Quote:
Originally Posted by Creeker
I'm probably going with the Renogy 40A DC to DC charger. Several YouTube videos online with good reviews. Their website has downloads of the operating manual giving the recommended wiring size for length of run. As well as fuse size.
Amazon and Walmart have better pricing than straight from Renogy website.
https://www.renogy.com/12v-dc-to-dc-...ttery-charger/ |
I emailed Matt from Future Sales and he recommended this instead of a DC-DC charger...
https://precisioncircuitsinc.com/wp-...i-BIM-Rev1.pdf
I have just begun to research this, but I like what I'm seeing so far. Compared to a DC-DC charger, this seems cheaper, simpler, and is also designed specifically for lithium charging. Also, the BIM can be switched both ways; so for example if you wanted to charge your vehicle from your solar system that would be possible.
The biggest advantage that they speak about is to prevent damage to the alternator due to the lithium batteries charging profile... lithium batteries will accept a charge about as fast as an alternator can put out, which could overheat and damage the alternator if charging full blast for hours. So the Li-BIM cycles the charging on for a few minutes, then off to cool down the alternator, then on, etc. (I assume a DC-DC charger that can be set to lithium would also protect alternator, but I don't know for sure...)
Also, Matt mentioned that he is seeing charge rates of about 70 amps using the above BIM, and the BIM is ~$150. Seems much less cost than a DC-DC charger...
So, as mentioned, I don't have personal experience, but this does look like a very appealing solution.
Brad