MGL Avionics User Forum

I rather hope someone has installed a lithium battery in their ultralight.

Any insights about charging... some little magic box to manage the unusual battery charging needs?

Regards,

James.

Most lithium batteries made for 12V systems like motorcycles, generators etc include a charge controller built in - in a way that makes them compatible with normal lead acid battery chargers.
The wisdom of using these in an aircraft may however be a different thing - images of a certain Boeing 787 dreamliner come to mind.
They do have one advantage though - they are pretty low weight.

I and several others have used the EarthX lithium batteries with good results. The applications I'm familiar with use the engine alternator for charging. I have inadvertently discharged a battery and after following Earthx procedures it recharged without damage.

Yes I’m familiar with the EarthX product.

A number of batteries now seem to come with an integrated BMS. Naturally not all batteries are equal.

A DC-DC lithium battery charger is not hard, several talented fellows have build and shared such devices on youtube. Well beyond my own abilities to understand and construct.

You must understand, I’m a simple chef. The heaviest intellectual lifting I do, is how to burn shit and serve it hot, but not in flames.

I had thought to use a small solar charge controller, figuring, in principle at least, it would be not much dissimilar to a purpose built DC-DC lithium charge controller.

Not much luck I’m afraid, until you jump up to 20 or more amps, in which case the charger/regulator is heavy and about the size of a shoe box.

Perhaps the wonderful people at MGL’s school of avionics and wizardry might have a spell or potion?

Whose batteries are you using?

I've lost count of the amount of lithium batteries I've put into all kinds of "toys", whether on ground or in air, that I can just apply a minimum of 13.5V to and let the battery's internals do its thing. Even cheaper batteries from companies like Bioenno Power or Dakota Lithium have integrated charge controllers....not that I would exactly use them in an aircraft. EarthX is my recommendation, albeit admittedly expensive.

They install just like any normal old battery - no special wiring required.

If you're looking for something like a trickle charger for when you're not flying, EarthX sells lithium battery maintainers for all brands of lithium batteries. I would NOT use your bog standard $20 lead-acid battery maintainer, as they have special modes for de-sulfating and float charging, whereas a lithium battery charger will act just like a regulated alternator - and that is provide a constant voltage and let the battery management handle the rest.

Use an original voltage regulator u can set them to the charging bolts u want
Make sure the wires coming from the stator are good

4-6ohms across rotor
Good battery

Test stator
Good luck try to find good used rotors

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