Self heating or just cold cutout LiFePO4 batteries?

[ChrisA]

Looking to replace two group 27 12v lead acid trolling motor batteries with lithium. Low temperature cutout is a given but wondering about the self heating option since I fish in winter.

Most charging will be done in a heated garage, was just thinking of the few times it might be charged away from home in an outdoor environment. Looks like the self heating option is about $50-60 more per battery which isn't too big a deal, I'm more concerned with reliability.

Any thoughts?

 

[doc holiday13]

charge them inside the house and keep them in cooler with wire holes drilled in it?

 

[Titan]

I use a power station in 0* and haven't had any issues. It is a LiFePO4.

Just in case, I have a really short heat tape that I figure I can plug in and it will warm itself with the tape as well as running the inverter. It only pulls about 21watts or so. Even If I ran it overnight, I would only lose 20% of my battery

 

[ChrisA]

charge them inside the house and keep them in cooler with wire holes drilled

I should mention the batteries will remain in the boat with an appropriate on board charger. They're buried under a rod locker and wired in tandem for 24v system so not coming out easily. Boat is a Lund 1825 Proguide.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

You can also just add some 12V heating pads yourself on the exterior of them if you need a way to warm them up to take a charge. I did that with mine in my camper, normally the camper is warmed enough on its own but going into a trip I can heat them up if needed.

I put two in SERIES on each battery. The pads get really hot (over 200F) on their own, putting them in series drops the temp and amps used. They still get mid 100sF in series.

Amazon.com

 

[Titan]

I believe a non "smart" battery will accept a charge even if its too cold, but that can be dangerous. The built in ones protect themselves.

 

[ChrisA]

Ended up ordering a pair of LiTime 12v 100Ah self-heating with 100A BMS and cold cutout. Plus a Minn Kota MK230 PCL 15A precision charger. Probably didn't need the self-heating option but I've blown $100 in worse ways.