Quote:
Originally Posted by Davidhoy
I'm looking for advice on how to set up a system to charge two seperate banks - one consisting of 4 8D AGMs with 245Ah capacity each, the other a Relion RB300 integrated lithium ion battery. I'm looking at adding the RB300 and connecting a few specific loads to it (fridge, freezer, and Electroscan MSD), leaving all other loads on the existing AGM bank.
My charging sources are as follows:
- Xantrex SW3012 inverter/charger (when on shore or generator power)
- 100A engine alternator with Balmar ARS-5 external regulator
- 2x 350watt solar panels, each connected to individual Victron 100/30 charge controllers.
I'm imagining a system that prioritizes the RB300, as it will charge much faster than the AGM, then once the lithium battery is full will send the power to charge the AGMs. But perhaps there's a better, simpler way...
Regards,
David
|
I will leave your specific
electrical question to those more qualified only to say that I don't like mixing battery chemistries. S@#$ happens and at the worst possible time.
I would worry about the sustainability of your batteries even with 2x350W
solar panels due to your
electrical draw (like to see how you mounted those). Your alternator is at least half the size it should be for charging the 4x8D AGMs. On my last Pacific voyage we were frequently days without full sunshine (something one doesn't expect in the Pacific) but my electrical use was very reasonable and I never had to start the
diesel with my 4x140W
panels and 2 8D Gels. A genset just wastes
fuel you may need later.
I recommend you develop an
Offshore Energy
Budget and do some "what-ifs" to see how viable your plan is. There is an Excel template on the Pacific Cup website (Sample Energy Budget) that was developed for the
race participants and you can modify it to suit your
boat including your expected solar panel energy production; it can even calculate your
diesel consumption for charging. I included EVERY
single electrical item on the
boat and my solar panels...it was very enlightening.
Good luck.
~ ~ _/) ~ ~ MJH