Lithium Batteries – Make the Right Choice
by Billy Tong - Racetech 2 Aug 2021 14:12 NZST
Vendee Globe 2016 - Powered by Super B © Super B Batteries
There are some common misconceptions around lithium batteries, their safety, and the danger they pose. While this is true for Lithium Nickel Magnesium Cobalt (Li-NMC), it is a myth for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. LiFePO4 batteries are the safest on the market. Cobalt will ignite at 150 degrees Celsius and from there it is an unstoppable process. Super B batteries use no cobalt and because of the different cell chemistry, they cannot catch fire.
Super B have been producing lithium batteries in the Netherlands since 2007 and are recognised as class leaders in their field. Super B have extensive experience in the Marine, RV, and Powersports markets and are leaders in battery technology designed for harsh environments such as the Dakar Rally.
Lithium batteries are now more commonplace in marine applications due to their weight saving, performance, durability, and safety. They have proven significant advantages over other battery chemistries such as lead-acid, gel, AGM, and other lithium compositions.
In 2016, Super B converted the first tourist canal boats in Amsterdam from diesel to electric. By 2025, all boats in Amsterdam must be electric if they want to enter the central canals of the city. The boat operators save a lot on their maintenance costs and diesel expenses. Compared to lead-acid batteries they require much less space in which they can carry passengers instead.
Other lithium batteries tend to be manufactured in countries where the cost of manufacturing is low, which results in poor quality and performance. Super B’s internal battery construction and overall quality is very robust and high quality. Their energy batteries have a stated lifetime of 3500 cycles and 100% depth of discharge. If you discharged the battery every single day, it would last 10 years!
You should always consider more than just the quality of the lithium cells when looking to make the switch. Super B has a patented process to weld the cells together to minimize any resistance or heat generation. Customers can reap the rewards of this advantage by seeing a very high discharge rate, efficient operation, and little heat generation. Super B batteries have integrated battery management systems (BMS) to make sure the cells are consistent across the entirety of the battery. The BMS balances, controls the temperature, voltage, current and state of charge of the cells. If something is wrong, the BMS will command the battery to shut down to avoid damage.
Super B has a comprehensive track record with boat manufacturers such as Beneteau and Jeanneau who utilise their batteries for house loads so you can make a cup of coffee, use a hair dryer, or even use the AC unit when the engine is not running. The Epsilon 90Ah can do 200A continuous discharge until 0%. Try doing that with any other battery. Nothing is beyond the realm of possibility with Super B batteries.
For New Zealand and Australia Super B has expanded its network and is now available locally represented by the company Racetech Manufacturing Ltd at www.super-b.co.nz
Racetech Manufacturing Ltd
sales@super-b.co.nz
+64-4-939-0552