User Tools

Site Tools


opinion:frater_secessus:self-heated_lifepo4

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revision Previous revision
Next revision
Previous revision
opinion:frater_secessus:self-heated_lifepo4 [2024/11/24 21:28]
frater_secessus [robust charging] added blog post
opinion:frater_secessus:self-heated_lifepo4 [2025/06/24 18:52] (current)
frater_secessus [backing into a minimum temperature setpoint]
Line 126: Line 126:
 Chargers which lack cutoff but can be switched OFF/ON can be controlled by a signal from a thermal switch (nonconfigurable) or temp controller (configurable).  In this approach the switch or probe is attached to the bank.  Below a given temperature the control circuit is disrupted and the charger turns off.  Chargers which lack cutoff but can be switched OFF/ON can be controlled by a signal from a thermal switch (nonconfigurable) or temp controller (configurable).  In this approach the switch or probe is attached to the bank.  Below a given temperature the control circuit is disrupted and the charger turns off. 
  
 +
 +==== backing into a minimum temperature setpoint ====
 +
 +There are two pieces of information needed here:  a datasheet for your cells, and a realistic assessment of your maximum charging current ([[electrical:12v:battery_capacity|C rate]]) under best possible conditions.
 +
 +=== what the datasheet tells us ===
 +
 +The cells inside [[electrical:12v:drop-in_lifepo4|your LFP]] are made of individual cells.  These cells are usually made by a big cell manufacturer, who publish datasheets related to those cells.  You may have to google to find out the actual cells inside your battery, or watch a teardown video.  Then you can google to find the datasheet for those cells.  
 +
 +The datasheet contains much information but the part that concerns us here is the acceptable charge rate (C) at different cell((not ambient))  temperatures.  Here is the relevant info from secessus' REPT 280 cell datasheet:  
 +
 +^    ^   ^
 +| Temp (T)   | Charge rate (C) |
 +| <0°C | No charging allowed      |
 +| 0°C  T <10°C | 0.1C charge to 80% SOC     
 +| 10°C  T <15°C | 0.2C     
 +| 15°C  T <45°C | 0.5C     
 +| 45°C  T <55°C | 0.2C  |   
 +| >55°C | No charging allowed     
 +
 +
 +=== C rate at full charging power ===
 +
 +In secessus' use case his charging can  max out at ~55A((and usually much lower)) with solar and alternator combined.  55A/280Ah = ~**0.2C**.
 +
 +=== putting it all together ===
 +
 +Because his charge rate can reach **0.2C** he chose a warming setpoint of **10°C (50°F)**.
  
  
opinion/frater_secessus/self-heated_lifepo4.1732483720.txt.gz · Last modified: 2024/11/24 21:28 by frater_secessus