Lithium upgrade started

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Sprocker

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Hi all,

Just starting Phase 1 of my Lithium upgrade in my Elddis Autoquest.
I'm looking at Fogstar Drifts, 2 x 105Ah in parallel, due to ease of fitting.
Existing MPPT and Lippert (Shaudt) Controllers are both switchable to Lithium.
My only other change at this point will be the 230v charger. I'm looking at disconnecting the 230v plug from existing slide out PDU charger, and using the feed for a Victron IP22 20AMP charger with a 'Kettle' type plug replacing the 3 pin.
Can anyone advise if this all sounds OK please? Do you recommend adding a smart shunt, or will the Fogstar bluetooth connection enough to keep a check on battery state?
 
Thankyou. I thought it may be best. I'll add one to the order.
 
You may be surprised about the weight of a 280Ah and it might be manageable.....in theory it only needs to go into the space once ....
 
VanBits put a 280Ah Fogstar under the driver’s seat of our Malibu van.

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What is happening about charging from the alternator? Is the existing arrangement a B2B or is there a split charge relay?
 
Sprocker said:
My only other change at this point will be the 230v charger. I'm looking at disconnecting the 230v plug from existing slide out PDU charger, and using the feed for a Victron IP22 20AMP charger with a 'Kettle' type plug replacing the 3 pin.
Click to expand...
That setup will be fine. The feed will be on a circuit that has a breaker of no more than 16A, so that is OK. A 3-pin plug with a fuse is not necessary in that situation.
 
autorouter said:
That setup will be fine. The feed will be on a circuit that has a breaker of no more than 16A, so that is OK. A 3-pin plug with a fuse is not necessary in that situation.
Click to expand...
Excellent thankyou. My next question was about a fuse, but you've just answered it.
 
Why do you want to change your charger.
It will only charge when your on hook up and then you don't need to use your leisure batteries. The lead acid eldiss charger will charge up your lithium but not to the full extent. Your solar will do the rest. If your on extended hook up the existing charger will fully charge your lithium batteries.. I would use the money to add another solar panel assuming you have space.

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Jimbohorlicks said:
Why do you want to change your charger.
It will only charge when your on hook up and then you don't need to use your leisure batteries. The lead acid eldiss charger will charge up your lithium but not to the full extent. Your solar will do the rest. If your on extended hook up the existing charger will fully charge your lithium batteries.. I would use the money to add another solar panel assuming you have space.
Click to expand...
I was under the impression that the stock charger that Elddis put in is pretty basic, unreliable, didn't handle float charging, and long term could cause potential damage to the LiFePO4 batteries.
My though process behind changing to a Victron was partly to ensure longevity in the batteries.
 
Sprocker said:
That is handled by the Lippert/Schaudt split charger, which is Lithium ready.
Click to expand...
Are you sure about that?

The charger may be ready, but if it still has a split charge relay, then does that not need replacing with a B2B?
 
If you have a Cerbo GX device you can connect a temperature sensor to show the temperature of the batteries. Charging a lithium battery when it is very cold, below about 2°C, can cause damage. The lithium profile of the various chargers will include this option, if the battery temperature information is available. The Cerbo GX controller can be set up to provide temperature information from this temperature sensor.
www.victronenergy.com

Temperature sensor Quattro, MultiPlus and GX Device - Victron Energy

Temperature sensor for Quattro, MultiPlus and GX Device.
www.victronenergy.com www.victronenergy.com
 
LithiumConvert said:
Are you sure about that?

The charger may be ready, but if it still has a split charge relay, then does that not need replacing with a B2B?
Click to expand...
I took that to mean one of those Schaudt/Lippert WA121545 Boosters, which we refer to on here as a B2B. But definitely worth double-checking that.
 
Sprocker said:
I was under the impression that the stock charger that Elddis put in is pretty basic, unreliable, didn't handle float charging, and long term could cause potential damage to the LiFePO4 batteries.
My though process behind changing to a Victron was partly to ensure longevity in the batteries.
Click to expand...
I just added a stand alone lithium compatible charger max 10 amps that can just be plugged into the mains as and when required. Only used it a couple of times when at home. But does the job.
Think it was £20 from e bay.

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I put a Fogstar 230 AH underseat battery when I changed my habitation batteries from Lead acid. Coupled with a pure sinewave inverter. Best thing I ever did for off grid travel. I’m a moderate user, kettle, toaster, hairdryer small output stuff. You can read my blog if it helps you.
Phil
 
autorouter said:
I took that to mean one of those Schaudt/Lippert WA121545 Boosters, which we refer to on here as a B2B. But definitely worth double-checking that.
Click to expand...
That's correct. The current Schaudt/ Lippert WA121545 that charges the AGM battery has a Luthium profile also. I am told all I need to do is switch it from AGM to Lithium when I install the new batteries.
 
Jimbohorlicks said:
I just added a stand alone lithium compatible charger max 10 amps that can just be plugged into the mains as and when required. Only used it a couple of times when at home. But does the job.
Think it was £20 from e bay.
Click to expand...
I like that idea. Would definitely save a few quid. I could attach to the battery and just plug into mains when needed, either on site EHU or at home.
 
Just done exactly this on my 185, however you may want to consider upgrading the wiring to something a bit more substantial and use of a pair of bus bars I opted for 16 sq mm from a 30a victron fused at 40a then connected to lithium battery via 25mm sq and a 100a mrbf fuse and holder. I did leave the original dc battery feed from the pdu connected into the bus bar as a feed . 1 other thing check that 2 105ah fogstars will physically fit in the battery box
 

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