Lithium Battery

[Graeme]

Hi

I bought a Lithium Battery to replace the failed unit. Due to my wife being ill for a few months, I haven't ridden the bike since I replaced it. I've searched the net but I can't find any instructions on charging from a battery charger. ie. what setting should be used (Gel etc)?

Any knowledge on this? They are incredibly lightweight.

I have bought an isolation switch which I'll fit to prevent any parasitic drain in the future.

Thanks

[Barry]

What make of Lithium battery is it ?

I don't think anyone should be 2nd guessing the battery manufacturers recommendations for charging voltage so I'd use whatever they say to use and that might include adjusting the bikes voltage regulator if appropriate.  In principle you need either a specialised lithium charger or an automatic regulated charger that limits the charge voltage to a safe level. Once you know what the battery needs you can choose a charging regime to match. I suspect a Gel setting would be one of the safer options as that would likely be limited to something like 14.2 volts. Best to check with the battery manufacturer and then monitor the charging voltage of the Gel setting to see if it is safe.

Lithium is a highly specialised field and if you want to learn more I've not seen a better reference than this.  http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=757934

[Graeme]

Thanks Barry. It's a Motocell. After another search, I came across this:-http://www.linkint.com.au/motocell.html - & sent an email asking the question. When I receive a reply, I'll post it here.

It's "Manyana" time here in Australia, so I may not get a reply for a week or so.

In the meantime, I'll peruse the Adventure Rider link.

[mrclubike]

 Why cant you just jump start it and go ride it to recharge the battery?

[Graeme]

Why cant you just jump start it and go ride it to recharge the battery?

Yeah! Sure. But I'm also trying to understand the product. Can you use a battery saver for instance?

[Bob_Roller]

I've wondered about lithium batteries being finicky about charging, being installed in a motorcycle which has a very uneven charging output, depending on how the bike is operated .

I belong to a Moto Guzzi forum, about a year ago, there were a few threads about lithium batteries, Shorai was the manufacturer of the batteries being discussed and they gave starting issues when the temperature dropped below 55 F, 13 C .

I'd like to see what your experience is with this new technology battery .

[Barry]

 

Can you use a battery saver for instance?

I did a little research and having a trickle or float charger permanently connected to a lithium battery is likely to do more harm than good for a couple of reasons.

First reason is it shouldn't be necessary. Lithium batteries have very low internal resistance and very low self discharge rates so once fully charged there should be no need for continuous topping up even over a long 6 month winter lay off.

Because of the low internal resistance a float charger will push more current into a lithium than it would into a lead acid battery and the end result can be over charging and a compromised life.  Best to just make sure the battery is fully charged before storage and leave it at that.

I've got to say that I'm not a fan of float charging except for wet cell lead acid where it's needed because of a more significant self discharge rate. AGM and Gel batteries may not be quite as sensitive as a lithium but they also have low self discharge rates and really don't need a permanent float charger hooked up. Truth is any sealed battery is at risk from float charging unless the voltage has been carefully selected to match the battery.

What any battery needs for long life is to be kept fully or close to fully charged but not over charged. The best plan is to get to know what the batteries rested open circuit voltage is and then a quick check with a digital voltmeter will tell you if the battery is partially discharged and in need of a top up.

[Graeme]

Well - charge outside the vehicle.
Must be fitted to a vehicle with an adapter with a voltage limit of 15v.
Charge the battery with a lower current than the MAX charging rate found in the specifications data.
Leave the battery 1-2 hours after charging.
If after charging the voltage is less than 12.4 volts. Charge again.

So, my battery is currently at 13.6 volts so, as Mrclubike says, take it for a ride.

And, yes Bob, I'll update.

Due to illness (not mine, playing nurse), I haven't ridden this bike in at least three months. I'm sure I'd be charging a standard battery before I could take it out so it certainly does keep a charge.

[Graeme]

It's taken me a while but I now have the following information.

I rang the Motocell distributors here in Australia and the following is a combination of the instructions on the battery itself & a conversation with the distributor:-

Keep charge under 15 volts. (This includes in the vehicle).

If using battery charger then the Gell setting should be used (as mentioned above this appears to be correct).

• Low charge rate. I suggested 2amps as that is the lowest setting on my charger and OK was mentioned. I could have put the words in his mouth here so best check.
• Watch for overheating.


The lack of infrmation and confidence about these batteries out in the wild, is quite surprising.

[/list]

EDIT to add:- I disconnected the battery about three months ago. I just checked it and it read 13.17 Volts. I connected the battery and it spins the motor freely. My nursing duties have now been successfully completed, time for a good check over of the bike and it's ride time.  :)