My new LiFePo battery...

comfortcat · #1 07-19-2014, 06:26 PM

I have the standard firewall mount from Van's for the PC680 but I want to use the new LiFePo Shorai LFX18L1-BS12 battery in my plane.

Many posts discuss the value of the swap, so I'll not discuss that here. Instead, I want to show how I got it to fit.

I bought a big hunk of styrofoam, and cut a piece 2 3/4 x 7 1/8 X 2 3/4 (These are approximate measurements, some trimmimg required). I placed the Shorai centered on top and drew a line around the base. Using a RotoZip tool, I cut an indentation 3/8" deep, Volia! Perfect fit and can use the same hold down.

And here is the best part! My hanger partner (who built a really nice RV-7) will make this my introductory lesson for fiberglassing! We will glass the block, and seal the foam from solvents.

deene · #2 07-19-2014, 07:01 PM

Suggest that you trim a little (1/32") off all surfaces and then fiberglas the surfaces of your foam block. Spacer will last much longer.

Arlen · #3 07-19-2014, 07:35 PM

So.....in that thread that ran for about 3 years concerning LiFePo batteries, there was much discussion about charging these batteries.

I couldn't figure out if there was a consensus of opinion amongst the 247 posts in that thread.

Are these safe with our usual alternator charging systems? Can one use a trickle charger back in the hangar?

BTW, thanks for your great photos here.

cubdriver · #4 07-19-2014, 08:41 PM

My experience is that these batteries don't need a trickle charger. You can let them sit for a year and they will only lose 10% of their power.

Used one for a couple years with an O-235 with no issues.

comfortcat · #5 07-19-2014, 11:45 PM

Yup! That is what the lesson will all be about. I believe the styro will withstand the heat, but a fiberglass layer will make the entire block stronger.

Thanx!

CC

Quote:

Originally Posted by deene

Suggest that you trim a little (1/32") off all surfaces and then fiberglas the surfaces of your foam block. Spacer will last much longer.

RV7Guy · #6 07-20-2014, 07:26 AM

That is a cool way to hold it. Be cautious of the foam degrading. You wouldn't want the battery to start settling.

Information has it that Shorai is going to have a drop in replacement for the 680. They will be at Oshkosh.

Regarding the charging, the charging protection circuit is in the battery. There is a balance port on the side that you use in addition to charging when not in the plane. I'm using a high end charger for my RC Lipo's and LiFe batteries to keep it charged till install.

GalinHdz · #7 07-20-2014, 08:25 AM

GREAT idea. The next step is to make a mold, mass produce them and sell the fiberglass box as a conversion kit for this application.

F1R · #8 07-20-2014, 10:10 AM

Great adapter block. Alternatively one could use a block of wood and drill it full of holes for weight reduction and air circulation.

Bevan · #9 05-15-2015, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV7Guy

Information has it that Shorai is going to have a drop in replacement for the 680. They will be at Oshkosh.

Any word if Shorai actually is intending to produce a drop in replacement for the PC680? and when?

Bevan

RV7Guy · #10 05-15-2015, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bevan

Any word if Shorai actually is intending to produce a drop in replacement for the PC680? and when?

Bevan

Talked to them today. They said they don't have plans to do that right now. I sensed they were a little nervous about the airplane application. The Shorai LFX36-L3-BS12 is the closest in size. I did not take the time to compare the EarthX product but will be looking at them too.

Shorai L 6.55" W 3.39" H 6.10" Weight 4.96 lbs $396

Odyssey L 7.27" W 3.11" H 7.55" Weight 15.4 lbs $115-$130