Don't Waste Your Money On Batteries - The Shocking Truth I Discovered When Testing RV Batteries
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In this section, the speaker introduces the topic of comparing different types of batteries and teases that the data and answer will be surprising.
Introduction to Battery Comparison Study
- The speaker conducted a controlled laboratory study to compare AGM batteries, flooded lead-acid batteries, and lithium-ion batteries.
- The study aimed to determine which battery type is most cost-effective and provides the most power.
- The experiments were conducted at different temperatures to gather comprehensive data.
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The speaker explains that this video was not originally planned but rather an opportunity to ask questions directly to Battleborn Batteries during a visit.
Interview with Battleborn Batteries
- The original intention of the visit was to interview Dr. Dennis Ferris (CEO) and Sean Nichols (CEO) of Battleborn Batteries.
- A cold weather charging experiment comparing lithium-ion batteries with lead-acid alternatives was discussed in a previous video and blog post.
- Questions were asked directly to Battleborn Batteries for further clarification on the study.
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The speaker asks for an explanation of what the study involved from Battleborn Batteries.
Details of the Study
- The study involved a head-to-head comparison between a lithium-ion battery bank and a lead-acid battery bank.
- Experiments were conducted at both room temperature and cold temperatures down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Discharge, charge, discharge cycles were repeated at room temperature, gradually decreasing the temperature for testing purposes.
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The speaker discusses battery capacities mentioned by Sean from Battleborn Batteries during the interview.
Battery Capacities Explanation
- Sean mentions that people often misunderstand battery capacities when it comes to lead-acid batteries.
- The common misconception is that 50% of the power can be used, but this is only under specific recommended circumstances.
- Discharging a battery over 20 hours at a certain temperature can achieve a 50% depth of discharge (DOD) of around 12.2 volts.
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The speaker further explores the topic of battery capacities and challenges the claims made by lead-acid battery companies.
Challenging Battery Capacity Claims
- Two reputable manuals from lead-acid battery and AGM battery companies state that a DOD of 12.2 volts corresponds to a 50% depth of discharge.
- It is difficult to argue against these facts provided by the manufacturers.
- The speaker questions whether it is possible for an average family living in an RV to achieve such discharge rates within recommended timeframes.
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The speaker discusses the offer made by Battleborn Batteries to see their testing setup and reconstruct the experiment.
Offer to Reconstruct the Experiment
- Battleborn Batteries offered the opportunity to not only see their testing setup but also reconstruct the experiment with full control over parameters.
- As an electrical engineer, this offer piqued the speaker's interest, leading them to extend their stay in Reno and set up new tests.
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The speaker shares their background in power systems and excitement about conducting load testing experiments on batteries.
Setting Up New Tests
- The speaker has experience building large battery banks for industrial and residential applications but has not done much load testing on batteries before.
- Two identical test benches were built with programmable charging capabilities as per manufacturer recommendations.
- High-power resistors were used as static loads for discharging batteries, along with an automatic voltage cut-out system and data recording setup.
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The speaker provides details about the batteries used in the experiments.
Batteries Used in Experiments
- Six different sets of batteries were acquired for testing.
- Two sets of Battleborn lithium batteries, including their brand new heated batteries designed for cold weather applications.
- Four sets of lead-acid batteries, specifically AGM batteries, were also obtained.
- The lead-acid battery bank was larger than the lithium-ion battery bank to provide a closer comparison.
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The speaker highlights the features of Battleborn's heated lithium-ion batteries and announces a giveaway opportunity.
Features of Heated Lithium Batteries
- Battleborn's heated lithium-ion batteries are designed to solve cold weather application issues.
- These advanced batteries incorporate the latest technology and offer improved performance in low temperatures.
- A chance to win two of these heated lithium-ion batteries is announced at the end of the video.
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The speaker explains the battery capacity used for testing and compares lead-acid and lithium-ion banks.
Battery Capacity Comparison
- For lithium-ion batteries, two 100 amp-hour (AH) capacity batteries were tested.
- Lead-acid battery banks consisted of four AGM batteries with a total capacity ranging from 400 to 450 AH.
- This comparison aims to provide a fair assessment by testing a larger lead-acid bank against a smaller lithium-ion bank.
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The speaker concludes this section by emphasizing that the comparison will be more like comparing apples to apples.
Fair Comparison Approach
- Testing a larger lead-acid battery bank against a smaller lithium-ion battery bank ensures a more accurate comparison.
- This approach gives lead-acid batteries the benefit of the doubt and allows for a closer evaluation of their performance.
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The cost comparison between different types of batteries for a 12-volt battery bank.
Cost Comparison of Batteries
- The Battleborn lithium batteries cost only 9 cents per kilowatt hour, while flooded lead-acid batteries cost 19 cents per kilowatt hour and AGM batteries cost 39 cents per kilowatt hour.
- Real-world testing showed that the capacity degradation of AGM batteries was much higher than that of lithium batteries.
- Lead-acid batteries perform worse under heavy usage and when not fully recharged every time.
- Lithium batteries deliver more energy per amp hour compared to AGM batteries due to their voltage staying up longer.
- Cold temperature testing showed that both lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries experienced similar capacity loss, around 75% to 79% of their original capacity at 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lead-acid batteries suffered a greater capacity loss at high current discharge compared to lithium-ion batteries due to the Pukert effect in cold weather applications.
- Heated lithium-ion battery provided less capacity than the regular battery at low discharge current but performed better at high discharge current.
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Comparing energy delivery between AGM and lithium-ion batteries.
Energy Delivery Comparison
- When comparing the same amp-hour capacity, lithium-ion batteries delivered significantly more watt hours compared to AGM batteries due to their voltage staying up longer.
- Amp hours are not directly comparable between different battery types as energy delivery varies based on voltage stability.
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Capacity loss in cold weather for different battery types.
Cold Temperature Testing
- Both lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries experienced a similar capacity loss, around 75% to 79% of their original capacity at 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lead-acid batteries suffered a greater capacity loss at high current discharge compared to lithium-ion batteries due to the Pukert effect in cold weather applications.
- Heated lithium-ion battery provided less capacity than the regular battery at low discharge current but performed better at high discharge current.
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The impact of temperature on battery performance.
Temperature Impact
- The Pukert effect is much more pronounced in cold weather for lead-acid batteries compared to lithium-ion batteries, resulting in a greater capacity loss under load.
- Heated lithium-ion batteries may provide less capacity initially due to energy consumption for self-heating, but they perform better at higher discharge currents.
The transcript is already in English.
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This section discusses the performance of AGM batteries in cold weather environments and the importance of temperature compensation during charging.
Performance of AGM Batteries in Cold Weather
- Adding insulation or keeping AGM batteries in an enclosed compartment helps them perform better in cold weather.
- Testing at 25 degrees Fahrenheit showed similar performance to room temperature when compensating for cold weather during charging.
- Temperature compensation is necessary to optimize lead acid battery performance in cold conditions.
- Manual adjustment of charging parameters is required for best results in low discharge and high capacity discharge scenarios.
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This section explores the real-world performance of lead acid batteries under high load conditions and the importance of monitoring voltage levels.
Real World Performance Under High Load
- Testing with a microwave and coffee maker connected to lead acid batteries at 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lowering the voltage cutoff to 10.5 allowed the appliances to work, but caution is needed not to damage the batteries.
- Voltage levels can bounce back after heavy loads are removed, but steady-state low voltage can cause significant damage.
- Monitoring voltage levels and setting up alarms can help prevent excessive discharge that damages the batteries.
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This section highlights key findings from testing lead acid batteries in cold weather conditions and managing low voltage cutoffs.
Managing Low Voltage Cutoffs
- After running heavy loads for about seven minutes, removing the load caused a considerable bounce back in voltage levels.
- To run lead acid batteries in cold weather with high load applications, careful management of low voltage cutoffs is crucial.
- Programming a voltage alarm or using devices like a BMV voltage meter can help monitor and prevent steady-state low voltage.
- Damaging the batteries by exceeding cutoff voltage during steady-state discharge should be avoided.
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This section discusses the final test conducted and summarizes the overall findings from the testing process.
Final Test and Overall Findings
- The final test was conducted to gather additional data before concluding the testing process.
- The transcript does not provide details about this final test, so no specific information can be included in this summary.
- After a month and a half of testing, valuable insights were gained regarding lead acid battery performance in cold weather conditions and under high load applications.
Focusing on Testing
The coach discusses the importance of testing in the context of the task at hand.
Importance of Testing
- Testing is crucial for evaluating and assessing performance.
- It helps identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Testing provides valuable feedback for improvement.
- It allows for measuring progress and setting benchmarks.
Effective Testing Strategies
- Use a variety of testing methods to ensure comprehensive evaluation.
- Regularly assess performance to track progress over time.
- Analyze test results to identify areas that need improvement.
- Set specific goals and benchmarks for testing.
Benefits of Testing
- Provides objective data for decision-making.
- Helps in identifying areas of expertise and potential growth opportunities.
- Allows for targeted training and development plans based on test results.
Conclusion
Testing plays a vital role in evaluating performance, identifying areas for improvement, and setting benchmarks. It provides valuable feedback and helps in making informed decisions.