by Having a reliable power source while out on the water is a must for any boater. Whether you need to power lights, navigation equipment, or even a motor, a marine battery is often the best solution. However, if you’re using a lithium marine battery, it’s important to know how to properly use and maintain it for optimal performance.
With the right care, a lithium marine battery can provide powerful and reliable energy for a long time. In this article, you will be provided with the tips and tricks you need to properly use and maintain your 24V lithium marine battery so that you can enjoy your time on the water worry-free.
First Of All, What Is A Lithium Marine Battery?
A lithium marine battery is a type of deep-cycle battery that is specifically designed to withstand the punishing conditions of marine use. Deep-cycle batteries are those that are designed to handle a large amount of frequent, intense use, like powering a boat motor or running lighting.
Protection from frequent short, intense discharges is key to extending the life of these types of batteries. Like other types of batteries, lithium marine batteries use lead plates and an electrolyte as the active components in a cell. The electrolyte is the medium through which the charge and discharge of the battery take place.
In a typical lead-acid battery, the electrolyte is a mixture of water and sulfuric acid. In a lithium battery, however, the electrolyte is a special alkaline formula that doesn’t react with the lithium inside the battery. Since lithium batteries don’t require the impurities present in traditional batteries, they are more expensive and take up more space than lead-acid batteries of the same capacity.
Some Awesome Benefits Of Using A Lithium Marine Battery
First of all, lithium marine batteries are more powerful than traditional batteries. They are more environmentally friendly than traditional batteries and are lighter in weight than traditional batteries. They are also less likely to catch and are more resistant to extreme temperatures in comparison to traditional batteries.
Aside from that, lithium marine batteries are more resistant to harsh marine environments than traditional batteries. They are more resistant to vibration than traditional batteries. These types of batteries are also more resistant to corrosion than traditional batteries. And lastly, they are more resistant to extreme pressures compared to traditional batteries.
How To Properly Install A Lithium Marine Battery
The first step to properly using and maintaining a lithium marine battery is to ensure that it is installed correctly. This will help to ensure that the battery is functioning as it should be and that it is receiving the amount of charging that it needs. When installing a lithium marine battery, it’s important to make sure that the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion.
If there is any corrosion present, it could potentially damage the battery and cause it to fail earlier than it should. One thing to keep in mind is that lithium batteries have a different charging protocol than standard lead-acid batteries. This means that you will need a lithium charger that is specifically designed to charge them.
How Should You Maintain A Lithium Marine Battery?
In terms of maintaining your lithium marine battery, it is best to clean the battery terminals once a week to help to keep them free of corrosion. Additionally, you should cycle your battery each month to keep the cells fresh and ready to accept the charge.
Cycling your lithium marine battery allows you to fully discharge the battery so that it only has a 50% charge. This helps to maximize the energy capacity of the battery, which means that it will last longer between charges.
It’s also important to keep in mind that lithium batteries are prone to developing damage from excessive heat. Therefore, you should try to avoid leaving your battery on the engine or in hot conditions if possible. Excessive heat is one of the biggest causes of damage to a lithium battery and may shorten the lifespan of your battery considerably.
Tips For Extending The Life Of A Lithium Marine Battery
When it comes to extending the life of your lithium marine battery, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to help to extend the life of your battery. First of all, make sure that your battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion and that you cycle your battery once a month.
Second, make sure that your battery is only installed properly and that it is being maintained properly. If it is being abused, your battery will only last a shorter amount of time. Third, make sure that your lithium battery is properly ventilated all the time. Overheating a lithium battery can cause it to fail much earlier than it should.
Fourth, always make sure that your battery is charged between 50% and 80% regularly. If your lithium battery is being charged too high or too low, it could damage your battery and shorten its lifespan. Also, make sure that your lithium battery is kept away from extreme temperatures, as excessive heat is one of the biggest causes of damage to your lithium battery.
Last but not the least, always make sure that you have a safety device in place for your lithium marine batteries. It is because a lithium battery that is dangerously close to an object or human could cause serious injury or even death.
How To Charge A Lithium Marine Battery
Finally, when it comes to properly using and maintaining a lithium marine battery, it’s important to keep in mind that you will need a specific charger to do so. It’s best to only use a specific charger when charging a lithium marine battery.
The most important thing when charging a lithium battery is to make sure that it is only charged between 50% and 80%. If it is charged too high or too low, it could damage the battery and shorten its lifespan. Lithium-powered products use a USB-based charger to charge their batteries. If this is the type of charger that you’re using, make sure that the cable is inserted fully into the device and that there is no slack.
