jump start generator with LiFePO4 batteries?

[jlackman]

Don't know if this should be in electric or solar but...

Sounds like this might be a dumb question. I have had to jump start my genset a couple of times when the dealer deep cell has been dead after days of clouds and snow. I've ordered a pair of the LION lithium batteries from Costco.

After installing the LION LiFePO4 batteries, can I still just jump start the generator by putting cables from the TV to the house (LION) batteries in an emergency, or is this a bad idea for LiFePO4 batteries?

Thanks to all for any input.

7 days out from first trip in this new Momentum 31G!

JL

[ncitro]

Don't know if this should be in electric or solar but...

Sounds like this might be a dumb question. I have had to jump start my genset a couple of times when the dealer deep cell has been dead after days of clouds and snow. I've ordered a pair of the LION lithium batteries from Costco.

After installing the LION LiFePO4 batteries, can I still just jump start the generator by putting cables from the TV to the house (LION) batteries in an emergency, or is this a bad idea for LiFePO4 batteries?

Thanks to all for any input.

7 days out from first trip in this new Momentum 31G!

JL

I’ve never actually done this, but I’d think for occasional use you’d be okay. They specifically state they’re not to be used to start autos but the starter on the generator would be comparatively small. Here are the specs from Lion, keep in mind this is for one - assuming you’re wiring your two in parallel you’d have double these current ratings:


“It is commonly referred to as a 12.8V, 105Ah (how much energy is stored in it), 1344Wh (12.8V x 105Ah). Technically, it is called Nominal Voltage at 12.8V and 105Ah. It can do 900A for a millisecond (a spike) then approximately 250A for one minute and 150A continuous (how much power it puts out) capacity.”

[Guest]

Agree with Neil. Since your using the lead acid battery as a buffer and if you waited long enough you may be ok but it all depends on the draw on the LiFeP04 battery. Since this is an instantaneous load I would not do it unless its a matter of being stranded. It would be better to jump start from the TV IMO.

Jim

[JCR GD]

I have 3 LiFePO batts (LifeBlue) and they start my on-board Onan 5500 just fine. (Was told one time by BattleBorn that 2 should work but they recommend 3 soooooo 2 may work.)

Edit: On re-read, jumping from TV battery to house (Lion) batteries should be fine. Lion (and others) have internal BMS to protect them. 12v system will be fine.

[Guest]

I had to re-read this as well. Since energy will move from a high energy source to low, the TV battery would transfer to the LiFeP04 battery, but its best to never allow them to discharge completely. Once the LiFeP04 batteries completely die, the BMS may not allow a high energy transfer of power. A Victron BMV712 will help you to monitor your battery state of charge to avoid these issues. Below is a Q&A from BattleBorn on charging (jumping) their battery from a TV.


Bradley Pfanner says:

August 12, 2018 at 4:20 pmCould I charge this battery with jumper cables connected to a running car battery?


Reply

• Dianne F says:
  
  August 13, 2018 at 10:36 amBradley,
  This is a possiblity as long as you don’t exceed 100ah. If you have anymore questions please feel free to call us 855-292-2831 or email us at info@battlebornbatteries.com

Jim

[jlackman]

Thanks for all the feedback! And nobody made me feel dumb like at work! I bit more background but I think I learned a lot from the responses. Right now, I have the single deep cell Interstate deep cycle. This one has gone dead a few times, so when it does that I just pull up the SuperDuty TV and throw jumper cables on it to jump start the generator then get things charged.

Due to space, I'm going to remove the Interstate wet battery and replace it with the two LiFePO4 LIONs. So, I'll have these two LION for house electricity and for starting the generator. But in the possible situation of having the LION pair not charged enough to start the generator, then it sounds like I would be OK to jump start the generator by putting jumper cables on the LION batteries, which will be feeding the generator.

I just got the two Costco LION today I'm pretty excited to get these set up.

Jonathan

[ncitro]

Thanks for all the feedback! And nobody made me feel dumb like at work! I bit more background but I think I learned a lot from the responses. Right now, I have the single deep cell Interstate deep cycle. This one has gone dead a few times, so when it does that I just pull up the SuperDuty TV and throw jumper cables on it to jump start the generator then get things charged.

Due to space, I'm going to remove the Interstate wet battery and replace it with the two LiFePO4 LIONs. So, I'll have these two LION for house electricity and for starting the generator. But in the possible situation of having the LION pair not charged enough to start the generator, then it sounds like I would be OK to jump start the generator by putting jumper cables on the LION batteries, which will be feeding the generator.

I just got the two Costco LION today I'm pretty excited to get these set up.

Jonathan

I see, I misunderstood, I thought you were looking to jump the interstate off the Lion. Again they’re not really designed for it, but if it was me I would do it. The generator starter shouldn’t be too big of a load.

[jlackman]

I see, I misunderstood, I thought you were looking to jump the interstate off the Lion. Again they’re not really designed for it, but if it was me I would do it. The generator starter shouldn’t be too big of a load.

thanks ncitro