This Guide has been developed to facilitate the effective installation and operation of lithium batteries.
Battery management is key when running a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery system on board. Victron’s user interface gives easy access to essential data and allows for remote troubleshooting.
The development of lithium-ion batteries for large energy applications is still relatively new, especially in the marine and offshore industries. ABS has produced this Guide to provide requirements and reference standards to facilitate effective installation and operation of lithium-ion battery systems.
ABS recognizes the increasing use of batteries in the marine and offshore industries and their benefits. Lithium batteries, as the dominant rechargeable battery, exhibit favorable characteristics such as high energy density, lightweight, faster charging, low self-discharging rate, and low memory effect.
It is now generally accepted by most of the marine industry’s regulatory groups that the safest chemical combination in the lithium-ion (Li-ion) group of batteries for use on board a sea-going vessel is lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4).
However, lithium-ion installations can be complex and problematic, and if not done correctly can be a serious fire risk. First and foremost, the only type of lithium-ion cell chemistry currently recommended as safe for use on board a boat is Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4), usually abbreviated to LFP.