Replace battery in power station?

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MikeAqua

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Topic # 195153 8-Apr-2016 09:37

I have a power station bought from JayCar. It's a very handy device.

http://www.jaycar.co.nz/Power-Products-Electrical/Charging/Battery-Charger-Accessories/6-in-1-Jump-Starter-Power-Station/p/MB3694

Long story short the battery inside is an 18-Ah SLA and I have abused and wrecked it. I have 2 SLA chargers and both alarm when connected directly to this battery - it's toast.

SLA's don't like sitting around unused which is a bit of an issue for a sporadic use device.

I'm thinking about replacing the battery with something that can better tolerate deep discharge and extended periods of non-use.

Perhaps a Deep Cycle AGM or an LFP with in built battery protection ...

Then just re-terminate a suitable charger for the new battery to plug into the PowerStation's charge port.

I'd appreciate any advice regarding suitability of battery and any pitfalls to watch out for when installing ...

Mike

Dynamic

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Reply # 1528189 8-Apr-2016 09:52

Your options might be limited by the physical mounting space. Crack it open and find the battery model, then start hunting for options. I ended up getting another SLA when replacing mine as I could not see any other cost-effective options.

"4 wheels move the body. 2 wheels move the soul."

“Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams

MikeAqua

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Reply # 1528276 8-Apr-2016 11:26

I've done that and I can find batteries with appropriate dimensions in: -

- Standard lead acid (no good: too spilly)

- SLA (no good: I'll just end up over discharging again)

- LFP (?suitability?)

- Deep cycle SLA (possibly same limitations as standard SLA?)

What I really need is some advice on appropriate type of battery and any hazards/pitfalls.

Left to my own devices I'm leaning toward LFP with in built protection circuitry.

Dynamic:

Your options might be limited by the physical mounting space. Crack it open and find the battery model, then start hunting for options. I ended up getting another SLA when replacing mine as I could not see any other cost-effective options.

Mike

Dynamic

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Reply # 1528286 8-Apr-2016 11:35

Perhaps have a think about the robustness of the unit itself and whether the power station is going to have a long life or whether it is poor quality rubbish that will go in the bin in a year or two, and match the battery life to that judgement.

Also be sure the LFP is capable of delivering the cranking amps required if you try starting a tank with it. :)

What prices are you seeing for deep cycle SLA vs the LFP?

"4 wheels move the body. 2 wheels move the soul."

“Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams

MikeAqua

4942 posts

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Reply # 1532418 13-Apr-2016 11:06

The unit is physically robust and it's entirely my fault the battery has died. I could just buy another, but it will also have an SLA, which isn't suitable for running down past say 60%. And the unit is probably using volts DC to estimate battery capacity (shown as a %), which isn't very accurate.

An LFP with inbuilt battery management I can discharge to ~1%.

An AGM can go down to 20%.

CCA is good point for anyone considering a battery swap. I don't use this unit as a jump starter - it can't start the Pajero, and the Pajero will easily start everything else we have.

The most frequent use I have is for the powerstation is the BBQ - AC power for rotisserie, in-built lighting, cold smoke injector etc while keeping the phone charged running BT outside.

I haven't looked too closely at battery prices yet. The competing solution is to run mains power from the house to an outside rated power point near the BBQ, which is a >$1,000 job and disruptive (to the garden, fence etc). Solar/battery is also pricey (and ugly).

Dynamic:

Perhaps have a think about the robustness of the unit itself and whether the power station is going to have a long life or whether it is poor quality rubbish that will go in the bin in a year or two, and match the battery life to that judgement.

Also be sure the LFP is capable of delivering the cranking amps required if you try starting a tank with it. :)

What prices are you seeing for deep cycle SLA vs the LFP?

Mike