I'm about to purchase a 24V 5kW lithium battery, but I'm a bit worried about its performance. How does it compare with tubular batteries? Specifically, what's the difference in performance between a 24V 200Ah tubular battery and a 24V 200Ah lithium battery?
3 Answers
Tubular batteries are essentially lead-acid batteries shaped like tubes, which offers a slight improvement over standard flat plate designs. However, they're still pretty limited by the same drawbacks of any lead acid battery. On the other hand, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries can last much longer and provide a lot more usable energy. The difference is definitely significant.
You can expect LiFePO4 batteries to have about double the usable capacity and a lifespan that’s potentially ten times longer, depending on how deeply you discharge them. With current prices for lithium batteries being quite competitive—like the 3.5kWh one I've seen on sale—it's getting hard to justify going for lead-acid. Considering the one you're looking at is 5kW for $600, it seems like a solid deal compared to buying two 200Ah tubular batteries. Yes, you should be able to use the full 5kW of capacity with your lithium battery!
I've heard that LiFePO4 batteries have dropped in price significantly over the past few years, which is awesome. One major advantage is that you can use the full capacity of lithium batteries unlike lead-acid types. Plus, the voltage remains steady, so you'll want to use a shunt to accurately monitor the power going in and out. They also tend to be the safest option when it comes to lithium battery chemistries, with a lower risk of explosions or fire.