Hi
I am still looking for a particular solar panel to directly use a 12 volt frypan without batteries.
In the meanwhile, I have been looking at small batteries between (say) 4 AH and 15 AH.
This is for things like camping (though have not been for a while), BBQs and even using at home plus for using if the power goes out (very rarely) with occassional 12 volt appliances.
I currently have a cheap AGM 7.2 AH battery that is not quite enough for me though is about as heavy as I want (to carry anywhere).
I will get larger batteries as well but am really just experimenting I guess.
Anyway, Gordon suggested Nimh or LiPo.
I love Nimh AA batteries but for patent reasons (I think) what I want is not available.....mostly what is available for 12 volt are AA or similar stuck together in heat shrink packs.
I do not think I like the idea of LiPO but I do think LiFePo4 might be what I need.
From what I read, in fact I think most vehicles will be powered by LiFePo4 batteries in a few years and would not surprise if they are not powering ..well....almost anything in a dozen years or so (Unless something even better comes along). They are not quite there yet for most purposes (too expensive and need a mangagement system for anything of size). For my purposes though may be ideal.
Has anyone used LIFePo4 baatteries without a management system for small scale solar?
I am looking at things like small Shorai, Ballistic, K2 energy and maybe Tenergy LiFePo4 variants.
Most are labeled as motorcycle batteries....advantages.... MUCH lighter, supposedly last much longer (IF you follow the rules), charge much faster (I think...this would be a huge plus for me), is "made" for what i want...IE a fairly large constant current draw (comparatively) for a few minutes.
Are the only issues...not overcharging (voltage) and not "killing them" flat?
My 50 watt panel with no name regulator SHOULD be okay to charge without issue? (says voltage to stop charging is 14Volts)....would that still apply for such a different battery?
A Ballistic 12 volt 4 AH (equivalent???) LIFEPo4 battery weighs UNDER 200 grams?? Maybe not quite enough juice without me getting very nervous about killing it but would recharge in very quick time.
I will be buying various LiFePo4 batteries over the coming months but was curiosu if any are used for small solar already and what should I start dabbling with?
Towards the upper end of what I want some have a management system built in I think.