To LFP or not to LFP? That is the, very frustrating, question. Jan-Mar 2015

Our European trip really didn't allow time for blog updates - but we are back now.

Since mid 2014 it was apparent that we needed to replace our house batteries. Recommodation was that we consider lithium batteries (for a marine application these are lithium ferrophosphate, LFP, technology not the lithium cobalt oxide type in your mobile phone or computer). On investigation we discovered that using either Victron or Mastervolt units would enable a saving in weight of around 50% and an increase in usable capacity of around 75% - albeit at increased cost. Victron provided very useful diagrams showing the equipment required to protect their batteries from over- or under-voltage, enabling the system to be designed.

We looked at "Where to Buy" link on the LFP battery page of the Victron website for agents in both Malaysia and Singapore, obtained quotes from listed agents in both countries and decided to go ahead. Because of limitations on air-freighting these batteries they had a 4-6 week lead time, not a problem as we planned a 2-month Europe trip.

However at this stage Victron decided they would not supply through either of these accredited agents. They advised that they did not have confidence that their Malaysian or Singapore agents were competent to install and support this equipment. We found this somewhat bizarre as we were not asking them to install, only to supply. The potential suppliers had been identified from Victron's own website. Victron had also clearly provided wholesale prices enabling the agents to quote. It is particularly annoying that when Victron provided system design and installation details they did not indicate at that time that supply would not be forthcoming despite being advised of our location.

At this point, having spent over 6 weeks on the abortive exercise with Victron, a quote from Mastervolt agents in Singapore was obtained. This company were able to supply. Unfortunately their unit is bigger and space limitations would not enable us to have the security of two batteries. Also we would have wanted to replace the Victron inverter/charger with Mastervolt to enable communication with the batteries, increasing the cost.

We have now reluctantly concluded that attempting to commission a complex system in the imminent run-up to our Indian Ocean crossing was probably not wise and this, coupled with the increased cost, tipped the balance against LFPs at this stage.

So Trojan gel batteries have won the day, with retention of the Victron inverter/charger. The charge voltages and battery temperatures on these will be carefully monitored.

Link to Victron LFP batteries

Link to Mastervolt LFP battery