New Victron Multiplus install with Li Batteries

[scfoster]

Decided to install Battle Born LiFePO4 batteries (200Ah) and a Victron system. Would welcome input into the attached diagram.
I do plan on adding solar over the winter, so a MPPT will be added at that time.
The Alternator is a Balmar with a MC612 external voltage regulator.
Battle Born suggested using the Li-BIM 225 to provide for charging the House bank then the Engine Start battery.
The engine start battery is a FLA SRM-27.

[s/v Jedi]

The bilge pumps are missing from the always-on bus bar.

I think this is modified from Victron? I think the Multiplus has two positive and two negative cables.

[scfoster]

Bilge pump added. Yes its a modified Victron schematic.

Thanks.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by scfoster

Bilge pump added. Yes its a modified Victron schematic.

Thanks.

Looks good to me now. Amazing how you modify that schematic... how do you do that?

[scfoster]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Looks good to me now. Amazing how you modify that schematic... how do you do that?

Decades of diagraming things in the IT biz. Since I'm on a Mac (no Visio) and I'm too damn cheap to pay for an application, used Powerpoint.

Icons for individual items like alternator, fuses, battery, etc. are made using mfg pictures and GIMP for cleanup. Lots of better ways to do it but its what I have.

Back to the schematic. You are correct there are two DC outputs/inputs.
From the Victron manual "Two DC outputs for charging two batteries
The main DC terminal can supply the full output current. The second output, intended for charging a starter battery, is limited to 4A and has a slightly lower output voltage."

There doesn't appear to be any configuration for the #2 circuit. It is for charging a "starter battery". No more information than that. Guess I'll find out.

Does anyone have a comment on the switches (1, 2 & 3)? All good?

For Shore power, there are two 30amp receptacles on the stern. One goes to an AC panel (Shore 2) that supplies the Air Conditioner.

Even though the Victron has a #2 AC output that shuts off when shore power (or generator) is not available, I don't think I can use that for the Air Conditioning as that has a 30 amp breaker.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by scfoster

Decades of diagraming things in the IT biz. Since I'm on a Mac (no Visio) and I'm too damn cheap to pay for an application, used Powerpoint.

Icons for individual items like alternator, fuses, battery, etc. are made using mfg pictures and GIMP for cleanup. Lots of better ways to do it but its what I have.

Back to the schematic. You are correct there are two DC outputs/inputs.
From the Victron manual "Two DC outputs for charging two batteries
The main DC terminal can supply the full output current. The second output, intended for charging a starter battery, is limited to 4A and has a slightly lower output voltage."

There doesn't appear to be any configuration for the #2 circuit. It is for charging a "starter battery". No more information than that. Guess I'll find out.

Does anyone have a comment on the switches (1, 2 & 3)? All good?

For Shore power, there are two 30amp receptacles on the stern. One goes to an AC panel (Shore 2) that supplies the Air Conditioner.

Even though the Victron has a #2 AC output that shuts off when shore power (or generator) is not available, I don't think I can use that for the Air Conditioning as that has a 30 amp breaker.

No, the Multiplus has two main positive cables and two main negative cables, just to make them easier to handle than a 4/0 single cable. I believe the original schematic from Victron shows both. The 4A #2 output is separate and indeed just for a start battery.

I also put switches on each battery so that they can be isolated quickly. You would best keep the A/C and second shore power as it is.

Do you know the schematic from Rod Collins / MarineHowTo.com?

[scfoster]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Do you know the schematic from Rod Collins / MarineHowTo.com?

I do now. Thanks.

I like the idea of a $75 device to take care of the LiFePO4 battery topping off subsequently shutting off current from the alternator. I could leave the switch position to connect the alternator to just the house Li batteries.

The starter battery would charge from shore power and later from solar. If the voltage is low, could turn the switch to just charge the starter battery from the alternator (turn the engine off before switching back!!!).



What Battle Born sold me was the Li-BIM 225 Precision Circuits LiFePO4 battery isolation manager ($172). This is what I have in the wiring diagram.

[Gripfast]

Why 3000 watt inverter? With only 200 amp hour bank. Is it for the charging capacity?
I sail a Bene361 and almost never use the 1000 watt inverter that came on the boat. Just added 440 watts of solar so we may use it more.

[scfoster]

Originally Posted by Gripfast

Why 3000 watt inverter? With only 200 amp hour bank. Is it for the charging capacity?
I sail a Bene361 and almost never use the 1000 watt inverter that came on the boat. Just added 440 watts of solar so we may use it more.

Good question, which ties to why I went LiFePO4. I plan on adding a lot more Ah, which is doable with LiFePO4, adding new batteries to 'old' batteries.
I want to be able to add Ah capacity without a lot of weight, with solar charging.

[scfoster]

Found a picture online (

Journey with Jono YouTube video

) showing the innards of the Victron 12V 3000W Multiplus.

On the bottom left is the 3 wire AC in, then the 2 two wire (hot & neutral) AC out.

On the right are the two DC battery in lugs. Below that are the 5 comm ports.

[NakedCity]

Following.
I am currently planning an install of this inverter/charger

[scfoster]

Turns out the Balmar alternator is a 100 amp unit.

[scfoster]

Pulled the plug on the Battle Born batteries and the other equipment.
Can't stress enough having the support of an installer, even if you're doing all the physical work yourself.
The folks at Battle Born were friendly and gave great pricing. However, relatively simple questions went unanswered. As time went on, I lost confidence that they would adequately support my install.
Of course they have the engineering expertise, just not available to me.

Decided to go with PKYS in Annapolis, MD. They are 'close' to me and Peter Kennedy is a certified marine electrician. Nothing worse than paying $$ and having something fry due to a stupid simple error.

Going to bite the bullet and go pretty much all Victron. Easier to integrate and "one throat to choke" if there are issues.

[NakedCity]

I have been impressed with his Blog and overall info available on their website.

[scfoster]

Originally Posted by NakedCity

I have been impressed with his Blog and overall info available on their website.

Yes. Read a lot of his materials and also Jeff Cote at Pacific Yacht Systems. Peter is a LOT closer than Jeff.

The external BMS by Victron gives a whole new level of control and reporting at the cell level in each battery. Pricey but what isn't on a boat.