Du er her: Forside -> English - > Anda-Olsen launches its own Lithium batteries
Publisert 04.07.2023
There has been a high demand, and now we can finally offer LiFePO4 batteries under our own brand name with qualities we are proud of!
This is stated by Øyvind Strømsheim, Key Account Manager at Anda-Olsen, who has been involved in developing the new batteries.
- We may have arrived late to the game, but we have strict quality requirements and are proud of what we have to offer now, he adds.
The new lithium batteries, now available in Anda-Olsen's online store, are lithium iron phosphate batteries, also known as LiFePO4. These can be safely used as both consumer batteries and for long-term energy storage.
Traditionally, such lithium batteries have been considered reliable in various weather conditions, but not as resistant to cold temperatures.
- Therefore, we have chosen to add a built-in heating element to all our models so that our LiFePO4 batteries can be safely used even in freezing temperatures, explains Øyvind.
As one of Norway's oldest Victron dealers, compatibility has also been a focus area during product development at Anda-Olsen.
- Our new batteries are fully compatible with Victron. They also come with a cable that allows the batteries to "communicate" with Victron's equipment. This way, you get information about the battery's condition, the ability to adjust charging yourself, and the charger will auto-adjust to the battery. You can't get more plug and play than this, Øyvind says.
When it comes to choosing batteries, there are many aspects to consider. By choosing one of Anda-Olsen's lithium batteries instead of a lead-acid battery, you get several advantages. First, let's talk about weight.
A 100AH Anda LiFePo4 battery weighs about 10 kg. In comparison, a 100AH AGM lead-acid battery weighs just over 30 kg.
- For example, if you need 400AH battery capacity in a motorhome, you can save a whole 80 kg of payload by opting for our new LiFePo4 battery, Øyvind explains.
Another important aspect is safety. Many people are skeptical about lithium batteries due to fire concerns. Therefore, Anda-Olsen has chosen to add a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) to all their new LiFePo4 models.
- This is a control and safety unit that will disconnect the battery in the event of a fault. In comparison, a conventional battery would continue supplying power during a short-circuit scenario, explains Øyvind.
Another advantage of LiFePo4 over lead-acid is that it does not emit any gases during charging.
- Conventional liquid-filled batteries can release hydrogen gas, but with our LiFePO4 batteries, you don't have to worry about that, Øyvind says.
The capacity of lead-acid batteries is stated for discharges over 10 or 20 hours. However, if you discharge the battery over 1 hour, you usually only get to use 70% of its capacity (70AH usable out of 100AH).
- All our LiFePO4 batteries will provide their full capacity, regardless of whether the battery is discharged over one hour or 20 hours, Øyvind says.
A Lithium battery will also tolerate many more discharges than a lead-acid battery, especially if you frequently charge it fully and discharge it completely.
- Such charging and usage patterns have long been considered detrimental to lead-acid batteries, as it can quickly degrade them. Lithium, on the other hand, is designed for such usage, and you can expect many more years of good capacity from such a battery, Øyvind explains.
Anda-Olsen has noticed a high demand for these lithium batteries, especially as consumer batteries, and believes there are great opportunities for lithium batteries to replace lead-acid batteries in many cases.
- It can be anything from use in motorhomes and caravans, as consumer batteries in work vehicles and leisure boats, to large off-grid systems powered by solar panels, Øyvind lists.
- We can already see that the applications for such batteries are extensive, and they are only growing. Therefore, we are very pleased to be able to offer high-quality LiFePo4 batteries under our own name.
You can find more information about LiFePo4 batteries on Anda-Olsen's website.