How many here have more than 200 aH for battery power?

[arctictraveller]

Originally Posted by Wrinkledpants

. There are a few manufacturers of lithium batteries that offer a drop-in replacement to AGM's, and they have their own built in charge controllers.

Actually, ALL lithium batteries must have internal protection circuits built in due to the volitile nature of the beast, from the largest electric car batteries to the smallest tool and toy batteries, but they still require a properly controlled multi stage charging routine much different from other battery chemistrys, including your start batterys. They can not absorb any overcharge unlike lead acid which simply boils upon overcharge, so it's critical that the charge controller cut off the current as soon as charge parameters are met. Even trickle charging can damage the battery, and possibly lead to a fire. This means you need two different charge controllers, one for the lithium and one for your start battery (unless it too is lithium) Additionally, few if any current alternators can take full advantage of the charge acceptance rates of lithiums with out suffering early failure due to overheating. The technology continues to evolve and there is no doubt great things are coming, I just fear that without a charge system put together by anyone less than an electrical engineer well versed in the technology could be problematic at best and tragic at worst. Consider too, that they need to be well protected from any possible physical damage. I look forward to seeing how you complete your build with state of the art technology.

Here are two great arcticle by Nigel Caulder about lithium's

http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/maga...-batteries.asp

http://www.oceannavigator.com/Januar...ry-revolution/