Freedom WON Review 20/16

[Pelagic]

I am shortlisted the Lithium system to install and would like to know more about Freedom WON from S Africa, which is available to me
This 20kWh is the unit I am considering.

While more expensive than the modular drop in modules like Battleborn, it has some very good control features via CAN Buss with Victron

http://www.freedomwon.co.za/

Opinions??Freedom-Won-spec-sheet_LiTE-Marine-20_16-1.pdfFreedom-Won-Lite-Marine_Installation-Manual.pdf

[Pelagic]

After receiving positive reports from commercial users of the Freedom Won and also my contacts from Victron in Holland, I went ahead and purchased the 20/16 at 24v unit. 20kWh equates to about 800Ah, but of course with 80% useful capacity.

What I found encouraging was that they defined clearly their 10-year guarantee and any issues can be handled locally by their distributer in the Philippines, Broadwater Marine https://www.broadwatermarine.com/
https://www.freedomwon.co.za/wp-cont...-Guarantee.pdf

From what I am hearing, this company will grow and expand to become popular worldwide, so I expect more coverage, but happy it is well represented where I live.

Un-crated it yesterday to take a look, quality was impressive, but at 600W x 910L x 282H, it is a big sucker. It will fit where only 4 x 8D AGM batteries were before (+400Ah), with a bit of width tweaking on the bench seat by 5cm.

I am undecided about keeping the existing 6 x Fullriver 260AH AGM’s which are loaded below as a backup?? They still have about 4-5 years left on them…. No idea how long if not cycled?
My 2 Start Batteries (also Fullriver) are at 24V, so I have that Alternator Buffer if needed, probably just being overly conservative with new technology (to me).

Making a mock-up this week to test load safely at my gangway location, as at 173 kg, it requires forethought
Here are some photos I took for installation purposes so you can see the quality.

[Opie91]

SEXY!
Those are some nice looking sturdy batteries!!!

[Pelagic]

The Freedom Won Lithium Installation now begins following the Xmas break and with the surge of Omnicom, hitting the Philippines now, I am doing the installation myself, to keep safe.

All design decisions have been made with the help of Broadwater’ s Victron and Freedom Won consultant and I begin on Tuesday:
Decided to keep 4 of my Fullriver AGM Batteries as a Backup 24v House Bank and the other 2 will replace the Main Engine Start batteries.

As we live on board, first job was to create a temporary backup for AC and 24v/12v services, so did this by using the extra 2 AGMs and the GEL Radio Battery plus the AC Sub Panel to make a clean sweep inside the electrical locker and upsize the Inverter Breaker on the Main Panel

This will pay dividends in creating a much cleaner, more accessible electrical locker, now that I moved the main DC Buss from a high up and in the corner location to right beside one of the access doors.

This is how I have now arranged the backup 2007 Multi 3Kw; the new Multi 5kw; the AC Sub Panel; a new Skylla-IP65 charger and the 3 x Manual Transfer switches that will select either Shore/Gen or Bypass and a 4th MTS that will select either the Multi 5kw or 3kw will go to the main Board.

Nick from Jedi did a far more sophisticated system, but a MTS I understand and spares are easy to carry.

Next post will be on the plan Overview for connecting.

[Pelagic]

I am comfortable with the AC Supply Distribution side and it seems fool proof. Once I leave Subic, it will only be Generator backup for years, but I did decide to put in a Skyla IP-65 charger with flexible input power from 120v to 230v in case I do need bad shore power or go to North America

The Main Panel is out now to put the new 30a breaker in tomorrow, then I re-lead the Gen and Shore Cables to the #123 MTS Box, while keeping the Temporary Sub Panel live and begin fabricating the 4/0 AWG cables for the 5kw and 1/0 for the 3Kw.

The DC side with both Lithium and AGM backup House banks sharing a common NEG Buss has me trying to figure out what works best in conjunction with the Victron Battery Isolator and grounding system which all leads to the common NEG Buss.
If you look at the Last Drawing... AGM BANK FINAL it is easier to follow my question:

Presently I show the Common Neg connecting to the Battery side of the BMV 712 Shunt
Other 2 options:

1. AGM Neg Buss (Stud)
2. #1 AGM Neg Terminal

I am now Leaning towards AGM Neg Buss, but not sure …. where is best to interconnect to Common Neg Buss?

[Pelagic]

Well as of 2pm …the “Beast is In”…. *
…Ocean Gecko managed to install this 173kg beast over a narrow, open gangway, down 2 flights of stairs in a Herculean effort …without a scratch or a swim.

It is the one downside of Freedom Won that it comes as a large sealed unit.

The manufacturer needs to allow trained installers to open and install the components inside the box

I am sure it would help sales and be much easier on the customer’s stress levels!*

A few days tidying up, switching over to a larger MTS box and we have put this one to bed..

I do like that Skylla-IP65 24 that can handle almost any voltage and frequency I might find in other countries

[jmh2002]

Originally Posted by Pelagic

Well as of 2pm …the “Beast is In”…. *
…Ocean Gecko managed to install this 173kg beast over a narrow, open gangway, down 2 flights of stairs in a Herculean effort …without a scratch or a swim.