Inverter and Batteries Locations

[TBill36]

My engine room is crowded so placing batteries close to the inverter is difficult. I've heard that installing LFP batteries in the living area is permissible and there is a suitable location under the stairs that lead down from my salon into the cabin area for them. This area is not well ventilated. There is room on the firewall directly opposite this area where I could mount the inverter, or I could mount it on the 2nd stateroom closet wall that is adjacent to the stairwell also. Either location provides short cable runs. The closet would be a cooler environment and I can provide ventilation if needed to both locations. My questions are as follows:
1. Is it advisable to locate batteries in the living area. It is an enclosed space with no direct ventilation to the living area other than what leaks around the edges of the openings. It can be ventilated from the non-living area if necessary.
2. Same question for the inverter. The closet would provide a cooler environment, and I can also ventilate from the non-living area it if needed. This location also provides less clutter in already crowded engine room.

 

[psneeld]

Look around or search for threads on lithium batts or insurance. Seems some insurance companies don't allow LFP batts at all anywhere aboard.

 

[boomerang]

I had (have) a space conundrum in our engine room also. I puzzled for some time as to where to locate the inverter close to the batteries and just couldn't come up with a suitable place. Then I had a thinking outside of the (engine) box epiphany and thought about all of the unused space under the built-in settee, just above the batteries. Problem solved and although I have vent louvers to install, I haven't done it yet because when cruising, our inverter only runs at about 6% since the only draw is the refrigerator and it only got slightly warmer than normal on the way South. I'm sure this summer the temps will merit installing a couple of vents. Pics show the inverter under the settee, remote display near the ships electrical panel and remote battery disconnect solenoid in the engine room.

 

[tiltrider1]

Heat is the enemy. The less you have the more efficient everything will be. You can live with heat but, it could more than double your recharge time.

LFP batteries in a living space is really not an issue. Insurance is a minor issue, I have only heard of one company having issues with LFP.

 

[ronobrien]

My engine room is crowded so placing batteries close to the inverter is difficult. I've heard that installing LFP batteries in the living area is permissible and there is a suitable location under the stairs that lead down from my salon into the cabin area for them. This area is not well ventilated. There is room on the firewall directly opposite this area where I could mount the inverter, or I could mount it on the 2nd stateroom closet wall that is adjacent to the stairwell also. Either location provides short cable runs. The closet would be a cooler environment and I can provide ventilation if needed to both locations. My questions are as follows:
1. Is it advisable to locate batteries in the living area. It is an enclosed space with no direct ventilation to the living area other than what leaks around the edges of the openings. It can be ventilated from the non-living area if necessary.
2. Same question for the inverter. The closet would provide a cooler environment, and I can also ventilate from the non-living area it if needed. This location also provides less clutter in already crowded engine room.

I am planning on locating my house batteries in the lazarette. It will require some longer power leads but the available space, weight distribution and ventilation seem like a better overall idea to me.

 

[Portage_Bay]

I am planning on locating my house batteries in the lazarette. It will require some longer power leads but the available space, weight distribution and ventilation seem like a better overall idea to me.

How dry is your lazarette? Mine gets very damp much of the year. Corrosion of the electronics and all of the connections in the battery could be a concern.

 

[SteveK]

How dry is your lazarette? Mine gets very damp much of the year. Corrosion of the electronics and all of the connections in the battery could be a concern.

Mine are in the ER which is open to lazarette. They are on 24/7. The ER is damp, right now 73%. I suspect being on always keeps moisture settlement away.
I looked for other install locations but could not find suitable space and did not want a long distance to batteries

 

[ronobrien]

There is n o

How dry is your lazarette? Mine gets very damp much of the year. Corrosion of the electronics and all of the connections in the battery could be a concern.

direct water ingress, but I understand the concern over dampness. Possibly some moisture absorbent (desiccant) and likely some increased preventative measures and maintenance. Close monitoring at first would certainly be in order.