Can I upgrade to lithium using my existing set up?

G

guy7469

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Dec 11, 2023
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Chausson 640
Hi all.
Looking for a bit of advice on whether I can replace my existing AGM battery for a new lithium one.
My kit is
Solar panel 150w I think it's a PV Logic kit
Solar controller PV Logic 10Ah
Battery charger CBE CB516
BC-DC 1240 Redarc
Not really sure how it all works.
Does the CBE charge the leisure battery on hook up and the Redarc from solar/alternator ??
I'm hoping to just pop in a new Lithium battery but I'm suspecting my solar controller and charger might not be up to the job.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks IMG_5008.jpegIMG_5004.jpegIMG_5003.jpegIMG_5002.jpeg
 
Your solar charger is not suitable and is not good one anyway.
The CB516 is not suitable as it has an automatic desulphation phase which you can't turn off, I have replaced mine.
The DC-DC charger has a Lithium profile so should be OK.
 
I’m pretty sure your Redarc has a lithium profile and also is a solar controller with lithium profile, mine is so sure yours will be the same

Info below

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Can CBE 516 charge lithium batteries ?

Hello and Happy New Year! I'm interested in knowing if it's possible to charge lithium batteries using the CBE 516. Additionally, could you provide information on the approximate charging time for a 100ah battery when using the CBE 516? Thank you!
www.motorhomefun.co.uk www.motorhomefun.co.uk
 
Al n Val said:
I’m pretty sure your Redarc has a lithium profile and also is a solar controller with lithium profile, mine is so sure yours will be the same

Info below

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Can CBE 516 charge lithium batteries ?

Hello and Happy New Year! I'm interested in knowing if it's possible to charge lithium batteries using the CBE 516. Additionally, could you provide information on the approximate charging time for a 100ah battery when using the CBE 516? Thank you!
www.motorhomefun.co.uk www.motorhomefun.co.uk
Click to expand...
Depends on the version of CB516 the latest ones are not suitable for the reason I gave above.
 
  • Informative
Reactions: f6c
The CB516 is from new in a 2021 Chausson. Is the 516 only used when on hook up and the DC-DC between the solar and the battery?
Definitely want to have an efficient solar system so I don't mind changing if it would be better.

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The picture above shows the later version which has the desulphation phase.
My older version below does not.
1000007863.jpg
 
Need to look at the manual it will say the model I think mine was a 516-3
 
The newer version has 3 charge profiles, while the older only has 2 as shown on the labels.
If you want to be certain remove the cover you will see the profile selection switch, if its 2 position it should be OK, 3 position not suitable.
I recently changed to lithium while away in Germany when my LA batteries croaked and have left my old CBE unit in as if does not have the desulphation phase.
Very rarely will I need hookup as my Solar and Victron controller will do fine.
 
I don't believe we have a separate manual for the charger.
The photo below is from the main user manual.IMG_5009.jpeg
 
I know several people (and at least one dealer) who have used their CBE 516-3 with lithium. In theory you could get a desulfation mode, but in practice that seems not to be a problem. Probably because you've likely been driving just before you go on to EHU, so the lithium will always show enough voltage that desulfation mode doesn't kick in.

But it's your call. I fully understand people not wanting to take the risk.

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I've opened her up and it has a switch with 3 different modes. Difficult to see but it appears to be switched furthest to the left.
Not sure if this label refers to a specific model.IMG_5010.jpeg
 
Need to check the battery again as I think it's AGM and the charger is set for Lead acid so that can't be helpful!
 
Tigger-Tim said:
I know several people (and at least one dealer) who have used their CBE 516-3 with lithium. In theory you could get a desulfation mode, but in practice that seems not to be a problem. Probably because you've likely been driving just before you go on to EHU, so the lithium will always show enough voltage that desulfation mode doesn't kick in.

But it's your call. I fully understand people not wanting to take the risk.
Click to expand...
Not worth the risk
 
On that solar charger, I can tell you for sure its a dud for lithium. I have repaired one as I needed to solder couple of wires on pcb for the battery port. It’s ok ish for lead but certainly not for lithium.
Get yourself a victron 75/15 they are pretty cheap now and good gear. Even used second hand I would not hesitate.

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If I don't go for lithium straightaway would it be worth changing the solar charger anyway?
Would it be better in harvesting the rays than what I have?
 

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