LiFePO4 batteries are great for powering boat electric motors. These are traction batteries that are resistant to deep discharges and adapted to harsh working conditions. Such batteries retain their original capacity for 2000 charge-discharge cycles. They remain efficient even after long operation period.
Batteries based on lithium-iron-phosphate are reliable, stable, operate at a temperature of -30 to +55 ° C, are not afraid of shaking and vibration. The sealed housing protects the battery from moisture, which is especially important when using the battery on a boat, boat or other watercraft. Therefore, LFP batteries are considered the best among all autonomous power sources. They can be bought from any LiFePo4 battery manufacturer.
Battery Characteristics
In order for a battery to effectively perform its tasks, its performance must match the operating conditions. The nominal battery voltage is selected according to voltage of motor. It is hard to select a suitable container. When calculating it, the power of the electric motor and other equipment used, the required battery life and the battery efficiency factor are taken into account.
The operating time of volatile equipment on 1 charge depends on these parameters. For example, a 12V, 100Ah lithium iron phosphate battery has a power reserve of 12 x 100 = 1200 Wh. In order not to discharge the battery “to zero” and prolong its service life, it is recommended to use 80% of the accumulated power. In our example, the effective power of a LiFePO4 battery of 12 volts, 100 Ah is 1200 Wh x 0.8 = 960 Wh.
Operating Time Of The Outboard Motor From The Battery
Let’s calculate the operating time of the outboard motor from a LiFePO4 12 V, 100 Ah battery. Take the Hong Xing HX-26L trolling motor as an example . Its power is 293.8 watts. This means that a battery with characteristics of 12 V and 100 Ah, with an effective power of 960 Wh, is able to provide it with full power for more than 3 hours: 960 Wh: 293.8 W = 3 hours and 16 minutes.
With autonomous power supply of a more powerful electric motor – Hong Xing HX-32L with a power of 361.6 W – the same battery will provide its power supply for more than 2.5 hours. We calculate the operating time according to the same principle: 960 Wh: 361.6 W = 2 hours 39 minutes. If the motor does not work at full power, its battery life from the same battery will increase significantly.
Let’s perform the calculation for the Hong Xing HX-36L boat electric motor with a power of 406.8 watts. We calculate the time of its operation at full power from the same battery: 960 Wh: 406.8 W = 2 hours 22 minutes. Similarly, for the Hong Xing HX-40L electric motor with a power of 452 W, we get: 960 Wh: 452 W = 2 hours 7 minutes. All of these motors are rated at 12V and are fully compatible with a battery of the same voltage.
The results obtained are presented in the table:
| Outboard motor power | 293.8 W | 361.6 W | 406.8 W | 452 W |
| Its operating time at full power when powered by a LiFePO4 battery with a voltage of 12 and a capacity of 100 Ah | 3 h 16 min. | 2 h 39 min. | 2 h 22min. | 2 h 7 min. |
Similarly, the operating time on 1 battery charge of an electric motor of a different power is calculated. When choosing a battery for your outboard motor, it is important that it provides at least 2 hours of full power operation. This means that a lithium battery with parameters of 12 V, 100 Ah is suitable for all of the listed motors.
