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TenderSeat · 01-10-2023, 10:34 AM

Recently installed 2 LionEnergy Safari UT 1300 lithium iron phosphate batteries. I have a solar panel on the roof feeding to a Zamp ZS-30A Controller/Battery Charger, set to LiFePO4. I replaced OEM converter/charger with a Progressive Dynamics PD9160ALV 12v 60amp Lithium Battery converter/charger. Usually plugged into Shore Power. The 12v power pulsates, especially when sun is bright. Fans modulate, lights flicker in refrigerator, etc. What is going on! How do I eliminate this problem? My technical knowledge of electricity and batteries is elementary. Also have Victron BMV-712 Smart battery monitor on the system, but it may not be optimized...not sure. Any thoughts/help...Thanks!

wolfgolden · 01-10-2023, 11:07 AM

I would start by shutting off the solar input.
If no change, turn off the converter or just unplug shore power (solar still off) and see if the issue persists.

Gary RVRoamer · 01-10-2023, 01:51 PM

I'd do as wolfgolden suggests, plus I'd put a voltmeter on the system and see what voltages are actually happening. Got to narrow it down a bit to make constructive suggestions.

TenderSeat · 01-11-2023, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

I'd do as wolfgolden suggests, plus I'd put a voltmeter on the system and see what voltages are actually happening. Got to narrow it down a bit to make constructive suggestions.

Thanks for the input, guys! Yesterday, I went on the roof and unplugged the solar panel...the flickering stopped. Replugged and flickering persisted. Today I disconnected the Zamp Solar Controller from the batteries. The flickering has stopped. I stongly suspect it is the Zamp...this was an OEM item when the coach was manufactured and the batteries were "wet". There is the "change battery" function that allows the Zamp to work with LiFePO4 batteries but I notice the display very seldom indicates "FUL"...usually in a "charge" mode and the V values are constantly switching from 13.4v, 13.7v, 14.1v, etc.,etc. which I think is causing the fluctuation in the circuits. Are you suggesting putting a multimeter on the "from solar panel" and also the "to battery" terminals on the Zamp to check voltage?

Jon_C · 01-11-2023, 12:04 PM

Based on above, the zamp is causing the issue, just need to replace it.

If you want to test further anyway, put your meter on the to battery terminals on back and if the voltage is fluctuating with the zamp on then not with it off its confirmed bad. It may take awhile before it starts fluctuating after being off depending on the charge algorithym in the controller

TenderSeat · 01-16-2023, 12:15 PM

I spoke to a Zamp representative today. Apparently the controllers that were produced in 2018-2019 cannot compensate for the "lower absorption rate" of newer lithium batteries. So the problem is the solar controller, but updating firmware is not an option...will replace the controller. But meanwhile, I have disconnected the solar panel and the issue is resolved, for the time being. Thanks ALL for you comments!