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Fair point. If you intend to use this battery lightly then lithium ion is probably fine. Spec says 900 cycles. Many people use these on a daily basis, and would be better off with LiFePo4 which can last 2000+ cycles.
My point was that LiFePo4 batteries last for many more cycles, and this is something to consider before making a purchase.
Li-ion has about 50% higher energy density than LiFePO4. i.e. LiFePO4 weighs about 1.5x more for the same capacity. Significantly more than "a bit."
In practice the difference is smaller because the non-battery parts (case, electronics, etc) add about the same weight to both types. So on the smaller capacity batteries the % weight difference will be smaller. But as you increase the capacity, the % weight difference becomes larger.
The argument that LiFePO4 makes up for it with better longevity assumes high usage. e.g. Regularly topping it out to 100%, and draining it close to 0%. In that case, getting similar longevity with Li-ion requires keeping it between 80%-20% or 70%-30% depth of discharge (DoD). Under those DoD, the weight difference is canceled out for the same usable capacity, and LiFePO4 is better.
But it's not like Li-ion is completely unusable between 100%-0% DoD. Typical endurance if you regularly do a 100%-0% DoD is about 300-500 cycles. But the definition of that is that after 300-500 cycles at 100% DoD, usable capacity drops to 80% of when new. So it's not like Li-ion becomes useless after 300-500 cycles. Its capacity just drops from 1.5x higher energy density than LiFePO4, to 1.2x-1.25x (LiFePO4's capacity drops a bit too). So realistically, you're probably looking at about 1000 cycles from Li-ion before its energy density becomes worse than LiFePO4 (which is typically rated for 3000-5000 cycles to reach the same 80% of new capacity).
If you're going for a large-capacity static installation (so weight doesn't matter) where charging is out of your control (so it will regularly be charged to 100%), and is heavily discharged afterwards, then LiFePO4 is unquestionably better. This usage pretty much exactly describes solar installations. Which is why everyone creating solar power banks is in love with LiFePO4. However,
Even if you do one 100% DoD every day, Li-ion will remain superior to LiFePO4 for ~3 years.
If you don't use it daily, then a lighter Li-ion can easily give you 5-10 years of use while retaining more capacity for less weight than LiFePO4.
Furthermore, if you don't need 100% DoD (e.g. you need less than its full capacity so most of the time it will only experience 80%-20% or 70%-30% DoD), then it'll take decades to become worse than LiFePO4. Your main concern then will probably be heat and storage conditions, not cycles and DoD.
In 10+ years, there will probably be much better battery options available. So you'll be itching for an upgrade.
One is not superior to the other. They each have their pros and cons. Buy the one which best suits your use case.
I needed one for weekend camping outings and the occasional longer road trip. So I went with Li-ion.
I was also considering getting a small battery for my dashcam to save wear on my car battery when parked. That would've seen multiple charges to 100% each day (every time I drove the car), with a discharge to 0% each night while parked. So if I were getting that, I would've gone with a small LiFePO4.
I would 100% get 2 units, 1 additional battery. Having a full set of extra ports, being able to recharge both units separately, etc. Many benefits to having 2!
I should've clarified: the river 2 max has xboost but it's a measly 1000w, whereas the original is 1800w. I can run basically any device with the original river, absolutely not the case with the river 2 max.
I was really stoked for the river 2 max, just disappointed they dialed it back in almost every regard.
They just shuffled their lineup around a bit. Largely has to do with the fact that LFE is a bit heavier/bulkier for the same amount of storage (which it more than makes up for in overall longevity). River 2 Pro (800/1600W) is probably the way to go if you want something 'in between' the 2 Max (500/1000W) and the Delta 2 (1800/2700W).
They just shuffled their lineup around a bit. Largely has to do with the fact that LFE is a bit heavier/bulkier for the same amount of storage (which it more than makes up for in overall longevity). River 2 Pro (800/1600W) is probably the way to go if you want something 'in between' the 2 Max (500/1000W) and the Delta 2 (1800/2700W).
Ah wow, I didn't even realize the River 2 Pro existed! Will definitely keep my eye on this one in the future. I'm very happy with my original River Pro and truly don't have a need for another, but I would love something with LFE.
Im looking to get the Delta MAX for an "in between" with my generator to keep the fridge cold during wildfire season, as the generator is not ran continuously. I can get it for 999-500(from PGE) so 499 total. Any opinions? I also have 200w of solar to use with it, and would enjoy taking it camping as well.
I purchased about two months ago at Costco for $429 on the Pro, Am I able get some price-match/refund ?
...maybe contact Costco support rather than asking us? lol
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from IndigoWinter2667
:
Im looking to get the Delta MAX for an "in between" with my generator to keep the fridge cold during wildfire season, as the generator is not ran continuously. I can get it for 999-500(from PGE) so 499 total. Any opinions? I also have 200w of solar to use with it, and would enjoy taking it camping as well.
I've got a Delta 2 for basically this purpose. They work really well for short outages, and as a buffer for long-term outages - you run mostly on silent battery power, and only run a small generator occasionally to top the battery off (could be once every 6-24+ hours depending on your consumption)
Last edited by Caleo December 14, 2022 at 01:59 PM.
...maybe contact Costco support rather than asking us? lol
I've got a Delta 2 for basically this purpose. They work really well for short outages, and as a buffer for long-term outages - you run mostly on silent battery power, and only run a small generator occasionally to top the battery off (could be once every 6-24+ hours depending on your consumption)
Thanks for the anecdote. I have a 7500w (running, 9400w starting) generator for anything major, but we get alot of 4-6hr outages which really suck to haul out, fuel, constantly check meter to see if the power is back, then flip breakers again, just to put it all away a few hours later.
Im hoping to use this for most outages for the fridge and TV/internet, then only run the generator when we need to kick the well back on, or top off the battery (im seeing 80% in about an hour?) while helping out with the solar panels during the day.
Should I get this or the Bluetti EB70s for $529?
This unit charges in one hour which is much faster than the Bluetti, but Bluetti is lifepo and has higher Watt per outlet. How does the build quality and reliability compare?
google "bluetti customer service reviews", before you decide.
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I picked up the Bluetti PS70 too. Nice unit, not a dud out of the box. In looking at specs, I'm not seeing these to be much different (other than Bluetti CS seems iffy). These do act like a UPS (AC pass through) where the Bluetti doesn't. I can see where CPAP users might prefer a UPS type unit. My use case is the same as yours, so I'm not seeing a reason to pay twice as much for the EcoFlow. Maybe someone else can enlighten us more.
Alright I have the River 2 Max and the Bluetti PS70
The 2 actually work well together, I use the River 2 to power a 5000 BTU window AC (PS70 wouldn't start the compressor)
and use the PS70 to extend the battery in the River 2.
The River 2 will power the AC for around 3 hours with no help (Single Bedroom to around 76 degrees)
The PS70 powers the River 2 with 450W for around 2 hours almost doubling the output of the River 2. In the Daytime I have a 200W solar panel that will charge the River 2 from 20% to full in about 3 to 4 hours. So if your not in the house half the day it's a free refill on the river 2 (if it's not running the AC).
The PS70 takes longer to charge from Solar with it's 720wh batteries
It takes most of a day to fully recharge it at 120 - 150w Solar.
You can of Corse also charge your phone and run a usb lamp and small fan while your running the AC in the bedroom with almost no loss to the AC.
Hope that helps you decide what you need
Last edited by clsA December 14, 2022 at 04:01 PM.
...maybe contact Costco support rather than asking us? lol
I've got a Delta 2 for basically this purpose. They work really well for short outages, and as a buffer for long-term outages - you run mostly on silent battery power, and only run a small generator occasionally to top the battery off (could be once every 6-24+ hours depending on your consumption)
Yes this works too. I have a Coleman 1200W inverter Generator[amazon.com] that tops off these battery devices like a champ and uses very little gas doing so.
Highly recommended if you live in a Hurricane prone area and have a few of these Solar Generators.
will this power a fridge and a tankless water heater?
I have a full size side by side fridge and it ran for 8 hrs on this before I unplugged it with 15% battery life remaining. I would guess the water heater would not work.
These are amazing. I bought the original on kickstarter for power outages and it was a lemon but they replaced it. Ever since I got a working one I haven't had a single power outage - better performance than I could have asked for!
They just shuffled their lineup around a bit. Largely has to do with the fact that LFE is a bit heavier/bulkier for the same amount of storage (which it more than makes up for in overall longevity).
Li-ion has about 50% higher energy density than LiFePO4. i.e. LiFePO4 weighs about 1.5x more for the same capacity. Significantly more than "a bit."
In practice the difference is smaller because the non-battery parts (case, electronics, etc) add about the same weight to both types. So on the smaller capacity batteries the % weight difference will be smaller. But as you increase the capacity, the % weight difference becomes larger.
The argument that LiFePO4 makes up for it with better longevity assumes high usage. e.g. Regularly topping it out to 100%, and draining it close to 0%. In that case, getting similar longevity with Li-ion requires keeping it between 80%-20% or 70%-30% depth of discharge (DoD). Under those DoD, the weight difference is canceled out for the same usable capacity, and LiFePO4 is better.
But it's not like Li-ion is completely unusable between 100%-0% DoD. Typical endurance if you regularly do a 100%-0% DoD is about 300-500 cycles. But the definition of that is that after 300-500 cycles at 100% DoD, usable capacity drops to 80% of when new. So it's not like Li-ion becomes useless after 300-500 cycles. Its capacity just drops from 1.5x higher energy density than LiFePO4, to 1.2x-1.25x (LiFePO4's capacity drops a bit too). So realistically, you're probably looking at about 1000 cycles from Li-ion before its energy density becomes worse than LiFePO4 (which is typically rated for 3000-5000 cycles to reach the same 80% of new capacity).
If you're going for a large-capacity static installation (so weight doesn't matter) where charging is out of your control (so it will regularly be charged to 100%), and is heavily discharged afterwards, then LiFePO4 is unquestionably better. This usage pretty much exactly describes solar installations. Which is why everyone creating solar power banks is in love with LiFePO4. However,
Even if you do one 100% DoD every day, Li-ion will remain superior to LiFePO4 for ~3 years.
If you don't use it daily, then a lighter Li-ion can easily give you 5-10 years of use while retaining more capacity for less weight than LiFePO4.
Furthermore, if you don't need 100% DoD (e.g. you need less than its full capacity so most of the time it will only experience 80%-20% or 70%-30% DoD), then it'll take decades to become worse than LiFePO4. Your main concern then will probably be heat and storage conditions, not cycles and DoD.
In 10+ years, there will probably be much better battery options available. So you'll be itching for an upgrade.
One is not superior to the other. They each have their pros and cons. Buy the one which best suits your use case.
I needed one for weekend camping outings and the occasional longer road trip. So I went with Li-ion.
I was also considering getting a small battery for my dashcam to save wear on my car battery when parked. That would've seen multiple charges to 100% each day (every time I drove the car), with a discharge to 0% each night while parked. So if I were getting that, I would've gone with a small LiFePO4.
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Li-ion has about 50% higher energy density than LiFePO4. i.e. LiFePO4 weighs about 1.5x more for the same capacity. Significantly more than "a bit."
In practice the difference is smaller because the non-battery parts (case, electronics, etc) add about the same weight to both types. So on the smaller capacity batteries the % weight difference will be smaller. But as you increase the capacity, the % weight difference becomes larger.
The argument that LiFePO4 makes up for it with better longevity assumes high usage. e.g. Regularly topping it out to 100%, and draining it close to 0%. In that case, getting similar longevity with Li-ion requires keeping it between 80%-20% or 70%-30% depth of discharge (DoD). Under those DoD, the weight difference is canceled out for the same usable capacity, and LiFePO4 is better.
But it's not like Li-ion is completely unusable between 100%-0% DoD. Typical endurance if you regularly do a 100%-0% DoD is about 300-500 cycles. But the definition of that is that after 300-500 cycles at 100% DoD, usable capacity drops to 80% of when new. So it's not like Li-ion becomes useless after 300-500 cycles. Its capacity just drops from 1.5x higher energy density than LiFePO4, to 1.2x-1.25x (LiFePO4's capacity drops a bit too). So realistically, you're probably looking at about 1000 cycles from Li-ion before its energy density becomes worse than LiFePO4 (which is typically rated for 3000-5000 cycles to reach the same 80% of new capacity).
If you're going for a large-capacity static installation (so weight doesn't matter) where charging is out of your control (so it will regularly be charged to 100%), and is heavily discharged afterwards, then LiFePO4 is unquestionably better. This usage pretty much exactly describes solar installations. Which is why everyone creating solar power banks is in love with LiFePO4. However,
Even if you do one 100% DoD every day, Li-ion will remain superior to LiFePO4 for ~3 years.
If you don't use it daily, then a lighter Li-ion can easily give you 5-10 years of use while retaining more capacity for less weight than LiFePO4.
Furthermore, if you don't need 100% DoD (e.g. you need less than its full capacity so most of the time it will only experience 80%-20% or 70%-30% DoD), then it'll take decades to become worse than LiFePO4. Your main concern then will probably be heat and storage conditions, not cycles and DoD.
In 10+ years, there will probably be much better battery options available. So you'll be itching for an upgrade.
One is not superior to the other. They each have their pros and cons. Buy the one which best suits your use case.
I needed one for weekend camping outings and the occasional longer road trip. So I went with Li-ion.
I was also considering getting a small battery for my dashcam to save wear on my car battery when parked. That would've seen multiple charges to 100% each day (every time I drove the car), with a discharge to 0% each night while parked. So if I were getting that, I would've gone with a small LiFePO4.
It's about time someone gave a thorough examination of the different battery types on SD. Every thread I've seen only says "lifepo4 is better" and never actually weighs in on the difference.
For my use case, li-ion is definitely going to work out better (discharge 1-3x a month)
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My point was that LiFePo4 batteries last for many more cycles, and this is something to consider before making a purchase.
In practice the difference is smaller because the non-battery parts (case, electronics, etc) add about the same weight to both types. So on the smaller capacity batteries the % weight difference will be smaller. But as you increase the capacity, the % weight difference becomes larger.
The argument that LiFePO4 makes up for it with better longevity assumes high usage. e.g. Regularly topping it out to 100%, and draining it close to 0%. In that case, getting similar longevity with Li-ion requires keeping it between 80%-20% or 70%-30% depth of discharge (DoD). Under those DoD, the weight difference is canceled out for the same usable capacity, and LiFePO4 is better.
But it's not like Li-ion is completely unusable between 100%-0% DoD. Typical endurance if you regularly do a 100%-0% DoD is about 300-500 cycles. But the definition of that is that after 300-500 cycles at 100% DoD, usable capacity drops to 80% of when new. So it's not like Li-ion becomes useless after 300-500 cycles. Its capacity just drops from 1.5x higher energy density than LiFePO4, to 1.2x-1.25x (LiFePO4's capacity drops a bit too). So realistically, you're probably looking at about 1000 cycles from Li-ion before its energy density becomes worse than LiFePO4 (which is typically rated for 3000-5000 cycles to reach the same 80% of new capacity).
If you're going for a large-capacity static installation (so weight doesn't matter) where charging is out of your control (so it will regularly be charged to 100%), and is heavily discharged afterwards, then LiFePO4 is unquestionably better. This usage pretty much exactly describes solar installations. Which is why everyone creating solar power banks is in love with LiFePO4. However,
Even if you do one 100% DoD every day, Li-ion will remain superior to LiFePO4 for ~3 years.
If you don't use it daily, then a lighter Li-ion can easily give you 5-10 years of use while retaining more capacity for less weight than LiFePO4.
Furthermore, if you don't need 100% DoD (e.g. you need less than its full capacity so most of the time it will only experience 80%-20% or 70%-30% DoD), then it'll take decades to become worse than LiFePO4. Your main concern then will probably be heat and storage conditions, not cycles and DoD.
In 10+ years, there will probably be much better battery options available. So you'll be itching for an upgrade.
One is not superior to the other. They each have their pros and cons. Buy the one which best suits your use case.
I needed one for weekend camping outings and the occasional longer road trip. So I went with Li-ion.
I was also considering getting a small battery for my dashcam to save wear on my car battery when parked. That would've seen multiple charges to 100% each day (every time I drove the car), with a discharge to 0% each night while parked. So if I were getting that, I would've gone with a small LiFePO4.
No that's the regular river, non pro.
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I was really stoked for the river 2 max, just disappointed they dialed it back in almost every regard.
I've got a Delta 2 for basically this purpose. They work really well for short outages, and as a buffer for long-term outages - you run mostly on silent battery power, and only run a small generator occasionally to top the battery off (could be once every 6-24+ hours depending on your consumption)
Im hoping to use this for most outages for the fridge and TV/internet, then only run the generator when we need to kick the well back on, or top off the battery (im seeing 80% in about an hour?) while helping out with the solar panels during the day.
This unit charges in one hour which is much faster than the Bluetti, but Bluetti is lifepo and has higher Watt per outlet. How does the build quality and reliability compare?
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The 2 actually work well together, I use the River 2 to power a 5000 BTU window AC (PS70 wouldn't start the compressor)
and use the PS70 to extend the battery in the River 2.
The River 2 will power the AC for around 3 hours with no help (Single Bedroom to around 76 degrees)
The PS70 powers the River 2 with 450W for around 2 hours almost doubling the output of the River 2. In the Daytime I have a 200W solar panel that will charge the River 2 from 20% to full in about 3 to 4 hours. So if your not in the house half the day it's a free refill on the river 2 (if it's not running the AC).
The PS70 takes longer to charge from Solar with it's 720wh batteries
It takes most of a day to fully recharge it at 120 - 150w Solar.
You can of Corse also charge your phone and run a usb lamp and small fan while your running the AC in the bedroom with almost no loss to the AC.
Hope that helps you decide what you need
I've got a Delta 2 for basically this purpose. They work really well for short outages, and as a buffer for long-term outages - you run mostly on silent battery power, and only run a small generator occasionally to top the battery off (could be once every 6-24+ hours depending on your consumption)
Highly recommended if you live in a Hurricane prone area and have a few of these Solar Generators.
Updated: the manual says yes.
In practice the difference is smaller because the non-battery parts (case, electronics, etc) add about the same weight to both types. So on the smaller capacity batteries the % weight difference will be smaller. But as you increase the capacity, the % weight difference becomes larger.
The argument that LiFePO4 makes up for it with better longevity assumes high usage. e.g. Regularly topping it out to 100%, and draining it close to 0%. In that case, getting similar longevity with Li-ion requires keeping it between 80%-20% or 70%-30% depth of discharge (DoD). Under those DoD, the weight difference is canceled out for the same usable capacity, and LiFePO4 is better.
But it's not like Li-ion is completely unusable between 100%-0% DoD. Typical endurance if you regularly do a 100%-0% DoD is about 300-500 cycles. But the definition of that is that after 300-500 cycles at 100% DoD, usable capacity drops to 80% of when new. So it's not like Li-ion becomes useless after 300-500 cycles. Its capacity just drops from 1.5x higher energy density than LiFePO4, to 1.2x-1.25x (LiFePO4's capacity drops a bit too). So realistically, you're probably looking at about 1000 cycles from Li-ion before its energy density becomes worse than LiFePO4 (which is typically rated for 3000-5000 cycles to reach the same 80% of new capacity).
If you're going for a large-capacity static installation (so weight doesn't matter) where charging is out of your control (so it will regularly be charged to 100%), and is heavily discharged afterwards, then LiFePO4 is unquestionably better. This usage pretty much exactly describes solar installations. Which is why everyone creating solar power banks is in love with LiFePO4. However,
- Even if you do one 100% DoD every day, Li-ion will remain superior to LiFePO4 for ~3 years.
- If you don't use it daily, then a lighter Li-ion can easily give you 5-10 years of use while retaining more capacity for less weight than LiFePO4.
- Furthermore, if you don't need 100% DoD (e.g. you need less than its full capacity so most of the time it will only experience 80%-20% or 70%-30% DoD), then it'll take decades to become worse than LiFePO4. Your main concern then will probably be heat and storage conditions, not cycles and DoD.
- In 10+ years, there will probably be much better battery options available. So you'll be itching for an upgrade.
One is not superior to the other. They each have their pros and cons. Buy the one which best suits your use case.Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
In practice the difference is smaller because the non-battery parts (case, electronics, etc) add about the same weight to both types. So on the smaller capacity batteries the % weight difference will be smaller. But as you increase the capacity, the % weight difference becomes larger.
The argument that LiFePO4 makes up for it with better longevity assumes high usage. e.g. Regularly topping it out to 100%, and draining it close to 0%. In that case, getting similar longevity with Li-ion requires keeping it between 80%-20% or 70%-30% depth of discharge (DoD). Under those DoD, the weight difference is canceled out for the same usable capacity, and LiFePO4 is better.
But it's not like Li-ion is completely unusable between 100%-0% DoD. Typical endurance if you regularly do a 100%-0% DoD is about 300-500 cycles. But the definition of that is that after 300-500 cycles at 100% DoD, usable capacity drops to 80% of when new. So it's not like Li-ion becomes useless after 300-500 cycles. Its capacity just drops from 1.5x higher energy density than LiFePO4, to 1.2x-1.25x (LiFePO4's capacity drops a bit too). So realistically, you're probably looking at about 1000 cycles from Li-ion before its energy density becomes worse than LiFePO4 (which is typically rated for 3000-5000 cycles to reach the same 80% of new capacity).
If you're going for a large-capacity static installation (so weight doesn't matter) where charging is out of your control (so it will regularly be charged to 100%), and is heavily discharged afterwards, then LiFePO4 is unquestionably better. This usage pretty much exactly describes solar installations. Which is why everyone creating solar power banks is in love with LiFePO4. However,
- Even if you do one 100% DoD every day, Li-ion will remain superior to LiFePO4 for ~3 years.
- If you don't use it daily, then a lighter Li-ion can easily give you 5-10 years of use while retaining more capacity for less weight than LiFePO4.
- Furthermore, if you don't need 100% DoD (e.g. you need less than its full capacity so most of the time it will only experience 80%-20% or 70%-30% DoD), then it'll take decades to become worse than LiFePO4. Your main concern then will probably be heat and storage conditions, not cycles and DoD.
- In 10+ years, there will probably be much better battery options available. So you'll be itching for an upgrade.
One is not superior to the other. They each have their pros and cons. Buy the one which best suits your use case.For my use case, li-ion is definitely going to work out better (discharge 1-3x a month)
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