Power Storage Overhaul Planning
So I went a bit crazy ordering some new bits & pieces to modernize & completely overhaul the electrical storage & power systems in my Patrol..
It all started after I fitted a Victron BMV-712 Smart battery monitor and installed it. I was so impressed with the bluetooth connectivity and general design of the product that I have developed an (unhealthy) obsession with victron products. It doesn't help that they make everything in my favorite colour 😐.
Today at the Perth 4wd Show I pulled the trigger on an ItechWorld ITECH120X Lithium-Ion Battery. I have been eying them up for a while and they gave me a decent price at the show. I plan on fitting this into my recently ordered Fourby Fitouts Touring Unit or possibly Horizon storage shelf. However the salesman advised me that I will need to install a DC-DC charger to protect the battery from hundreds of amps being blasted into it once the engine starts and the dual battery solenoid closes. I have been against buying DC-DC chargers for years, and I don't believe the cost outweighs the benifit for a traditional setup like my current one. However, I do want to protect my new setup/investment, so I decided on an Orion TR Smart 12 - 12 DC- DC Charger. It is the highest current automotive DC-DC charger Victron makes, and can be configured via Bluetooth to match the charging specifications of my Lithium Battery.
Secondly I decided to replace my el cheapo PWM Solar charge controller with a MPPT unit. Went for the Blue Solar MPPT 75/15 as It give me headroom to add a second 110W panel down the line, if I decide to up my off grid power capacity. Once again It has bluetooth control and works out of the same app used for all Victron products. There is a wireless dongle that is required to make this work that is sold separately and I have purchased.
And finally, even though there is nothing wrong with my cheap & cheerful 1500W pure sine wave inverter, I went for a Victron Phoenix Inverter 12 1200. It has the same bluetooth functionality as the other Victron products.
I'm very happy with the versatility and innovation of Victron products. Plus, wiring them up will be a great project.There is going to be a lot of blue boxes attached to my cargo barrier 😉
So I went a bit crazy ordering some new bits & pieces to modernize & completely overhaul the electrical storage & power systems in my Patrol..
It all started after I fitted a Victron BMV-712 Smart battery monitor and installed it. I was so impressed with the bluetooth connectivity and general design of the product that I have developed an (unhealthy) obsession with victron products. It doesn't help that they make everything in my favorite colour 😐.
Today at the Perth 4wd Show I pulled the trigger on an ItechWorld ITECH120X Lithium-Ion Battery. I have been eying them up for a while and they gave me a decent price at the show. I plan on fitting this into my recently ordered Fourby Fitouts Touring Unit or possibly Horizon storage shelf. However the salesman advised me that I will need to install a DC-DC charger to protect the battery from hundreds of amps being blasted into it once the engine starts and the dual battery solenoid closes. I have been against buying DC-DC chargers for years, and I don't believe the cost outweighs the benifit for a traditional setup like my current one. However, I do want to protect my new setup/investment, so I decided on an Orion TR Smart 12 - 12 DC- DC Charger. It is the highest current automotive DC-DC charger Victron makes, and can be configured via Bluetooth to match the charging specifications of my Lithium Battery.
Secondly I decided to replace my el cheapo PWM Solar charge controller with a MPPT unit. Went for the Blue Solar MPPT 75/15 as It give me headroom to add a second 110W panel down the line, if I decide to up my off grid power capacity. Once again It has bluetooth control and works out of the same app used for all Victron products. There is a wireless dongle that is required to make this work that is sold separately and I have purchased.
And finally, even though there is nothing wrong with my cheap & cheerful 1500W pure sine wave inverter, I went for a Victron Phoenix Inverter 12 1200. It has the same bluetooth functionality as the other Victron products.
I'm very happy with the versatility and innovation of Victron products. Plus, wiring them up will be a great project.There is going to be a lot of blue boxes attached to my cargo barrier 😉