First charge and storage of new lithium battery

[Green Giant]

Hi
Iv just received our new 160ah battery from Roamer, it’s not goi going to be installed for 3 months, so would like a bit of advice on how to look after it in the mean time.
I have brought the Victron 12/20 blue smart charger as part of our install, should I make up some leads with croc clips and charge up with this? Or buy a separate Lithium compatible mains charger?
Roamer recommend long term storage between 30/and 80/ percent.
Not sure how I gauge level of battery charge, not sure if the Bluetooth on charger shows this, I guess I need a voltmeter so any recommendation for a easy to use meter would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Drive Wayne]

Have you downloaded the Roamer App? That will tell you the important stuff!

 

[ginkster]

You should be able to just leave it as it will have left the factory and been in the warehouse at a suitable SOC for storage. My Fogstar was at about 50% when delivered and stayed that way for months until I fitted it. As Wayne says download the app and connect via BT to the battery to check.

 

[Green Giant]

Have you downloaded the Roamer App? That will tell you the important stuff!

Hi
Iv read the info that came with the battery, says it’s shipped at 30/ charge and I should do a full cycle charge, this will have to be out of the van. I don’t own any multi meters battery chargers,
But you have just reminded me.. that the battery has built in blue tooth so I guess that’s all I need to check state of charge, all this tech is to much for my head sometimes...doh

 

[Dellmassive]

What he said...

Download the Roamer APP.

 

[roadtripper]

Lithium batteries should be stored at between 1/3 to 1/2 capacity for maximum lifespan.

That's what it will be when delivered so if you're not going to fit it you can just leave it alone.

The cells will continue to form over the first few charge cycles so it's best to charge it moderately and discharge to about the storage capacity those first few times if you can. I noted more detail over here:

Battery shelf mode

When you say fully charge a couple of times should I look to completely deplete it after the first full charge? My (yet to be installed) appliances consist of 12v sockets and usb chargers so it might take a while! :laugh:

www.t6forum.com

You may also find the BMS SoC isn't accurate at all until you've gone through a full charge and discharge to cut off cycle and it's calibrated itself, it depends how the BMS is tracking the SoC. Ideally do that after the forming charge.