Do I need to replace my inverter?

[Brassmonkeys]

I have a freedom 2000 inverter and I just switched my lead acid batteries to lithium. I didn’t even think about the compatibility of both. I checked the manual for the inverter and this is all it says.

“The Freedom XC uses 12-volt battery banks. Every Freedom XC system is recommended to have a deep-cycle battery or group of batteries with a total capacity of 100 Ah or more which provides the DC current that the Freedom XC converts to ac.”

Am I going to have to get a brand new inverter? I would hate to damage my battery by using shore power to charge it

[ranger58sb]

I'd suspect the inverter doesn't care about your battery chemistry, but others here will know more about that...

But what charged your lead acid batteries before you switched to lithium? The CHARGER should likely be current-matched to the new batteries.

-Chris

[Sailmonkey]

I’d be willing to bet that this inverter isn’t able to stop charging when the batteries are full, nor is it able to keep the batteries out of the knee at the top of the charge.

It’ll charge them, but likely also cause them a premature death.

What batteries do you have? Do they have a built in BMS? Do you have a method to measure the amount of power removed from the batteries vs the amount returned to the batteries?

[GordMay]

Freedom X Inverter:
Wide 10-18 VDC Input Range: Ensures inverter operation on high voltage alternators found on many new vehicle chassis.
Built-in 30A AC Transfer Relay: Senses when outside AC Power is present and transfers the load from the inverter to the source of incoming power (shore or generator).
➥ https://www.mdspower.com/img/product...om-X-Specs.pdf

➥ https://www.mdspower.com/img/product...ners-Guide.pdf

[stormalong]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

I’d be willing to bet that this inverter isn’t able to stop charging when the batteries are full, nor is it able to keep the batteries out of the knee at the top of the charge.

It’ll charge them, but likely also cause them a premature death.

What batteries do you have? Do they have a built in BMS? Do you have a method to measure the amount of power removed from the batteries vs the amount returned to the batteries?

Where does the OP say that this is being used to charge the batteries?

If it is just being used as an inverter there should be no problem.

[hzcruiser]

You might want to check the LVC setting on the inverter. More importantly, make sure your charger(s) have their absorption phase set to off (or zero minutes).

[BruceS]

FREEDOM XC

True sine wave 120 Vac inverter/charger with built-in transfer switch. Features include ability to charge lithium batteries and dead batteries,

[hzcruiser]

Originally Posted by BruceS

FREEDOM XC

True sine wave 120 Vac inverter/charger with built-in transfer switch. Features include ability to charge lithium batteries and dead batteries,

So the OP didn't quite read the manual?

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by BruceS

FREEDOM XC

True sine wave 120 Vac inverter/charger with built-in transfer switch. Features include ability to charge lithium batteries and dead batteries,

Originally Posted by hzcruiser

So the OP didn't quite read the manual?

And he called it an inverter in his OP, instead of an inverter/charger.

-Chris

[RLaird]

The Freedom XC is not the 2000. Yes the 2000 is a vintage inverter charger.
Best to read the manual for both the batteries and inverter but it is my understanding (as owner of a Freedom 2500 I-C ) that you will need a new I-C to handle the Li batteries unfortunately.
Please let me know if you discover otherwise. I put my lithium dream on hold…

[Stu Jackson]

One of Maine Sail's main points in his excellent LiFePo article talks specifically about charging systems.


Everyone who switches to Lith oughta read it.


The OP seems to have two different models mentioned, leading to possible confusion:


freedom 2000 inverter ... The Freedom XC are two different units.


I have a Freedom 15 I/C. It can't handle Lith.


It is a simple egg timer charger. It can't handle Lith. Can't even handle gels.


I don't know what the OP has, but if he reads Maine Sail's article, he'll find out what he needs.


https://marinehowto.com/drop-in-life...ated-consumer/


Good luck.


PS - Most likely, not good for lith and will need a new charger,so you can't use the charger side. If you never use the charger side, then you could continue to use the inverter side. Put a separate charger in for the liths. Then it becomes a management issue.

[PaulCrawhorn]

Any charge source that can output your desired voltage or higher, and has current limiting, can be used for LFP.

No Absorption / CV stage is needed, in fact healthier to just do a Bulk / CC-only, certainly Floating is counter-productive to longevity.

Just "charge to setpoint and Stop", it's only Lead chemistry banks that need to regularly get to 100% Full.

An adjustable HVC is all the "charge regulation" you need, a dumb PSU, or DC-DC converter, or most any old charge source can thus be put to good use.

Balancing sessions are a separate topic, ideally needs doing very rarely, and at the top should not be done except when actually needed.