Re:Germany and Tesla’s PowerWall
by toomuchtodo on Wednesday May 20, 2015 @04:17PM
(#9578983)
I had spoken to my prospective insurance company, and they had assured me a lithium ion chemistry was acceptable for onboard use, even if I choose to use it as part of the power train in a series hybrid setup (this is going in a multi-hull catamaran). I'll have to call them back and get something in writing. Thanks!
Re:Germany and Tesla’s PowerWall
by semi-extrinsic on Wednesday May 20, 2015 @04:21PM
(#9579016)
No problem. Remember when the entire Boeing 787 fleet was grounded due to li-ion fires - you really really don't want that in your boat. If possible, buy something that's been certified for marine use by an independent safety auditor like Bureau Veritas or similar.
Bad news: the battery chemistry used in the Tesla PowerWall (Li-ion NCA or NMC) is not safe for marine applications. Only Lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, with lower energy density, are safe for this purpose. Putting a PowerWall on your boat would not only void your insurance, it would carry a real risk of setting your boat on fire.
Good news: there are already several manufacturers that sell lithium battery packs that have been safety tested and approved for marine use. GIYF.