Alternator with solar

[Monaco Wolfy]

I have 1800 watts of solar on my 40' diesel pusher and 800ah of lithium batteries. Does anyone have knowledge as to what I should use to manage the alternator so it doesn't overheat while driving?

[PJStough]

I would not use the alternator at all to charge the house batteries.

[twinboat]

Yes, Battleborn sells a 225 amp BIM for Lithuim batteries.

It replaces the standard isolstion system.

Here is a link.

https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Born-B...92510404&psc=1

[jcussen]

I have ordered on of these.
https://baymarinesupply.com/electric...c-charger.html

[blevtr]

I have 600 watts of solar and 400amp hours of wet cell batteries. Is this alternator over heating a lithium issue?

[shaman52]

Might want to change your alternator regulator to one that has lithium charge profile.
"
Balmar’s MC-614, MC-624 and MC-612-DUAL smart regulators have all been equipped with an additional standard program specifically designed for LiFePO4 charging. The new standard lithium program is available immediately from Balmar and its distribution partners.
“Balmar regulators have always been capable of charging lithium chemistries through our advanced programming mode, but now we have added a standard program to make it easier for the cruiser to setup a lithium charge profile”, explained Tim Bock, Balmar President. “Simply select the “LFP” program at setup and you are ready to go. Specific details of the new program can be found in the regulator manuals. For customers with existing Max ChargeTM Regulators who are adding LiFePO4 batteries, consult our website or call Balmar Tech Support to learn how to setup an appropriate charge profile.”
Balmar Max ChargeTM Regulators with the lithium program are shipping immediately and are available around the world through its business channel partners. For more information and to locate a Balmar dealer, retail outlet or distribution partner go to Balmar | Marine Charging Systems | Battery Monitors | Multi-Stage Voltage Regulators | High Power Alternators | Serpentine Pulley Conversions or call +1-800-467-3371.

[jcussen]

Originally Posted by shaman52

Might want to change your alternator regulator to one that has lithium charge profile.
"
Balmar’s MC-614, MC-624 and MC-612-DUAL smart regulators have all been equipped with an additional standard program specifically designed for LiFePO4 charging. The new standard lithium program is available immediately from Balmar and its distribution partners.
“Balmar regulators have always been capable of charging lithium chemistries through our advanced programming mode, but now we have added a standard program to make it easier for the cruiser to setup a lithium charge profile”, explained Tim Bock, Balmar President. “Simply select the “LFP” program at setup and you are ready to go. Specific details of the new program can be found in the regulator manuals. For customers with existing Max ChargeTM Regulators who are adding LiFePO4 batteries, consult our website or call Balmar Tech Support to learn how to setup an appropriate charge profile.”
Balmar Max ChargeTM Regulators with the lithium program are shipping immediately and are available around the world through its business channel partners. For more information and to locate a Balmar dealer, retail outlet or distribution partner go to Balmar | Marine Charging Systems | Battery Monitors | Multi-Stage Voltage Regulators | High Power Alternators | Serpentine Pulley Conversions or call +1-800-467-3371.

So if regulator is set up for a lithium charge profile, how does alternator charge your lead acid start batteries?

[jcussen]

Originally Posted by blevtr

I have 600 watts of solar and 400amp hours of wet cell batteries. Is this alternator over heating a lithium issue?

Yes, lithium will take a 1C charge until battery is full. This could cause your alternator to overheat trying to supply its max amperage. Not a problem with lead acid.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by jcussen

So if regulator is set up for a lithium charge profile, how does alternator charge your lead acid start batteries?

Yea, that's a problem.

That's why the Lithium BIM is suggested.

[jcussen]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Yea, that's a problem.

That's why the Lithium BIM is suggested.

I went with the DC-DC charger, limits charge to house to 30 amps, so max out of alternator to house at about 35 amps. Believe they now make a 60 amp model as well. You can also set your voltages exactly to what you want with a bluetooth interface. You can set it to 14.4 if you want to bring your batteries to 100%, believe the bim will disconnect at 13.4.
Don't really trust a device that turns on and off on a timer like a bim. I know when I checked temps on my 160 amp alternator when charging my 20% SOC house bank, frame temps went to 250 F. in about 15 min.
https://www.victronenergy.com/blog/2...dc-dc-charger/

[owenhe]

Parking is a big annoyance