THE FRONT BOOT
LITHIUM PRIMER
You’ve heard of lithium batteries, but did you
know they are not all created equally? Like the
lead acid ‘family’, which contains absorbent glass
mat (AGM) and gel types, there are a number
of different lithium ion technologies within the
lithium ion family, each using different materials
for their cathode and (to a lesser degree) anode.
The most well-known types of lithium ion
batteries are:
Lithium nickel cobalt aluminium (NCA): cell
voltage is a nominal 6V, has high specific energy
of 200-260Wh/kg, and quite average safety
characteristics (typically safe to 150°C).
Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide
(NMC): cell voltage is a nominal 3.6V, has high
specific energy of 150-220Wh/kg, and good
safety characteristics (typically safe to 210°C).
Lithium iron phosphate (LIFEPO4): cell
voltage is a nominal 3.2V, offers moderate specific
energy of 90-120Wh/kg, and has excellent safety
characteristics (typically safe to 270°C).
But why is LIFEPO4 the most popular replacement
battery for lead acid batteries? In short, it is the
safest form of lithium ion battery when considering
temperature and abuse such as overcharge/
discharge, short circuit and penetration.
It has a high ‘thermal runaway’ point, offers similar
voltage to a sealed lead acid battery (3.2V per
cell = 12.8V), and good all-round performance
making it flexible for many applications.
Aside from that, it is environmentally friendly –
phosphate is not hazardous – and has a slow
capacity loss, meaning they can sit for longer
without requiring a refresh charge. They also have
a long life cycle and are relatively cost-effective.
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TAKE
SHELTER
BlackWolf’s new Sombra Shelter is a heavy-duty
canopy with a UPF 50+ rating, making it a good
place to escape from the outback sun.
It also has a 2000mm waterhead rating, so it
should be suitable for more or less the hardest of
rains. For additional sun and weather protection,
a side panel is available, too.
The Sombra Shelter is fortified by BlackWolf’s
custom 19mm Tuff steel poles. It is available in
two sizes to provide up to 20sqm of shade.
60 \
MORE INFO
RRP: BlackWolf Sombra Shelter 300
$399.99; $499.99 for the 450 model
www.blackwolf.com.au