Q AND A

 

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

A – 1/3rd the weight, 3 times longer lifespan, higher cranking and capacity for the same Ah value,, more energy-dense, increased efficiency, ZERO maintenance, can not be damaged by over discharge, will recharge much faster,

not nearly as affected by temperature extremes, depth of discharge of sodium is 100% with 80% usable > 11V,

open circuit voltage is whatever it was last charged to, vs 12.6V for  AGM, 10 times the # of charge discharge cycles,

options are available to monitor the battery status via tri color LED or Bluetooth or integrated discrete signal output.

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On what aircraft can a Sodium battery be used ?

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

 

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 UN38.3.

 

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 – about 6 times the Ah size rule of thumb

 

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

A – No, AeroSodium cells are designed to tolerate deep discharge without the permanent damage associated with many lithium-ion chemistries. 

 

Is a Sodium battery a drop in replacement for lead ?

A - yes

 

Can Sodium batteries be used in series for 24V, 36V, 48V, ??

A - yes, although a single battery is preferable.

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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

 

How does Sodium rate against Lithium or AGM in extreme temps; < 0 deg F in my snowmobile ?

A – better than either: Sodium is much less affected by cold temps (LTO is the best).

Cranking for 10 seconds is not req. to heat up the battery like lithium which drains the battery in the first place.

 

You have Sodium chargers ?

A – Yes, use LiFepo4 setting, AGM chargers are ok too

 

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.

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How to tell when a Sodium battery needs replacing ?

A - when the cranking power slows down, unlike lithium, it will not swell up or bulge.

 

So; which battery chemistry  is the safest ?

A – NFPP sodium-ion—designed for safety, not maximum energy density

 

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. )

 

How often does a Sodium battery  need to be externally charged ?

A – Technically, it never needs to be charged unless it is discharged. Before use voltage should be checked 

and if below 13.4V, from a parasitic drain, from the plane, top it off with a charger 

 

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 15.0 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, up to 70c The powder coated aluminum case is a heat barrier .

 

Can a Sodium battery be mixed with lithium or lead ?

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

 

I noticed the charging amps after engine start are higher than were for lead acid ?

A – The Sodium battery will take in a higher current for one or 2 minutes after start.

 

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 4000, 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.) 

A Sodium battery will not self discharge like a lithium or lead acid

 

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.

 

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​