Very informative reply. Thanks!
I have a few more questions... My reading on Li batteries speak of 1C and 5C charging and also of constant current charging. Is there a requirement to charge these batteries as a constant current? I am planning on using solar (perhaps 400w or so) panels as my primary charge, with shore power as a backup and possibly a small gasoline generator for emergencies.
Another question is about the minimum 2V requirement on the cells. I had thought that Li batteries could be drawn all the way down without harm, as opposed to lead/acid where you should not discharge them more than 50% or so. Is 2v 100% discharged?
I went internet shopping, just to see pricing and availability. I found a 100Ah LiFePO4 battery (28lbs, $620) listed as a replacement for 12v LA batteries. Here is the link http://www.batteryspace.com/LiFePO4-Prismatic-Battery-12.8V-100Ah-1.28-KWh-10C-Rate-Without-Balance.aspx I was thinking of it as a replacement for something like this http://www.wholesalebatteriesdirect.com/marine-batteries/52236-12-v-200-ah-4d-deep-cycle-agm-marine-battery-ub-4d.html (200Ah 4D deep cycle AGM battery 125lbs $385). As a 12v battery replacement, it claims to have internal protection for the cells, so does that mean I would not need a BMS?
Finally, on a more general note, if you were building a cruising boat, without electric motors, would you consider LiFePO4 batteries a safe, reliable solution for a house battery bank?
Thanks,
- Gardner