Lithium Battery Issues

[Drifter]

We have a 2022 Roadtrek Zion. Our KS2 batteries stopped functioning. I’ve read that other owners have had problems with these batteries. The dealer installed a new Epoch battery system. While driving home from the dealer, right after picking it up, I noticed a burning smell. When I pulled into my driveway, I saw that the secondary alternator was on fire! The dealer said they never went near this alternator and couldn’t give me a reason why it would catch fire. Since this is a major issue I was wondering if anyone has had similar experience

 

[BGMAC]

I’m no expert, but from what I have read if a lithium battery is very low it could draw a lot of amperage for charging. If they just installed the batteries without checking the charge and topping them off could have caused an issue. There are devises you can install that can regulate the charging to prevent damage to the alternator. Someone on here with more knowledge on these systems I’m sure will chime in.

 

[Wemustrv]

Welcome to RVforums. I'm sure you will find someone here to help you.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

When the lithium batteries were installed, what was their charge level?
Lithium batteries can accept high amperage levels. If the batteries were low enough that they needed to be charged for a long time, and if the installation didn't include any alteration to inhibit charging from the alternator, the alternator may have been running at full load for too long.
There are 2 typical approaches to protecting the alternator:
1) Use a Lithium BIM (Battery Isolation Manager) - a BIM made for lithium systems will typically connect the charging circuit on and off every 15 minutes, allowing the alternator time to cool off.
2) Instead of allowing the alternator to directly charge the battery through a lithium BIM, some will install a DC to DC charger - this allows constant charging from the alternator BUT it limits the amperage draw, protecting the alternator from running at full load.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Unfortunately, manufacturers in their hurry to provide some "new" technologies, fail to consider properly trained service personnel.

Even Newmar has had problems rushing this tech to market with equipment not designed for use for lithium batteries.

I predict many more such cases presenting before a properly trained work force will find the front line.

You can consider yourself lucky, and count your blessings! Although you didn't have a lithium fire, you had a lithium related fire and your rig lives to tell about it. Congratulations!!!

 

[Drifter]

I’m no expert, but from what I have read if a lithium battery is very low it could draw a lot of amperage for charging. If they just installed the batteries without checking the charge and topping them off could have caused an issue. There are devises you can install that can regulate the charging to prevent damage to the alternator. Someone on here with more knowledge on these systems I’m sure will chime in.

Thanks a lot for your input! I would have assumed there would already be some sort of safety device installed but apparently not.

 

[Drifter]

When the lithium batteries were installed, what was their charge level?
Lithium batteries can accept high amperage levels. If the batteries were low enough that they needed to be charged for a long time, and if the installation didn't include any alteration to inhibit charging from the alternator, the alternator may have been running at full load for too long.
There are 2 typical approaches to protecting the alternator:
1) Use a Lithium BIM (Battery Isolation Manager) - a BIM made for lithium systems will typically connect the charging circuit on and off every 15 minutes, allowing the alternator time to cool off.
2) Instead of allowing the alternator to directly charge the battery through a lithium BIM, some will install a DC to DC charger - this allows constant charging from the alternator BUT it limits the amperage draw, protecting the alternator from running at full load.

Thanks for your input! Since these were new batteries, I assume they would have been charged by some other method than by the secondary alternator, which required the RV engine to run. But I’m limited in my knowledge of these systems.

 

[Drifter]

When the lithium batteries were installed, what was their charge level?
Lithium batteries can accept high amperage levels. If the batteries were low enough that they needed to be charged for a long time, and if the installation didn't include any alteration to inhibit charging from the alternator, the alternator may have been running at full load for too long.
There are 2 typical approaches to protecting the alternator:
1) Use a Lithium BIM (Battery Isolation Manager) - a BIM made for lithium systems will typically connect the charging circuit on and off every 15 minutes, allowing the alternator time to cool off.
2) Instead of allowing the alternator to directly charge the battery through a lithium BIM, some will install a DC to DC charger - this allows constant charging from the alternator BUT it limits the amperage draw, protecting the alternator from running at full load.

Thanks, I will ask about these approaches with the dealer.

 

[AbdRahim]

I would go to a place with a good reputation, that specializes in solar and Li battery installations. I do not trust most dealerships.

 

[HOMERFROMLAWTON]

I’m no expert, but from what I have read if a lithium battery is very low it could draw a lot of amperage for charging. If they just installed the batteries without checking the charge and topping them off could have caused an issue. There are devises you can install that canh regulate the charging to prevent damage to the alternator. Someone on here with more knowledge on these systems I’m sure will chime in.

hmm makes me want to find out more. If i have a battery goes down i try to use a slow charger because i know it put a load on the altenator and can cause it to burn out the voltage regulator. Another thing i hate to jump another car. one time i gave a guy a jump because his alternator quit. burned out my alternator because his had a short. now my question i will be buying a new motor home. the system the system that the lights run on, does it use lithium batteries, good post informative from you are probably correct and it makes me want to know. i owned one 30 years ago and will have a lot of things to learn about modern technology. i have always did my own repairs. when coputers came out it was intimidating until i bought my first code reader. even those will tell you what sensor is out but you have to figure out the cause of why a sensor is not working..one remarks leads to a question. are motor home code plugs for the code scanner the same as a car as a class a gas motor home