Alberta Lithium
- Thread starter marcmeunier
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RF_Burns
New Member
Sorry for the delay, Both mine are M8 size. Maybe they have two suppliers of terminals with different sizes.
I had to buy a few 100AH batteries for work. I was going to order the Alberta Lithium's but the Renogy were about $650 all in (tax and shipping). The ABLith withe $450+100 shipping for me east of Toronto, plus tax on the shipping so about $570. For the extra $80 I went for the Renogy and added in the bluetooth dongles. Seem like good batteries and well reviewed.
Not sure if I would do the same if it were my wallet. But I guess thats why I am trolling around looking at DIY options for home.
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I should add. The Renogy were $740 less 10% with the WillProwse coupon code (Anyone else that has bought from them can give you a code as well). Saying that in Canada right now its like no coupon codes are being excepted now. Not sure if that will change.
Not sure if I would do the same if it were my wallet. But I guess thats why I am trolling around looking at DIY options for home.
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I should add. The Renogy were $740 less 10% with the WillProwse coupon code (Anyone else that has bought from them can give you a code as well). Saying that in Canada right now its like no coupon codes are being excepted now. Not sure if that will change.
Just picked up a LithTech TE12100 from eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/255146411509?hash=item3b67e945f5:g:A~4AAOSwhHRf9oSL seems well packed (no damage) and free shipping at 399USD
Levo
Alberta Glamper
I have waded through all the BS emails and responses on the Alibaba minefield regarding raw cells from China. I have found the DIY route may not be worth it, with savings not justifying all the rigmarole. Also, exporting such cells to Canada is on hold right now and even the AB Lithium guy has supply problems. That said, I am considering 2 of their 100 Ah batteries or possibly Renogy equivalents (15-20% pricier w/free delivery).
Have found nothing online showing what is in their batteries at AB Lithium, but 1 positive (non-technical) review:
Also a capacity test:
I would prefer his 280 Ah option for $1200 CA, but none available right now. Any updates or experiences greatly appreciated. I am going nowhere before spring, so have time to decide.
Have found nothing online showing what is in their batteries at AB Lithium, but 1 positive (non-technical) review:
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RF_Burns
New Member
I bought two of their 100Ahr batteries (same as the grey units shown in your attached videos) for my motorhome and installed them last July. I have an all-electric fridge which runs on a Samlex EVO-1212 inverter/charger/transfer switch unit. I also have a 150W solar panel on the roof with a Victron MPPT controller that connects through the EVO.
The only issue I noticed right off is the batteries will disconnect once the charging voltage hits ~14.2 volts. I was concerned about this at first, but the battery is virtually 100% charged at that point. I planned on an approx. 90 to 20% charge cycle for long battery life. I've set the EVO and Victron for a target charge voltage of 14.1 volts and my Victron battery monitor shows I'm getting around 80Ahr from the battery before the low voltage disconnect on the EVO kicks in. I haven't taken it down to the point where the battery BMS cuts off..
I'm thinking the BMS is set for high voltage cut-off of 14.2V to stay on the safe side and not push the cells to max. I've disconnected them for the winter and so far (mid Oct till now) the batteries have dropped 0.01V. I discharged them to about 60% for winter storage. The motorhome sits in a heated garage for the winter so I have no cold weather experience.
The batteries are made by Lithtech which seems to be a large manufacturer in China.
So for me, so far so good!
sleddogsam
New Member
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- Mar 1, 2021
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Interesting that the high voltage cutoff is set that low. I think the spec sheet says 14.6v. On mine I noticed the low temperature cut off is activating around 4c which is a bit high but I’m ok with that.
You can use the edit function in the lower left hand corner of your message to delete one of them.
Levo
Alberta Glamper
Levo
Alberta Glamper
Thank you Mr. Burns, all that info will help my decision process, especially if the quality seems fine.
Downtime
New Member
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- Jan 28, 2022
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I purchased a 280Ah house battery from AB Lithium for my aluminum cabin boat back in May 2021. So far I haven't had any problems however, now that it's winter I can't recall what the cutoff voltage was although I'm certain it was higher than 14.1v. I will update this as soon as run the boat long enough for my DC-DC charger to fully charge it.
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Levo
Alberta Glamper
Now you guys have my attention! I have narrowed AB Lithium down to being best value in Canada regarding assembled batteries. Also I live in Alberta, so at least I have somewhere to go to resolve problems rather than a web site or cell manufacturer in China.
That said, before I lay down my $1400 I want to fully understand that the 14.2v limit (if all are set at that) will not impede usable capacity. I have referenced a few charts and they agree with you Mr. Burns, as even 13.6v represents "full".
If nominal charging voltage is 14.6v, can the charger can still operate at full voltage. Will the BMS still accept 14.6v coming in until the battery itself reaches 14.2? Not sure how this stuff works.
That said, before I lay down my $1400 I want to fully understand that the 14.2v limit (if all are set at that) will not impede usable capacity. I have referenced a few charts and they agree with you Mr. Burns, as even 13.6v represents "full".
If nominal charging voltage is 14.6v, can the charger can still operate at full voltage. Will the BMS still accept 14.6v coming in until the battery itself reaches 14.2? Not sure how this stuff works.
Levo
Alberta Glamper
Nice clear pics, thank you. I need at least 2 x 100Ah, but like you I have limited space (smaller trailer). Makes more sense for me to pony up the extra $400 for the 280Ah battery rather than eff about with heavy cables and lugs to parallel 2 or 3. Then I'll have power to spare. Unfortunately the 280 Ah have been out of stock for months, hopefully available soon.
Does the Renogy DC-DC charger have adjustable output voltage? If so, you'd set it at 14.2 or 14.6?
Downtime
New Member
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- Jan 28, 2022
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I have not played with the Renogy charger very much and to be honest, aside from using the little pin hole button to set the battery chemistry type your charging, I don't there is any other way to interface with it? This is the Renogy DC-DC charger with Solar MPPT charge controller unit but because the DC-DC charge function works so insanely well charging from just my 200hp outboard engine, I haven't even bothered to connect my two 80W CIGS panels yet. I'm attaching the specs sheet for the 280Ah battery in case you don't already have it.
Levo
Alberta Glamper
Thanks for the battery specs. Great to hear the Renogy charger works so well. Their specs say 14.1-14.7v, so should align nicely with the battery spec, even if the BMS stops the charge at 14.2. I already have 500w panels and Renogy charge controller, so won't buy the MPPT model.
One more question: How did you select charger size? Renogy support said to install no more than 40% of alternator rating. I'll likely buy the 40A model. My alternator is 160A, so I suppose I could install the 60 amp charger, but don't want to overheat the alternator.
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Downtime
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I'm charging from an outboard motor so I don't have a belt driven alternator to overheat anyway but 40% is a very safe ratio to work with. I can say I've had no problems with my battery but I would still like to see what's under the hood, hopefully someone does a proper review and tare down one day but so far so good.
Levo
Alberta Glamper
Thanks for the info. I'll report back in the Spring after installed and tested.
Levo
Alberta Glamper
This ad has run on Kijiji for some months now, selling LiFePO4 battery packs competitively. Assemblies offered are "bare bones" clamped with JBD BMS, no case etc. Over the phone, the fellow in Grande Prairie (AB) seemed very knowledgeable, offering to build and supply in about 3 weeks.
www.kijiji.ca
Anybody had any experience with this supplier?
Lithium battery packs. & Solar Panels. | Other | Grande Prairie | Kijiji
LiFePo4 280 Ah 3.2 v cells Cells assembled balanced, and clamped. With Bluetooth battery management system. 12v $1350 3.5 Kwh 24v $2500 7 Kwh 48v $4600 14. Kwh 48v $5000 14. Kwh Upgraded BMS, with inverter communication, and inclosed metal box. Individual cells. $220 Cells can be configured for...
www.kijiji.ca
Anybody had any experience with this supplier?
ChrisCarr
New Member
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- Dec 24, 2021
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- 21
I just emailed him, sounds like a pretty good deal. He told me that he uses Rept cells.....I'm no expert.....but I've not heard that brandThis ad has run on Kijiji for some months now, selling LiFePO4 battery packs competitively. Assemblies offered are "bare bones" clamped with JBD BMS, no case etc. Over the phone, the fellow in Grande Prairie (AB) seemed very knowledgeable, offering to build and supply in about 3 weeks.
Lithium battery packs. & Solar Panels. | Other | Grande Prairie | Kijiji
LiFePo4 280 Ah 3.2 v cells Cells assembled balanced, and clamped. With Bluetooth battery management system. 12v $1350 3.5 Kwh 24v $2500 7 Kwh 48v $4600 14. Kwh 48v $5000 14. Kwh Upgraded BMS, with inverter communication, and inclosed metal box. Individual cells. $220 Cells can be configured for...
Anybody had any experience with this supplier?