Special Edition / PowerTech: French-designed LiFePo4 batteries

PowerTech designs its lithium batteries in France. From the PowerBrick to the PowerModule, the company offers a wide range of products to meet the needs of pleasure boats, both for service and electric motorization.

Safe batteries designed in France

PowerTech has been designing energy storage solutions for onshore and offshore electrical installations for over 15 years. The company develops and assembles its lithium batteries in France. "The entire design, all safety elements and the BMS (Battery Management System) are made in France. We chose LiFePo4 technology because it is a guarantee of safety and a good life span with a large number of possible cycles. Slightly heavier than the NMC batteries used in the automotive industry, they heat up less and do not require insulation, which leads to comparable total weights" explains Camille Chassaing, technical sales engineer at PowerTech.

PowerTech trouve sa place à bord des Mini 6.50
PowerTech finds its place aboard the Mini 6.50

The PowerBrick to replace lead batteries

PowerTech's first range, the PowerBricks are lithium batteries that can easily replace traditional lead-acid batteries used for servicing (note that they are not suitable for starter batteries). "They are designed for easy replacement with standard dimensions, comparable to traditional lead-acid batteries. The integrated BMS avoids having to rethink the installation. Measurement sensors can be added with Can Bus or NMEA2000 communication", says Camille Chassaing.

The PowerBrick is available in 12V between 7.5Ah and 250Ah, with a brand new 12V / 150Ah model specially designed for marine use, as well as in 24V between 50 and 150Ah. The PowerBricks also exist in 48V for the electric motorization of small pleasure boats.

PowerModule destiné à la propulsion des bateaux électriques
PowerModule for the propulsion of electric boats

The PowerModule for electric boats

Based on the PowerRack range, certified by the Bureau Véritas and developed by PowerTech for high-power professional marine applications, the PowerModule series is designed for installation on board electric pleasure boats, up to large sizes. Starting at 5 kWh, the PowerModule can store more than 100 kWh with the proper installation. "We can modulate the size of the fleet, the power and the voltage, and meet the propulsion needs of electric boats for large refits or original equipment. Eventually, we can also meet large servo demands with the PowerModule. They also integrate BusCan and NMEA2000 technology for remote monitoring."

Technical assistance

Thanks to its location in France, PowerTech can deliver its batteries throughout Europe and offer quality after-sales service and inventory. "Customers also appreciate our pre-sales support and the assistance we provide in defining the battery fleet and installation," concludes Olivier Lechable, PowerTech's Director of Operations.

More articles on the theme