For more details on this technology in a RV here are a some good links.
This is a very good thread on some people already using Lithium Batteries
http://www.technomadia.com/2015/02/l...attery-update/
This is a good place to see some people on the bleeding edge of this technology in a RV environment.
Also AM Solar is now starting to sell Lithium Batteries and are pretty knowledgeable on the subject.
http://www.amsolar.com/home/amr/smar...batteries.html
A couple of things that block me from making the move
- I would need to move to a new inverter/charger as my current one would not be able to provide the correct voltage parameters for charging. So I would need to add that cost into the equation.
Solar Charger - In my case my Morningstar controller gives me the ability to program my charge parameters. But that is not certainly the case for all units out there
And then there is the question on the voltage from alternator when driving. There are of course ways to solve this, but again at a cost.
On a good note; most (what I have seen) Lithium RV batteries are Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) and are not prone to thermal runaway as seen on Lithium-Cobalt-Oxide (LiCoO2) where we have seen the stories of fires.
for some of the advantages of Lithium Batteries
Copied from
http://www.amsolar.com/home/amr/page_21
"
Lithium Battery Advantages
Extended Lifespan
Lithium batteries cost about three times as much as AGM batteries, but the longer lifespan makes them well worth the added cost. Laboratory tests show that you can expect to see about 2000 to 5000 cycles from a well-maintained LiFePO4 battery bank. These results also show that a lithium battery will deliver more than 75% of its capacity after 2000 cycles. In contrast, even the best deep cycle AGM batteries are typically only good for 500-1000 cycles. Consider the longer lifespan of lithium and replacement costs of AGM batteries when evaluating the price differences.
More Usable Capacity
Unlike lead-acid batteries that are rarely discharged beyond 50%, Lithium batteries can regularly discharge 85% or more of their rated capacity. Take for example a 100 amp hour battery – if it was lead-acid, you would have access to only 30 to 50 amp hours of charge, but with lithium you could use 85 amp hours or more. When evaluating cost, consider that there is not an “apples to apples” amp hour rating comparison between the battery types. You get about twice as much charge in a similarly rated lithium battery bank as you would with AGM batteries.
Low Voltage Sag
As the charge level on a lead-acid battery decreases so does the voltage. This means that your lights will get dim and your appliances start to run rougher. The discharge curve of lithium batteries (especially when compared to lead-acid) is essentially flat, meaning that a lithium battery at 20% will be providing nearly the same output voltage as it would at 80%. On the flip side, once lithium batteries are fully discharged, their voltage drops off rapidly, and it is the goal of the integrated BMS (Battery Management System) to protect the batteries and prevent this from ever happening. Completely discharging a lithium battery bank, even just once, can permanently damage it. Keep in mind that any battery monitor or generator auto-start dependent upon detecting sagging voltage levels will likely not work on a lithium bank. A shunt based, calibrated monitoring system will be the most effective way to detect the charge level of a lithium battery bank.
High Current Output
Another huge advantage of lithium batteries is that Peukert’s losses are essentially non-existent, meaning that lithium batteries can deliver their full rated capacity, even at high currents. With lead-acid batteries you can see as much as a 40% loss of capacity at high loads. This means that Lithium battery banks are much better at powering high current loads like a microwave or an induction cooktop.
Fast & Simple Charging
Unlike lead acid batteries, lithium batteries have no need for an absorption phase to charge the final 20%, which means that lithium batteries can quickly be charged to full capacity. If your charger can provide enough amps, lithium batteries can be charged in as little as 30 minutes, which means less time with your generator. Additionally, with lithium batteries you don’t even have to fully top off the battery bank with each charging cycle. You will never have to deal with sulfation or a manual equalization cycle. This simplicity gives you freedom to tap into energy sources wherever you can find them without worrying about needing to do a regular full charge. With lithium batteries you don’t have to worry about leaving your battery bank perpetually undercharged.
Minimal Maintenance
Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries are mostly maintenance free. The BMS does all the thinking for you, and automatically performs a “balancing” process (similar to equalization) that uses resistors to bleed off excess charge, and ensure that all the cells in the battery bank are equally charged. Additionally, the BMS along with high current circuitry, prevents excessive discharges. All you have to do is simply charge your battery, or better yet, let your solar panels charge your battery.
Efficient Charge/Discharge
Lithium batteries are much more efficient than lead-acid batteries at storing power. Lithium batteries charge at nearly 100% efficiency, compared to the 85% efficiency of most lead-acid batteries. This is especially important when charging via solar, when you are trying to squeeze as much efficiency out of every hour of sunlight as possible. In theory, with lithium, nearly every second of sunshine you’re able to collect results in power stored in your battery bank.
Temperature Resistance
Lead-acid and lithium batteries have reduced capacities in cold environments, but lithium batteries are much more efficient at low temperatures. At -20°C, a lithium battery that delivers a 1C current (one times its capacity), can deliver more than 80% of its energy. In contrast, the AGM battery will only be able to deliver 30% of its capacity. For harsh environments (hot and cold), lithium is the better battery technology.
Easy Placement
Lithium batteries do not gas like lead-acid batteries, and do not need to be stored in a vented battery compartment. They can also easily be assembled into a variety of shapes, which is an important advantage if you are trying to squeeze as much power storage as possible into a small compartment. This is also useful if you have an existing battery bay that is limited in size, but you want more capacity than lead-acid batteries are able to provide.
Weight Reduction
Lithium batteries can store about 3.6 times more usable Amp hours than an AGM battery bank of the same weight. Your vehicle will handle better and get a better MPG.
Tax Incentives
Consider the implications of the 30% federal tax rebate which will be available through 2016. When combined with a solar installation, this rebate can cover the cost of your battery bank upgrade.
"
Overall I believe we are getting close, but to make these cost efficient you need to be able to get the expected longer life span out of them.
-greg