Modern lithium LiFePO4 battery chemistry is inherently more stable than its predecessors but it is not without risk. If subjected to incorrect charging parameters, such as overcharging or voltage spikes, LiFePO4 batteries can rapidly vent gas.
The predominant by-product of this venting is hydrogen which is highly flammable even at incredibly low concentrations. In the confined space of a boat’s battery compartment, any standard electrical component (such as a bilge pump, motor, contactor or fan) can generate a tiny spark with potentially explosive and catastrophic consequences.
SafeLi: Marine Lithium Battery Gas and Temperature Monitoring
Digital Yacht’s SafeLi is a marine lithium battery safety monitor designed to provide early warning of potential battery distress.
It incorporates dual-sensor monitoring with ultra-sensitive gas sensors calibrated to detect hydrogen and other VOCs released by a distressed battery, alongside an integrated temperature sensor to monitor physical battery heat. It’s powered and interfaces directly with the boat’s existing NMEA 2000 network and can be positioned right next to the battery bank and connected in under two minutes.
NMEA 2000 Alerts, Onboard Alarms and Remote Monitoring
SafeLi also offers multi channel alerting. At the helm, it automatically triggers a prominent pop-up warning on any compatible NMEA 2000 helm display and it features a built-in wireless interface, allowing crew to monitor real-time gas and temperature levels directly via a smartphone or tablet.
Plus there’s an internal audible alarm and it can activate Digital Yacht’s universal NMEA 2000 Klaxon to sound a loud, unmistakable physical alarm on board.
Digital Yacht’s Njord Cloud platform will also respond to SafeLi alerts providing remote alerting by push notifications and messaging if required.
Discover SafeLi from Digital Yacht
Simple to install, SafeLi massively improves LiFePO4 battery system safety and acts as a 24 x 7 alerting sentry for your boat’s lithium battery system.
It will be formally launched at METS 2026 but you can get a quick sneak peek and demo at the Annapolis Sailboat show (15-18 October) on the Digital Yacht booth.
