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offgrid View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Lithium Battery install ?
    Posted: 19 Oct 2019 at 2:05pm
You already have a solar charge controller set up for Li battery charging?

That’s good for the solar but you can’t use a solar charge controller to charge from one battery to another. Solar modules are current sources, meaning that they will provide a limited amount of current (depending on how much sun they’re getting). They will provide current at a range of voltages, so the charge controller can decide what the output voltage limit will be for the battery type you’re using.

Batteries are the opposite, they provide a nearly unlimited amount of current at a fixed voltage. A solar charge controller is unable to change that voltage. If the battery you’re charging is at a lower voltage than the source battery the charge controller will try to supply all the current available, which is a lot, so it will either blow a fuse or burn up. If the battery being charged is at a higher voltage than the source battery the controller will supply no current at all.

Dc to dc converters can charge one battery from another by stepping the input voltage up or down to what you have set the output voltage to, while also limiting the current. But if you try do that youll wind up discharging your supply battery unless you shut off the dc dc converter to protect it.
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Olddawgsrule View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Oct 2019 at 1:19pm
Originally posted by offgrid

I haven't converted my trailer to Li yet but I've designed and installed Li battery systems for other applications. Li batteries have a very different charge profile from lead acid batteries. They can catch fire if overcharged. So in general you should not try to use equipment set up for charging lead acid batteries to charge Li batteries. Following that safety rule:

1) You need a charger set up for Li batteries. The  ac circuit for the WFCO charger can be used to feed that charger.
2) You can charge the Li battery via solar. You will need a charge controller configured for Li batteries.
3) You shouldn't try to charge a Li battery directly from the TV lead acid battery system. You can get a dc dc converter that will allow the alternator to charge the Li battery. 

All the above adds significant cost to the already pricey Li battery itself of course. 

Also beware that you should not try to charge a Li battery when it is below freezing. So, you will probably want to mount it in the interior of the trailer where you can keep it warm.  Since it doesn't outgas like a lead acid battery there's nothing wrong with doing that. 

I have my LiPo battery, covered.
I have a solar charge controller, covered.

I'd like to use the solar controller to to charge from the Pod's 12v system. I figure I should be able to do that..

Is it feasible to use the existing battery cables?  Converter out (battery cables) > LiPo controller > LiPo battery? I would believe the LiPo controller now takes control and power is sent back as normal when dry-camping. By doing this, the TV would also charge through the existing cables.

I'm looking at using the Heater/hot water compartment. I'm also thinking I could utilize the Solar-on-the-side lines for an easy solar hookup. 




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offgrid View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Oct 2019 at 10:19am
I haven't converted my trailer to Li yet but I've designed and installed Li battery systems for other applications. Li batteries have a very different charge profile from lead acid batteries. They can catch fire if overcharged. So in general you should not try to use equipment set up for charging lead acid batteries to charge Li batteries. Following that safety rule:

1) You need a charger set up for Li batteries. The  ac circuit for the WFCO charger can be used to feed that charger.
2) You can charge the Li battery via solar. You will need a charge controller configured for Li batteries.
3) You shouldn't try to charge a Li battery directly from the TV lead acid battery system. You can get a dc dc converter that will allow the alternator to charge the Li battery. 

All the above adds significant cost to the already pricey Li battery itself of course. 

Also beware that you should not try to charge a Li battery when it is below freezing. So, you will probably want to mount it in the interior of the trailer where you can keep it warm.  Since it doesn't outgas like a lead acid battery there's nothing wrong with doing that. 
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Olddawgsrule View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Oct 2019 at 9:20am
Did a search and read through a couple threads, yet not sure anyone has done it. I did see another is like I and having a separate LiPo battery to use for other consuming items and not touching the house batteries. Really extents dry camping in the woods (tough solar gain).

If you have done this, I'd like to hear just what & how you proceeded to switch out.

Here's what I think so far:
* The charge portion of the 'converter' has to be shut-off (dis-connected).
Here I wonder if that line could be used to run into a LiPo controller? Sounds way too easy..
* A 12v source of power to the LiPo charger. Solar while off-grid and though the converter (shore or TV sourced). 
* Dedicated LiPo charger

Questions are a few, yet the big one right now is the TV power coming back into the trailer. I assume it's run through the converter's battery controller and sent forward to the battery. Not any sort of direct connection, TV to TT battery.



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