We are often asked if there is a way to keep a lead acid start battery and install LiFePO4 batteries for the house and charge them from the same alternator. The answer is generally yes. Lead acid or AGM batteries should never be combined with LiFePO4 batteries. These are totally different battery technologies and they are not compatible.
It is normal to charge lead-acid batteries in series. As they are used, the cell voltages will change, which is why they are not charged in parallel. If they were charged in parallel, the one with the high voltage wouldn't get much current, and the one with the low voltage would get too much current.
It would also be a good idea to use a charger that adjusts voltage to maintain a constant current. Typical lead acid batteries can be charged at 0.1C (a 1Ah cell can be charged at 0.1A). A 'smart' charger will also make balancing the cells much easier.
Charging together should be fine. Once the LFP is up to 14.0 to 14.4 volts I would disconnect and let the lead-acid batteries continue a couple more hours alone. Then continue to run on lead until they are overly discharged to maybe 11.5 volts. Then switch over to just the LFP.
Lead-acid batteries are common and cost-effective but are heavier and less efficient for deep cycling. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are lighter, have higher energy density, and can be deeply discharged without damage, making them ideal for modern applications.
Before ever putting two (or more) batteries in series they should first be charged and brought to the exact same state of charge (SOC). This can be done by first fully charging each 12V battery separately with a 12V charger. Then connect the batteries in parallel (yes, parallel, not series).
BU-201: How does the Lead Acid Battery Work?
Invented by the French physician Gaston Planté in 1859, lead acid was the first rechargeable battery for commercial use. Despite its advanced age, the lead chemistry continues to be in wide use today. There are good reasons for its popularity; lead acid is dependable and inexpensive on a cost-per-watt base.
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There are ways to independently charge the packs and then join them during discharge but once you add those expenses you are better off just spending the money on all LiFePo4. Charging together should be fine. Once the LFP is up to 14.0 to 14.4 volts I would disconnect and let the lead-acid batteries continue a couple more hours alone.
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Increased Capacity: If you find that a single battery doesn''t meet your power needs, adding another battery in parallel allows for more extended use without recharging. Cost-Effectiveness: Instead of purchasing a single larger battery, using two smaller batteries can be a more economical option.
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Learn how to connect batteries in series and in parallal. Battery connections help you increase the capacity or voltage of battery banks. Series vs Parallel
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Balancing is done by charging each cell individually. This is a complex task in a LiPo as each cell remains in series. It should be as simple as charging your batteries individually. Ideally the cells should remain at the same voltage after discharging in parallel, but this really depends on the quality/technology/relative-age of the batteries.
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However, those in golf carts, mobility scooters, stair lifts etc. require the boost from a battery charger on mains supply. We detail the procedure to charge a lead acid battery correctly from an external source here. Your Lead Battery Requires the Correct Battery Charger. Using the wrong charger, or at the wrong setting can damage your battery ...
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The easy (and proper?) way to charge a 48 volt battery bank is to use a 48 volt charger. If you only have a 12 volt charger, you can charge the individual 12 volt batteries one-at-a-time without rewiring anything - your charger''s negative terminal should not be connected to …
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When a lead-acid battery is in use, it undergoes a discharge process. During this process, the lead-acid battery releases electrical energy as its chemical energy is converted. The discharge process can be described as follows: The sulfuric acid in the electrolyte combines with the lead dioxide on the positive plate to form lead sulfate and water. At the same time, the …
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This is a problem when series-charging lead-acid batteries and it is generally not recommended. The battery''s condition is dependant on the specific gravity of the sulphuric acid electrolyte. Of course the 6 individual 2V cells in each battery share the same electrolyte which is why they can be charged in series but separate batteries can''t.
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If your needs are no greater than running a few LED lights, charging your phone(s), and the occasional laptop, your existing lead acid starting battery may be sufficient to meet your power needs while camping and you may not need a full dual battery setup.. By using your vehicle''s existing electrical system and a cheap inverter* (we recommend a pure sine …
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This can be done by first fully charging each 12V battery separately with a 12V charger. Then connect the batteries in parallel (yes, parallel, not series). With the batteries in parallel, reconnect the 12V charger so the + lead is on one battery and the - lead is on the opposite battery. Charge them as a unit. When fully charged disconnect the ...
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Charging two batteries in parallel is an effective way to boost power capacity while maintaining the same voltage. Whether you''re into RVing, boating, or using renewable energy at home, knowing how to do this can enhance your setup.
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When a single lead-acid battery in the stack fails, all the lead-acid batteries in the series stack need to be replaced to maintain battery stack performance. This is a considerable expense. Battery variations. When batteries are manufactured, they must conform to tight specifications for parameters such as energy capacity, ESR (effective series resistance), …
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If you use a lithium charger, you will over-charge the lead acid battery and damage it. If you use an AGM charger, you won''t be able to fully recharge the lithium battery because of the lower voltage AGM chargers output. Likewise, when discharging an AGM battery, you''re only technically supposed to be discharging up to 50% for the sake of ...
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