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Old 06-25-2020, 08:35 AM   #21
PNW Fireguy
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Tomcat in reading your last post something else came to mind for me. I think you hit the nail on the head regarding the limited “integration” of the dc to dc charger. Some components provide greater visibility and configuration options through the Victron app than others. Since you are using drop in batteries like BB which have an onboard proprietary BMS you won’t have a user interface to provide details of what is going into or out of the batteries. I am assuming you have this but just haven’t specifically mentioned it but a shunt and display like the BMV-712 is probably the best option to give you a clear picture of total amps going into and out of the battery pack as well as capacity remaining and discharge/charging rates. Just my thoughts. Best of luck with your system and let’s us know how you like the Renogy dc to dc charger. I think others on the forum may find this a viable option as well.
 
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Old 06-25-2020, 11:39 AM   #22
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Originally Posted by PNW Fireguy View Post
Tomcat in reading your last post something else came to mind for me. I think you hit the nail on the head regarding the limited “integration” of the dc to dc charger. Some components provide greater visibility and configuration options through the Victron app than others. Since you are using drop in batteries like BB which have an onboard proprietary BMS you won’t have a user interface to provide details of what is going into or out of the batteries. I am assuming you have this but just haven’t specifically mentioned it but a shunt and display like the BMV-712 is probably the best option to give you a clear picture of total amps going into and out of the battery pack as well as capacity remaining and discharge/charging rates. Just my thoughts. Best of luck with your system and let’s us know how you like the Renogy dc to dc charger. I think others on the forum may find this a viable option as well.
Thanks again. Yup, I have the BMV-712 and that will be part of the system. I have read some things where people recommend not even installing the display for the BMS in the main coach because "if your system is designed correctly you won't need to watch it". I'm an information junkie, and I am looking forward to watching it (or the app) just to see what's going on. Wife can watch TV - I will watch my system monitors. I will definitely report back on how the Renogy works. Looking forward to the day I can give back a little for all I have taken from you all!
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Old 06-25-2020, 11:41 AM   #23
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Old 06-28-2020, 05:15 PM   #24
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Here is a little information on the Renogy dc/dc charger. I have a 40A Renogy and have it mounted inside my front basement compartment. You are on the right track as far as wanting to get some ventilation in there. I have found that it will overheat when the temperatures start to get up in the 80* plus range. There is an internal high temp sensor that will shut it down and in order to reset it both the 12VDC on the inlet and outlet have to be disconnected from it. It will not simply restart when it cools off. With any luck Renogy has made an improvement and the unit now runs the internal fans to cool down and restarts the charging automatically. I still have not added any fans because the solar now takes care of the charging while traveling.

Good luck and have fun with the installation.
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Old 06-28-2020, 07:42 PM   #25
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Following. I'm interested in installing almost the exact same set up with the same phased install plan working towards solar



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Old 06-29-2020, 05:10 AM   #26
TomCat
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Originally Posted by Jpc View Post
Here is a little information on the Renogy dc/dc charger. I have a 40A Renogy and have it mounted inside my front basement compartment. You are on the right track as far as wanting to get some ventilation in there. I have found that it will overheat when the temperatures start to get up in the 80* plus range. There is an internal high temp sensor that will shut it down and in order to reset it both the 12VDC on the inlet and outlet have to be disconnected from it. It will not simply restart when it cools off. With any luck Renogy has made an improvement and the unit now runs the internal fans to cool down and restarts the charging automatically. I still have not added any fans because the solar now takes care of the charging while traveling.

Good luck and have fun with the installation.
Thanks for the reply! I appreciate the information. Wow - 80 degrees seems like an awfully low threshold. Specs say the operating temp is up to 50 degrees C (122 F). I will definitely be on the alert for that. Just curious - I know it depends on the size of your array, but how many amps of charging current do you get from your solar on a good, sunny day traveling?
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Old 07-02-2020, 08:13 PM   #27
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Originally Posted by TomCat View Post
Thanks for the reply! I appreciate the information. Wow - 80 degrees seems like an awfully low threshold. Specs say the operating temp is up to 50 degrees C (122 F). I will definitely be on the alert for that. Just curious - I know it depends on the size of your array, but how many amps of charging current do you get from your solar on a good, sunny day traveling?
Hi Tom,

you should check your unit out.
I am in the hot south east and the renogy dc dc 40Amp runs in the front compartment with temps 90-100F in the compartment without any issue.

The fans are running though but it puts nice 38-39amps through.

Mike
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