds.

Option 2 – The More Official Way

Let’s say your golf cart isn’t accessible at the moment. You can also figure out how many batteries are in a cart by finding an owner’s manual online, searching for the specs, or contacting the manufacturer directly.

In this case, you’ll need to know the make and model of your cart. The serial number can be very helpful as well.

If you are a golf cart owner, I would strongly suggest taking a photo of the model and serial number of your golf cart. I like to keep that photo on my phone for reference. This helps whenever I’m looking at golf cart parts or golf cart accessories.

Types Of Golf Cart Batteries Available

There are several types of golf cart batteries available in the market, including:

Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries

Flooded lead-acid batteries are a common choice for powering golf carts due to their low cost and widespread availability. These batteries contain a series of lead plates that are submerged in a mixture of sulfuric acid and water. When the battery is in use, the lead plates and the electrolyte solution react to produce electricity.

While these batteries are relatively simple to use, they do require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Owners should regularly check and add distilled water to maintain the electrolyte levels, and the batteries should also be charged after every use.

Failure to maintain these batteries properly can result in sulfation, negatively affecting their performance and lifespan. Despite these maintenance requirements, however, flooded lead-acid batteries remain a popular option for powered golf carts.

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries

AGM batteries are a unique type of sealed lead-acid battery that offers key benefits for those who seek a low-maintenance power source. One advantage of these batteries is that they are maintenance-free, which means they require little attention after installation. Additionally, their spill-proof design makes them ideal for use in applications where damage from spills is a concern.

Though AGM batteries are more expensive than some other types of batteries, their longer lifespan makes them a good choice over time. However, it is important to be aware of potential drawbacks, such as their sensitivity to overcharging or deep discharging, which can harm the battery. Additionally, special consideration should be taken when charging these batteries, as a special charger is needed to ensure proper charging.

Gel Batteries

Gel batteries are a fascinating type of sealed lead-acid battery that boasts a unique design. Instead of using liquid electrolytes like traditional flooded lead-acid batteries, they use gel-like electrolytes to power devices. As a result of their design, gel batteries are more resilient to shock and vibration, making them an ideal choice for off-road vehicles and machinery that experiences lots of movement. Additionally, unlike flooded lead-acid batteries, gel batteries are virtually maintenance-free, which is a significant benefit for those who need reliable power without the hassle of upkeep.

Although they are more expensive than the other options, their longer lifespan and durability make them a worthwhile investment. However, it’s worth noting that gel batteries can be sensitive to overcharging, which can shorten their lifespan if care isn’t taken with the charging process.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are the most advanced and expensive type of golf cart battery. These batteries are lightweight, maintenance-free, and have a much longer lifespan than other types of batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries provide more power and are more efficient than other types of batteries, meaning they can last longer on a single charge. However, lithium-ion batteries are still a relatively new technology and are not yet widely available or affordable. They require a special charger and can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, which can affect their performance.

Replacing Your Golf Cart Batteries

If your original search was: “how many batteries does a golf cart have”, then your next task is probably figuring out how to replace that battery pack.

Before you go too much further, I want to give you a few important warnings:

Warning #1 – Take Note of the Battery Type

If your cart runs off of lead acid batteries, you need to replace those batteries with lead acid batteries.

If your cart uses lithium golf cart batteries, you need to replace those batteries with lithium batteries.

Warning #2 – Numbers Matter

As we covered earlier, most electric golf carts have 4, 6 or 8 batteries that are connected in a series. This setup isn’t random. In fact, it’s a reflection of the voltage of your cart. Let me give some quick examples:

For a 36 volt Golf Cart

You are most likely going to have 6 batteries in total. Each battery will have 6v of power.

6 volts x 6 batteries = 36 total volts

For a 48 volt Golf Cart

You are most likely going to have 6 batteries in total. Each battery will have 8v of power.

8 volts x 6 batteries = 48 total volts

But my 48v cart only has 4 batteries. What gives?

In this case, you may have a 48v cart with 12v lithium batteries.

12 volts x 4 batteries = 48 total volts

Generally speaking, I’m not a fan of math, but when it comes time to buy some newer batteries, you first need to know the battery voltage and current setup of your golf cart.

Warning #3 – Don’t Upgrade or Downgrade

In most instances, it’s best to just keep it simple.

If your cart uses an 8 volt battery series, you should swap out the old batteries with new 8 volt batteries. This ensures that your cart will continue to function the way that its engineers designed it.Don’t get cute or creative. If your cart was meant to run on 8 volt batteries, switching to a series of 6 volt batteries is a stupid and dangerous idea.

In a similar fashion, if your cart was meant to run on 6 volt batteries, you shouldn’t be dropping in 8 volt batteries (unless you want to watch your cart catch on fire on the golf course).Also worth noting: The battery charger that came with your golf cart is meant to charge that same type of deep cycle battery. You shouldn’t charge a 36v cart with a 48v charger.

Why Does A Golf Cart Have So Many Batteries?

Golf carts are equipped with multiple batteries primarily to facilitate extended operational endurance. They are widely utilized in golf courses where they are expected to function for several hours continuously without requiring recharging. The presence of multiple batteries allows golf carts to operate for longer periods without necessitating a recharge.

Moreover, the presence of multiple batteries can assist in achieving an evenly distributed weight throughout the cart. The lightweight and maneuverable design of golf carts necessitates weight distribution across the cart’s entirety. Multiple batteries can ensure that the weight is evenly distributed, thereby providing increased stability and ease of handling.

Furthermore, the golf cart’s performance can be enhanced by utilizing multiple batteries. The usage of multiple batteries generates higher power output, which in turn facilitates faster acceleration and easier hill-climbing. This aspect is particularly crucial for golf carts operating on hilly courses or carrying heavy loads.

How Voltage Affects The Performance of A Golf Cart?

Battery voltage measures the electrical potential difference between two points in a battery. It represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can provide to a circuit or device. In golf carts, battery voltage is important because it determines how much power the electric motor can draw from the battery.

The voltage of the battery bank directly affects the golf cart’s performance. A higher voltage battery bank provides more power to the electric motor, which translates to higher speed and more torque. However, using a battery bank with a voltage rating that is too high for the motor can damage the motor or controller. Similarly, using a battery bank with a voltage rating that is too low can result in reduced performance, slower speeds, and less torque.

Choosing a battery bank with the correct voltage rating for your golf cart’s electric motor is important. Doing so will ensure that the cart performs optimally and does not suffer from damage or reduced performance.

Maintenance of Golf Cart Batteries

To guarantee the prolonged lifespan and optimal functioning of your golf cart batteries, they must be provided with appropriate maintenance and care. Here are some guidelines to ensure that your golf cart batteries remain in impeccable condition:

• Frequently examine the water level: It is crucial to monitor the water level of your flooded lead-acid batteries frequently and, if necessary, replenish them with distilled water. The water level should be maintained above the battery plates but below the vent cap.
• Maintain cleanliness of batteries: To avoid corrosion and ensure proper electrical conductivity, it is essential to clean the battery terminals and the surrounding area regularly.
• Charge the batteries correctly: Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer while charging your golf cart batteries. Overcharging or undercharging the batteries can result in damage and curtail their lifespan.
• Store the batteries appropriately: If you plan to store your golf cart for an extended duration, it is important to fully charge the batteries before storing them in a cool and dry place. Recharge the batteries every few weeks to prevent them from completely discharging.

Conclusion

Golf cart batteries are an essential component of your golf cart, and proper care and maintenance can help prolong their lifespan and ensure optimal performance. It’s important to choose the right type and number of batteries for your golf cart model and usage and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and maintaining your batteries. With the right care and attention, your golf cart batteries can provide reliable and efficient power for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Battery management system (BMS) is technology dedicated to the oversight of a battery pack, which is an assembly of battery cells, electrically organized in a row x column matrix configuration to enable delivery of targeted range of voltage and current for a duration of time against expected load scenarios.

What is a Battery Management System?

BMS is a technology developed to foresee the battery’s State of Charging (SOC) and State of Health (SOH). SOC is the available energy that can be converted to work at that specific time. SOH is a factor that indicates the life cycle and durability of the battery.

When high voltage is required, we cannot rely on a single cell to generate it. Only a series or parallel connection of cells can meet the requirements. Many cells arranged together constitute a module, and several modules and a Battery Management System form a battery pack. For example, a Tesla Model S Plaid battery pack consists of 7,920 lithium-ion cells installed in five modules, and its capacity is 99 kWh.

1. State of Charging (SOC)

An effective BMS system tracks individual batteries’ charging and discharging status and distributes the current accordingly. It ensures that no cell is overcharged or discharged below its lower limit and makes it function within the Safe Operating Area (SOA). It will ensure that the voltage limit is never exceeded.

The BMS would perform some key calculations for estimating the cell’s charge and discharge current limits. It calculates its operating time, energy discharges in the previous cycle and the total number of charging and discharging cycles. With the help of these calculations, it predicts the SOC, which is like a fuel indicator of electric vehicles.

2. State of Health (SOH)

All rechargeable batteries can undergo only a finite number of charging and discharging cycles called cycle life. The cycle life can be optimised by effectively monitoring the charge of the battery while charging and discharging. Under proper circumstances and maintenance, a battery could last a long time.

3. Thermal Management

Thermal management is the most important function carried out by the Battery Management System. It always checks the temperature and cools the battery when needed. Cooling of batteries is not only vital in avoiding thermal runaway but also in optimising efficiency. Thermal management systems are designed considering battery size, peak voltage value, cost, and geographic location. Every battery has a specified operating temperature at which it can work with maximum efficiency. An increase in the battery’s temperature can reduce its efficiency by up to 50%.

A battery pack could use air or liquid coolant to maintain within the permissible temperature range. The efficiency of air coolant is relatively lower than that of liquid coolant. Air coolant systems are often passive and need additional components like an air filter and fan, which increases the system’s weight. Liquid coolant has a higher cooling potential, and batteries are immersed in the liquid.

The Battery Management System controls all these parameters through effective monitoring. It gathers all data related to battery temperature, the flow of current in and out of the cell, the flow of coolant, speed of vehicle and state of power. Whenever the battery gets heated, it signals the pumping unit to deliver more coolant. In the same way, whenever the voltage requirement is increased, it sends requests to lower the current limits. Thus the battery management system helps to ensure the safety and life of the battery.

What is the Function of a Battery Management System?

The primary function of the BMS is to protect the battery cells from damage caused by being overcharged or over-discharged. Additionally, the BMS calculates the remaining charge, monitors the battery’s temperature, monitors the battery’s health and safety by checking for loose connections and internal shorts. The BMS also balances the charge across the cells to keep each cell functioning at maximum capacity.

If it detects any unsafe conditions, the BMS shuts the battery down to protect the lithium-ion cells and the user.

Why are battery management systems (BMS) needed and how do they work?

Battery management systems (BMS) are electronic control circuits that monitor and regulate the charging and discharge of batteries. The battery characteristics to be monitored include the detection of battery type, voltages, temperature, capacity, state of charge, power consumption, remaining operating time, charging cycles, and some more characteristics.

Why a BMS is Important

Battery management systems are critical in protecting the battery’s health and longevity but even more important from a safety perspective. The liquid electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries is highly flammable.

So, these batteries need to be operating optimally and within safety limits at all times to prevent a fire.

Protections Offered By a Battery Management System

Let’s review the protections of a battery management system:

Under and Over-Voltage

Damage occurs if you overcharge (cell voltage getting too high) or over-discharge (cell voltage gets too low) a lithium-ion battery cell. The BMS helps protect from under and over-voltage situations so that damage to the battery’s cells does not occur.

Temperature Extremes

The safety and stability of lithium-ion battery cells depend on temperature maintenance within certain limits. If the temperature exceeds the critical level on either end, thermal runaway can occur. Consequently, this can lead to an inextinguishable fire.

The BMS monitors the temperature and sometimes controls cooling fans (in the case of an electric vehicle) to help maintain proper conditions. It will even shut down cells if needed to protect the battery.

Protection from Shorts

Internal and external shorts can also lead to thermal runaway. For this reason, protection from shorts is another critical component of a battery management system.

Types of battery management systems

Battery management systems range from simple to complex and can embrace a wide range of different technologies to achieve their prime directive to “take care of the battery.” However, these systems can be categorized based upon their topology, which relates to how they are installed and operate upon the cells or modules across the battery pack.

Centralized BMS Architecture

Has one central BMS in the battery pack assembly. All the battery packages are connected to the central BMS directly. The structure of a centralized BMS is shown in Figure 6. The centralized BMS has some advantages. It is more compact, and it tends to be the most economical since there is only one BMS. However, there are disadvantages of a centralized BMS. Since all the batteries are connected to the BMS directly, the BMS needs a lot of ports to connect with all the battery packages. This translates to lots of wires, cabling, connectors, etc. in large battery packs, which complicates both troubleshooting and maintenance.

Modular BMS Topology

Similar to a centralized implementation, the BMS is divided into several duplicated modules, each with a dedicated bundle of wires and connections to an adjacent assigned portion of a battery stack. See Figure 7. In some cases, these BMS submodules may reside under a primary BMS module oversight whose function is to monitor the status of the submodules and communicate with peripheral equipment. Thanks to the duplicated modularity, troubleshooting and maintenance is easier, and extension to larger battery packs is straightforward. The downside is overall costs are slightly higher, and there may be duplicated unused functionality depending on the application.

Primary/Subordinate BMS

Conceptually similar to the modular topology, however, in this case, the slaves are more restricted to just relaying measurement information, and the master is dedicated to computation and control, as well as external communication. So, while like the modular types, the costs may be lower since the functionality of the slaves tends to be simpler, with likely less overhead and fewer unused features.

Distributed BMS Architecture

Considerably different from the other topologies, where the electronic hardware and software are encapsulated in modules that interface to the cells via bundles of attached wiring. A distributed BMS incorporates all the electronic hardware on a control board placed directly on the cell or module that is being monitored. This alleviates the bulk of the cabling to a few sensor wires and communication wires between adjacent BMS modules. Consequently, each BMS is more self-contained, and handles computations and communications as required. However, despite this apparent simplicity, this integrated form does make troubleshooting and maintenance potentially problematic, as it resides deep inside a shield module assembly. Costs also tend to be higher as there are more BMSs in the overall battery pack structure.

The benefits of battery management systems

An entire battery energy storage system, often referred to as BESS, could be made up of tens, hundreds, or even thousands of lithium-ion cells strategically packed together, depending on the application. These systems may have a voltage rating of less than 100V, but could be as high as 800V, with pack supply currents ranging as high as 300A or more. Any mismanagement of a high voltage pack could trigger a life-threatening, catastrophic disaster. Consequently, therefore BMSs are absolutely critical to ensure safe operation. The benefits of BMSs can be summarized as follows.

Functional Safety. Hands down, for large format lithium-ion battery packs, this is particularly prudent and essential. But even smaller formats used in, say, laptops, have been known to catch fire and cause enormous damage. Personal safety of users of products that incorporate lithium-ion powered systems leaves little room for battery management error.

Life Span and Reliability. Battery pack protection management, electrical and thermal, ensures that all the cells are all used within declared SOA requirements. This delicate oversight ensures the cells are taken care of against aggressive usage and fast charging and discharging cycling, and inevitably results in a stable system that will potentially provide many years of reliable service.

Performance and Range. BMS battery pack capacity management, where cell-to-cell balancing is employed to equalize the SOC of adjacent cells across the pack assembly, allows optimum battery capacity to be realized. Without this BMS feature to account for variations in self-discharge, charge/discharge cycling, temperature effects, and general aging, a battery pack could eventually render itself useless.

Diagnostics, Data Collection, and External Communication. Oversight tasks include continuous monitoring of all battery cells, where data logging can be used by itself for diagnostics, but is often purposed to the task for computation to estimate the SOC of all cells in the assembly. This information is leveraged for balancing algorithms, but collectively can be relayed to external devices and displays to indicate the resident energy available, estimate expected range or range/lifetime based on current usage, and provide the state of health of the battery pack.

Cost and Warranty Reduction. The introduction of a BMS into a BESS adds costs, and battery packs are expensive and potentially hazardous. The more complicated the system, the higher the safety requirements, resulting in the need for more BMS oversight presence. But the protection and preventive maintenance of a BMS regarding functional safety, lifespan and reliability, performance and range, diagnostics, etc. guarantees that it will drive down overall costs, including those related to the warranty.

Tasks of smart battery management systems (BMS)

The task of battery management systems is to ensure the optimal use of the residual energy present in a battery. In order to avoid loading the batteries, BMS systems protect the batteries from deep discharge and over-voltage, which are results of extreme fast charge and extreme high discharge current. In the case of multi-cell batteries, the battery management system also provides a cell balancing function, to manage that different battery cells have the same charging and discharging requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re looking for the answer to, “How do solar batteries work?”, this article will explain what a solar battery is, solar battery science, how solar batteries work with a solar power system, and the overall benefits of using solar battery storage.

A solar battery can be an important addition to your solar power system. It helps you store excess electricity that you can use when your solar panels aren’t generating enough energy, and gives you more options for how to power your home.

Below, we walk you through how energy storage systems work with solar and what that means for what you can expect to get from your storage system. We also take a more technical look at what exactly is happening inside of your battery to store that energy.

What is a Solar Battery?

Let’s start with a simple answer to the question, “What is a solar battery?”:

A solar battery is a device that you can add to your solar power system to store the excess electricity generated by your solar panels.You can then use that stored energy to power your home at times when your solar panels don’t generate enough electricity, including nights, cloudy days, and during power outages.

The point of a solar battery is to help you use more of the solar energy you’re creating. If you don’t have battery storage, any excess electricity from solar power goes to the grid, which means you’re generating power and providing it to other people without taking full advantage of the electricity your panels create first.

An overview of how solar batteries work step-by-step

At the highest level, solar batteries store energy for later use. If you have a home solar panel system, there are a few general steps to understand:

• Solar panels generate electricity from the sun
• This direct current (DC) electricity flows through an inverter to generate alternating current (AC) electricity
• The AC electricity powers your home appliances
• Extra electricity not used by your appliances charges your batteries
• When the sun goes down, your appliances are powered by the stored energy in your battery

The Science of Solar Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular form of solar batteries currently on the market. This is the same technology used for smartphones and other high-tech batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries work through a chemical reaction that stores chemical energy before converting it to electrical energy. The reaction occurs when lithium ions release free electrons, and those electrons flow from the negatively-charged anode to the positively-charged cathode.

This movement is encouraged and enhanced by lithium-salt electrolyte, a liquid inside the battery that balances the reaction by providing the necessary positive ions. This flow of free electrons creates the current necessary for people to use electricity.

When you draw electricity from the battery, the lithium ions flow back across the electrolyte to the positive electrode. At the same time, electrons move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode via the outer circuit, powering the plugged-in device.

Home solar power storage batteries combine multiple ion battery cells with sophisticated electronics that regulate the performance and safety of the whole solar battery system. Thus, solar batteries function as rechargeable batteries that use the power of the sun as the initial input that kickstarts the whole process of creating an electrical current.

How does a solar battery work with solar panels?

In a typical home with existing solar panels, part, or all of your energy usage may come from solar generation while the sun is shining during the day. Any excess solar energy that is generated (and unused) is exported back to the grid in exchange for a feed-in tariff (FiT) that is credited to your bill (but this payment depends on the energy plan you are on). The feed-in tariff has declined over time. This means it can be more economical to store the energy for future use instead of exporting back to the grid. This is where a solar battery comes into play.

When you add a battery to an existing home solar system, the excess solar energy that isn’t used during the day can be used to charge your battery. Energy stored in your solar battery can then be used to power your household, for future use. This stored energy is particularly helpful when your solar panels are not generating enough, and you need to rely on the energy from the grid. In addition, it comes in very handy during those infrequent blackouts, helping you keep the lights on.

Below, we’ve listed how battery storage would work during the day and night:

During the day

• Solar panels  absorb sunlight (UV rays)
• Solar energy travels as Direct Current (DC) through the  solar inverter so it can be converted into Alternating Current (AC) energy that your appliances use
• The switchboard will then direct solar energy to where it’s needed. It will power the appliances in your home, then direct any excess energy to the battery inverter
• The battery inverter converts any excess energy captured into a form of energy that can be stored
• The battery stores the excess energy to use in peak periods, or when the sun goes down

At night

• Your solar panels will stop generating energy, allowing the household to switch to stored battery energy.
• The  battery will send the excess energy stored to the battery inverter
• The  battery inverter will then convert the energy stored in your battery to Direct Current (DC) energy for your appliances
• The switchboard will direct the DC energy to your chosen appliances
• When your battery charge runs out, the grid will kick in and replace it to continue providing energy to your appliances

How Solar Batteries Work with a Solar Power System

This entire process starts with the solar panels on the roof generating power. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of what happens with a DC-coupled system:

• Sunlight hits the solar panels and the energy is converted to DC electricity.
• The electricity enters the battery and is stored as DC electricity.
• The DC electricity then leaves the battery and enters an inverter to be converted into AC electricity the home can use.

The process is slightly different with an AC-coupled system.

• Sunlight hits the solar panels and the energy is converted to DC electricity.
• The electricity enters the inverter to be converted into AC electricity the home can use.
• Excess electricity then flows through another inverter to change back into DC electricity that can be stored for later.
• If the house needs to use the energy stored in the battery, that electricity must flow through the inverter again to become AC electricity.

How Solar Batteries Work with a Hybrid Inverter

If you have a hybrid inverter, a single device can convert DC electricity into AC electricity and can also convert AC electricity into DC electricity. As a result, you don’t need two inverters in your photovoltaic (PV) system: one to convert electricity from your solar panels (solar inverter) and another to convert electricity from the solar battery (battery inverter).

Also known as a battery-based inverter or hybrid grid-tied inverter, the hybrid inverter combines a battery inverter and solar inverter into a single piece of equipment. It eliminates the need to have two separate inverters in the same setup by functioning as an inverter for both the electricity from your solar battery and the electricity from your solar panels.

Hybrid inverters are growing in popularity because they work with and without battery storage. You can install a hybrid inverter into your battery-less solar power system during the initial installation, giving you the option of adding solar energy storage down the line.

What you get with a solar plus storage system

When you install a battery with your solar panel system, you’ll have the ability to pull from either the grid or your battery, when it’s charged. This has two major implications:

Batteries provide backup power

Even though you’ll still be connected to the grid, you can operate “off-grid” since pairing solar plus storage will create a little energy island at your home. So in the event of an outage, either due to extreme weather or a utility shutoff, you’ll still be able to keep your lights on.

Two things to note about backup power. First, if you just have a solar panel system without a battery, you will not have power in the event of an outage, even if it’s a sunny day. This is because your solar panel system will shut down in the event of a power outage so that it doesn’t send electricity onto transmission lines while utility workers are attempting to fix them, which would pose a safety risk.

Second, most batteries only provide backup power for part, not all, of your home. Unless you also install a smart electrical panel with your battery (which is a great way to get the most out of a storage system), most battery installations will require you to select what parts of your home you want to back up with the battery, and pull those loads onto a critical load panel. However, many batteries can be “stacked”, meaning you can keep adding additional batteries until you have the storage capacity you want. So while it might be possible to achieve whole-home backup, it can be cost prohibitive to purchase enough batteries to provide that level of backup.

Batteries can help you avoid high utility rates

By allowing you to pull from your battery instead of from the electric grid, pairing a storage system with your solar panels can help you to avoid high utility rates. There are two ways batteries can do this. First, if you are on a time of use or other time-varying rate, you can pull from your battery at the times when your utility charges more for electricity, i.e., during peak hours. And, second, if you are on a rate with a demand charge, which is more typical for commercial and industrial companies than for homeowners, a battery can help you lower your demand charge each month, which is a significant financial benefit.

How lithium ion batteries work

The most typical type of battery on the market today for home energy storage is a lithium ion battery. Lithium ion batteries power all sorts of every-day appliances, from cell phones to cars, so it’s a very well understood, safe technology.

Lithium ion batteries are so called because they work by moving lithium ions through an electrolyte inside of the battery. Since ions are particles that have gained or lost an electron, moving the lithium ions from an anode to a cathode produces free electrons, i.e., electrons that have been released from lithium atoms. The build up of these free electrons is how batteries ultimately charge and store electricity. When you discharge the electricity stored in the battery, the flow of lithium ions is reversed, meaning the process is repeatable: you can charge and discharge lithium ion batteries hundreds or even thousands of times.

Lithium ion batteries used in home energy storage systems combine multiple lithium ion battery cells with complex power electronics that control the performance and safety of the whole battery system. There are several different types of lithium ion batteries that use slightly different chemistries to offer varied attributes, from improved power density to longer lifetimes.

Notably, lithium ion batteries aren’t the only type of battery used in energy storage applications at the home, business or utility level. The other types of batteries store energy via similar mechanisms, with an entirely separate set of pros and cons.

Benefits of Solar Battery Storage

Adding battery backup for solar panels is a great way of ensuring you get the most out of your solar power system. Here are some of the main benefits of a home solar battery storage system:

Stores Excess Electricity Generation

Your solar panel system can often produce more power than you need, especially on sunny days when no one is at home. If you don’t have solar energy battery storage, the extra energy will be sent to the grid. If you participate in a net metering program, you can earn credit for that extra generation, but it’s usually not a 1:1 ratio for the electricity you generate.

With battery storage, the extra electricity charges up your battery for later use, instead of going to the grid. You can use the stored energy during times of lower generation, which reduces your reliance upon the grid for electricity.

Provides Relief from Power Outages

Since your batteries can store the excess energy created by your solar panels, your home will have electricity available during power outages and other times when the grid goes down.

Reduces Your Carbon Footprint

With solar panel battery storage, you can go green by making the most of the clean energy produced by your solar panel system. If that energy isn’t stored, you will rely on the grid when your solar panels don’t generate enough for your needs. However, most grid electricity is produced using fossil fuels, so you will likely be running on dirty energy when drawing from the grid.

Provides Electricity Even After the Sun Goes Down

When the sun goes down and solar panels aren’t generating electricity, the grid steps in to provide much-needed power if you don’t have any battery storage. With a solar battery, you’ll use more of your own solar electricity at night, giving you more energy independence and helping you keep your electric bill low.

A Quiet Solution to Backup Power Needs

A solar power battery is a 100% noiseless backup power storage option. You get to benefit from maintenance free clean energy, and don’t have to deal with the noise that comes from a gas-powered backup generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before lithium ion battery hit the scene, nickel cadmium was the standard—lithium has about twice the energy density of nickel cadmium, making this a much more powerful battery choice.

The adoption of lithium-ion battery has risen significantly in the present times. This is because Li-ion battery endure for a long time, hold a high power frequency and are affordable to manufacture. Lithium-ion battery advantages include its rechargeable and highly portable nature.In order to gain the best from the Lithium-ion battery technology, it is necessary to know not only the advantages, but also the limitations or disadvantages. In this way they can be used in a manner that plays to their strengths in the best way.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Lithium-ion battery?

Lithium-ion battery advantages:

• High energy density – Lithium-ion battery can have a high power capacity without being too bulky. It is one of the main reasons why they are so popular in portable devices industry.
• Small and light – Lithium-ion battery is lighter and smaller than other rechargeable battery in consideration of battery capacity. This makes it more practical in portable consumer electronic devices in which physical specifications such as weight and form factor are considered important selling points.
• Low self-discharge – Lithium-ion battery has extremely low self-discharge rate of about 1.5-3.0 percent per month. That means that the battery has a longer shelf life when not in used because it discharges slowly than other rechargeable battery. Take note that nickel-metal hydride battery has a self-discharge of 20 percent per month.
• Non memory effect – Lithium-ion battery has zero to minimal memory effect. Take note than memory effect is a phenomenon observed in rechargeable battery in which they lose their maximum energy capacity when repeated recharged after being only partially discharged. This memory effect is common in nickel-metal hydride rechargeable battery.
• Quick charging – Lithium-ion battery is quicker to charge than other rechargeable battery. It actually takes a fraction of a time to charge when compared to counterparts.
• High open-circuit voltage – Lithium-ion battery has a higher open-circuit voltage than other aqueous battery such as lead acid, nickel-metal hydride, and nickel-cadmium.
• Long service life – Lithium-ion battery can handle hundreds of charge-discharge cycles. Some Lithium-ion battery loss 20 percent of initial capacity after 500 cycles, while more advanced Lithium-ion battery still have capacity after 2000 cycles.
• Low maintenance – Lithium-ion battery do not require and maintenance to ensure their performance, as they has zero to low memory effect and low self-discharge.
• No requirement for priming – Some rechargeable cells need to be primed when they receive their first charge. There is no requirement for this with lithium ion cells and battery.
• Variety of types available – There are several types of Lithium-ion cells available with cylindrical or prismatic form. This advantage of Lithium-ion battery can mean that the right technology can be used for the particular application needed.

Lithium-ion battery disadvantages:

• Expensive – The production of Lithium-ion battery can be a rather expensive affair. The overall production cost of these battery is around 40% higher than nickel-metal hydride battery.
• Protection required – Lithium-ion cells and battery are not as robust as some other rechargeable technologies, they require protection from being over charged and discharged.
• Aging effect – Lithium-ion battery will naturally degrade as they suffer from ageing. Normally Lithium-ion battery will only be able to with stand 500 – 1000 charge and discharge cycles before their capacity falls to 50%.
• Transportation problems – This Lithium-ion battery disadvantage has come to the fore in recent years. A lot of restrictions are in place for the transportation of Lithium-ion battery especially large quantities by air.
• Deep discharge – Lithium-ion battery has low self-discharge. The general integrity of this battery remains intact even if partially discharged. However, deep discharge or when the voltage of a Lithium-ion cell drops below a certain level, it becomes unusable.
• Safety concerns – Lithium-ion battery may explode when overheated or overcharged. This is because gasses formed by electrolyte decomposition increases the internal pressure of the cell. Overheating or internal short circuit can also ignite the electrolyte and cause fire.
• Sensitivity to high temperature – Lithium-ion battery is susceptible to the downside of too much heat caused by overheating of the device or overcharging. Heat causes the cells or packs of this battery to degrade faster than they normally would.

Working Principle of Lithium Ion battery

Basic Structure: Lithium ion is a rechargeable battery which is made up of one or more cells (a cell is a power generating compartment of the battery) and each cell has following essential components namely- an anode, a cathode, a separator, electrolyte and two current collectors a positive and negative. Positive electrode is made of lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) or Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). The negative electrode is made up of carbon (graphite).

The general working of a LIB is as follows:

• Lithium is stored in anode and cathode.
• Electrolyte carries the positive charged Lithium ion from the cathode to the anode and vice versa through a separator.
• Free electrons are created in the anode due to the movement of lithium ions.
• This in turn creates charge at the positive current collector.
• The electric current then flows through a device, for example a cell phone to the negative collector.
• The separator prevents the flow of current inside the battery.

Charge and Discharge: During the discharging of the battery the anode releases lithium ion to the cathode which generates an electron flow from one side to the other and during this process electric current is provided.

The opposite happens when a device is connected and the lithium ions are released by the cathode and received by the anode; this is precisely how a lithium ion battery works.

Types of Lithium ion battery

The lithium ion battery are classified on the basis of active materials used in their chemistry. Every type of lithium ion battery has its own benefits and drawbacks. Basically there are 6 types of lithium ion battery available in the market, they are:

Lithium iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) or LFP battery

Phosphate is used as the cathode and graphite as anode. LFP delivers good thermal stability and performance.

• Uses: LFPs are the most common Lithium ion battery used to replace the conventional lead acid battery.
• Benefits: Safety, durability and long life cycle.
• Drawbacks: Performance suffers in low temperatures and they also have a low specific energy.

Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO)

These battery have high specific energy but low specific power.

• Uses: Small portable electronic items such as- mobile phones, laptops, cameras etc.
• Benefits: LCO battery deliver power over a long period of time due to high specific energy.
• Drawbacks: Costly, shorter life span, cannot be used for high load applications.

Lithium Magnesium Oxide (LMO)

LMOs use MgO2 as the cathode material thus improves ion flow.

• Uses: Portable power tools, electric and hybrid vehicles, medical instruments.
• Benefits: Quick charging, high current delivery, better thermaL stability, safety.
• Drawbacks: Short lifespan is the biggest drawback of the LMO.

Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC)

The combination of Nickel, Manganese and Cobalt yields a stable chemistry with high specific energy.

• Uses: Powertools, electric powertrains for e-bikes and some electric vehicles.
• Benefits: High energy density, longer lifecycle and lower cost.
• Drawbacks: Lower voltage output than Cobalt based battery.

Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA)

Can deliver a high amount of current for extended time.

• Uses: Most popular in Electric Vehicle market, eg. Tesla Cars.
• Benefits: High energy with a decent lifespan and can perform in high load applications.
• Drawbacks: NCA battery are expensive and comparatively less safe.

Lithium Titanate/ Lithium Titanium Oxide (LTO)

All the above discussed battery types have different cathode materials but the LTOs use ‘lithium titanate’ as anode whereas LMO or NMC is used as cathode.

• Uses: Electric vehicles, charging stations, UPS, wind and solar energy storage, street lights, military equipment, aerospace, telecommunication systems.
• Benefits: Fast charging, wide operating temperatures, long lifespan, very safe.
• Drawbacks: Low energy density, very expensive.

Applications of Lithium ion battery

Lithium ion battery are available in various shapes and sizes. They therefore are ideal for meeting the power needs of any system regardless of its size and nature. Some most prominent applications of Lithium ion battery are

• Power Backups/ Emergency Power/ UPS: Lithium-ion battery provides instant backup power in case of emergency and allows us to safely shut down or keep the vital equipments running during the emergency situation. These battery are widely used in computers, communication and medical technology.
• Solar Power Storage Units: Lithium ion battery are best suitable for storing power at a solar power unit because these battery charge very quickly, maximizing the solar power storage potential and allowing us to extract the highest possible power from the sun.
• As a Portable Power Source: In consumer electronic goods today all our electronic gadgets like mobile phones, bluetooth speakers laptops, digital cameras, flashlight etc are all powered by rechargeable lithium ion battery which allows us to use these gadgets freely anywhere and everywhere.
• Electric automobiles/ Mobility: Vehicular emission of fossil fuels is a prominent reason for increasing environmental pollution. Lithium ion battery powered vehicles reduce considerable amounts of pollution and in this way reduces our carbon footprint.

ADVANTAGES OF LITHIUM ION vs LEAD ACID

Built in battery protection system (BPS)

• Low Voltage Protection Switch – Automatically disconnects at 10.5V.
• Over Voltage Protection Switch – Automatically disconnects at 15.8V.
• Short Circuit Protection Switch – Automatically disconnects should a short occur.
• Reverse Polarity Protection Switch – Automatically disconnects should the polarity be accidently reversed.
• Internal Cell Balancing – Automatically balances cells.
• Charge Balancing – Independent balancing for multiple battery connected in parallel or in series.

This Battery Protection System is designed to last throughout the life of the battery and provide reliable power for thousands of cycles.

Significantly Less Weight

Usually about 70% lighter than the same size lead acid battery.

Orientation

A LiT battery can be mounted and operated in any direction.

Rapid Charge

A Lithium Ion Technologies® battery can be fully recharged in as little as 1 hour from a completely dead battery. If you have a 100 amp hour Lithium Ion Technologies® battery and a 100 amp charger, It will take only 1 hour to fully re-charge.

No Voltage Drop

Voltage Curve is nearly flat giving out higher voltage and power through out the entire discharge cycle. A 12V Lithium Ion Battery has little to no voltage drop while cranking your motor. This provides around 25% faster starting than with a lead battery. When cranking your motor with a lead battery the voltage can drop down to 9V causing your starter to spin slower.

Charge Efficiency

When charging a lead acid battery you can lose between 15 – 30% of the energy between your charger to the battery due to heat loss. A Lithium Ion Technologies® battery is 99.1% efficient and will accept nearly 100% of the power from your charger, solar panels, or other energy generating technologies.

Charge Algorithm

Lithium Ion battery can be charged with constant current and constant voltage (CC, CV). This means that almost any battery charger regardless of the algorithm can charge a Lithium Ion Technologies® battery. An algorithm typically slows down the current flowing into the battery from the charger. Lead Acid battery heat up and swell if they receive constant current so charger manufacturers create algorithms to slow down the current protect the battery from over heating. A LiT® battery will not heat up while charging.

Bulk, Absorb, and Float Charging

If your charger is programmable for different types of battery or custom settings you will want to set it up as follows: Bulk 14.4V, Absorb 14.6V, and float at 13.6V.

No Self Discharge

Lithium Ion Technologies® battery self discharge less than 3% per month. A Lithium Ion Technologies® battery can hold a full charge for over 1 year and has virtually no self discharge. Lead battery can lose up to 30% of their capacity per month due to self discharging.

Vibration Proof

LiT® cells are bolted together and made of solid construction.

There are no fragile or brittle plates made of lead, which can be prone to failure over time as a result of vibration.

Amp Hours

What many battery owners fail to realize about lead acid battery is that its capacity (Ah) rating is usually specified at the 20 hour discharge rate. At high rates of discharge above 20A the usable capacity can be reduced to less than half due to “Peukert’s Effect”. A 225AH Lead acid battery at an 80A discharge rate may only run for 53 minutes.

Higher Energy Density

4X higher energy density than lead battery.

Superior “Usable” Capacity:

A Lithium Ion Technologies® battery can be fully discharged without damaging the battery. Lead battery typically only provide 50% usable capacity from the amp hour rating. This means that if your application requires 400 amp hours of usable capacity you would have to size a lead acid battery bank of 800 amp hours.