Q AND A

 

How does a sodium battery compare to a AGM / VRLA battery ?

A – 1/3rd the weight, 3 times longer lifespan, equal or greater engine starting power, more energy-dense, increased efficiency, ZERO maintenance, more reliable power output, over discharging will not hurt it, cost is less considering longevity.

 

On what aircraft can a Sodium battery be used ?

A – any.. 2 stroke, 4 stroke, 12V, 24V, Turbine.

 

What external charger can be used if needed ?

A – Lithium or smart lead acid type, nothing complicated

 

Have these Sodium cells / batteries been tested ?

A – testing and results approved by an FAA DER.

 

Does a Sodium battery need a ‘ fault indicator ‘ or vent tube as certain lithium or lead acid batteries do ?

A – No, but a bluetooth monitor option is available.

 

Will there be any corrosion problems like lead acid ?

A - No

 

What is max charging amps ?

A – 100 on 18Ah

 

Will a Sodium battery unexpectedly quit like a AGM or lithium battery with BMS ?

A – No, A sodium can never quit because it can discharge down to zero volts.

 

Is a Sodium battery a drop in replacement for lead ?

A - yes

 

Can your Sodium batteries be used in other things; cars, boats, heavy equipment ?

A – anything that needs a battery can use Sodium

 

How is the Ah rating calculated ?

A – At 1C, unlike lead acid which has inflated Ah from C/10, C/20

 

If I leave the Sodium battery in a discharged state, will it be damaged ?

A – No, unlike lead or lithium that would be

 

If my Sodium battery should ever be damaged can you fix it ?

A – Yes, All Aerolithium batteries are repairable

 

How does Sodium rate against Lithium or AGM in cold temps ?

A – better than either

 

You have Sodium chargers ?

A – Yes, use LiFepo4 setting, auto disconnect are best

 

How to check alternator V output ?

A – attach multimeter to battery terminals, note reading, start engine, note reading increase RPM’s voltage should be higher

 

Disposal of a Sodium battery ?

A – send back to Aerolithium for trade in credit on new battery.

 

Everyone claims their battery is the safest..

A – lead is safer than lithium, Sodium is safer than lead. LTO is = to Sodium

 

Will a Sodium battery ever become swollen ?

A – No, unlike a lithium battery with pouch cells ( or AGM’s can and do swell up also. )

 

Does a Sodium battery ever need to be externally charged ?

A – only if drained from doing ground ops

 

Can a Sodium battery accept a charge in very cold temps (-40) ?

A- yes, better than lithium or lead.

 

Why no ‘fault light’ ?

A – Fault lights are used on batteries that have faults… Sodium does not.

 

Any recommended voltage setting on the regulator ?

A – Any voltage up to 15.8 is fine. The higher voltage will give you a little extra zip in starting and increase the watt-hour capacity.

 

I’m placing the battery inside the cabin, any concerns ?

A – this is the main reason people choose Sodium, no possible smoke, no vent tube needed, no worries.

 

Why is there no charging limit from alternator like lithium ?

A – Because Sodium has a higher resistance, thus naturally restricting the charge current, similar to lead acid.

 

What about heat in firewall fwd installs ?

A – Sodium tolerates heat better than lithium or lead, but still a good idea to put a heat shield around any battery.

 

Can a Sodium battery be mixed with lithium or lead ?

A – Lithium yes, Lead only if no other choice, but not recommended

 

Can a Sodium battery overtax the alternator ?

A – No

 

Terminal screws are M6 size, how much to tighten ?

A – Torque on 6mm screw is 32 to 36 inch lbs

 

What is the resting voltage of a Sodium battery ?

A – Whatever voltage it was last charged to it will rest at.

 

Approximately how many charge cycles ?

A – about 3000, probably more

 

How does the discharge curve compare to lithium/LFP ?

A – 95% discharged at 10.0V. Not as flat as lithium, not a steep drop like AGM. Sort of in-between.

 

Why not use a BMS like Lithium ?

A – 1. Lithium/LFP cells are fragile, remember, a BMS’s primary function is to protect the lithium cells, Sodium cells don’t need protecting. 2. A BMS adds complication and expense and can and do fail occasionally, interfering with charging and discharging.

 

My plane will sit for a few months.. any prep for that ?

A – No, battery status will be the same as you left it ( if u have a parasitic drain, then, disconnect it.)

 

Can you put Sodium batteries in series ?

A – Yes, For aircraft using two 12V to get 24V. Otherwise, we have 24V batteries, and can make higher voltages also.

 

I replaced my AGM battery with Sodium and see higher charging amps after engine start; normal ?

A – Yes, Sodium will recharge faster than AGM for a minute or two.

 

Why aren't these Sodium batteries offered by the big parts houses ?

A – because they want massive discounts and 30 days net… Aerolithium only deals directly with aircraft owners and shops. Second, the inventory in these places are several months to a year old.

 

What is Sodium’s track record ?

A – Sodium battery tech came out about middle of 2024, so, users of such were primarily automotive.

Anyone trying Sodium will be an early adopter, same as Lithium was back in 2012...

 

Whats the warranty ?

A – 3 years pro rated

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