LifePo4 upgrade
- Thread starter ktcnyc
- Start date
Kevin,
If tempted, that LiFePo4 can absorb all the power available. This could take out your alternator. So, you need to go looking for DC-DC charge controller that an limit what the new battery can take at any one time. There are several suppliers for these including Renogy. I have done no research in this area.
Matt_C
If tempted, that LiFePo4 can absorb all the power available. This could take out your alternator. So, you need to go looking for DC-DC charge controller that an limit what the new battery can take at any one time. There are several suppliers for these including Renogy. I have done no research in this area.
Matt_C
Matt - Thanks - I suspected some impact on the alternator - I will look into a dc-dc controller
KC
KC
Check into your Progressive Dynamics charger parameters. I don't know where they got their charging specs, but the early ones just held at 14.6 volts forever. This is very bad for a LiFePO4 battery.
Then in the fall of 2021 they changed to a 2-stage charge where the voltage was reduced to 13.6V to carry any loads after the battery was charged, but 14.6V target voltage is still a bit high.
Starting this year they reduced the target voltage from 14.6 to 14.4V which is much kinder to the battery.
I would check with PD and see what version you have and if they offer an upgrade to the latest charge parameters.
A DC-DC charger is definitely a must. I've been using a Renogy 20A version for 3 years now. It works well and has a low power mode (50% current limit) for when you know your battery is charged but just need to carry a load like our all electric fridge. They have higher power models as well.
Then in the fall of 2021 they changed to a 2-stage charge where the voltage was reduced to 13.6V to carry any loads after the battery was charged, but 14.6V target voltage is still a bit high.
Starting this year they reduced the target voltage from 14.6 to 14.4V which is much kinder to the battery.
I would check with PD and see what version you have and if they offer an upgrade to the latest charge parameters.
A DC-DC charger is definitely a must. I've been using a Renogy 20A version for 3 years now. It works well and has a low power mode (50% current limit) for when you know your battery is charged but just need to carry a load like our all electric fridge. They have higher power models as well.
You'll need a DC to DC charger or one of these:
I have one of these on my system and it does the job just fine. I also have solar (195 watts) so my batteries never get very low in the first place.
Precision Circuits Lithium Battery Isolation Manager 225 Amps LI-BIM 225 | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Precision Circuits Lithium Battery Isolation Manager 225 Amps LI-BIM 225 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
I have one of these on my system and it does the job just fine. I also have solar (195 watts) so my batteries never get very low in the first place.
