Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5
The problem with LiFePo4 is that it becomes permanently damaged when charged in sub-freezing temperatures. Smart charging combined with a heating system would need to be implemented to protect the battery.
Since I sometimes ride my motorcycle in freezing temperatures, I've decided to run supercapacitors only, and forgo the battery.
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That's not a problem. There are small stick on battery heaters that plug into an outlet for overnight warming. Once my bike is running the rear header dumps plenty of heat near the battery.
On the Lincoln back when it still had its lead acid battery in the trunk, I used one like this.
Kat's 22500 60 Watt 8.5"x 11.5" Battery Pad Heater : Amazon.com : Automotive
I also used a slightly smaller one on the Deka cell I had in my 96 mustang gt.
On my bike, I used to use this one on the AGM cell,
Amazon.com: Kat's 24150 150 Watt 4"x 5" Universal Hot Pad Heater: Automotive
modified with a quick connect plug to make unplugging just part of the start-up routine.
Now with the even smaller LiFePo battery, I'll probably grab one of these -
Amazon.com: Kat's 24050 50 Watt 2"x 5" Universal Hot Pad Heater: Swiss Army: Automotive
I also ride in below freezing temps and I've never had a battery issue with these little heaters.
They don't even need to be on all night. I used to put them on a timer that would run them for about 15 minutes every hour.
With the new all metal underseat tray on my vfr, I might have to increase the time a little bit to compensate for going from the oem plastic tray to a custom metal one.