[mikecooper422]

trust me on this, you want an air gap there between your shield and the battery and you absolutely want a small flow of air around it that is from in front of the radiator not behind it. Youl thank me maybe in 6 years for this instead of thinking "well i guess 2 years was a good run"

 

[patrol97]

At the moment, there is about 10mm gap between the battery and the shield around it.
What happens if in slow 4wd off road condition? there wont be much air going through it, but under the bonnet will be hot? How about a full insulation around the side and the top of the battery? I did ( using the insulation form which is about 10mm thick) this for my SLA last time. It works, but looks very ugly.

 

[patrol97]

The lithium battery profile from the Victron solar controller has the max charging voltage 14.2 only. It must be designed to safe the life span of the battery? Also my Victron 's voltage reading is not accurate. It is 0.2 V lower than actual voltage. I have a pro multimeter to proof this. Question: should I to increase the max voltage setting to 14.6 ? In this case, the Victron may cut off charging at 14.4 v given the measurement err. Anyone has suggestions?

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[JFF45]

My Renogy DCDC50 with solar stops the charging current at 14.4v on Lithium profile.

 

[patrol97]

Thanks Jeff, so it is safe for me to modify the max charge voltage to 14.4? How about the float voltage?

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[JFF45]

Thanks Jeff, so it is safe for me to modify the max charge voltage to 14.4? How about the float voltage?

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I don’t think lithiums need a float charge because they just maintain their charge for a long time if not used. Could be wrong, I’m new to lithium.

 

[patrol97]

Here are some info:
In the case of LiFePO4 chemistry, the absolute maximum is 4.2V per cell, though it is recommended that you charge to 3.5-3.6V per cell, there is less than 1% extra capacity between 3.5V and 4.2V. Over charging causes heating within a cell and prolonged or extreme overcharging has the potential to cause a fire.
So I will keep the Victron charging profile. The battery has 3 years return to base warranty. Hopefully it will last much longer

 

[patrol97]

Just wondering what happens when I am going to ski in the winter. The morning temperature could be as low as -10 to - 14 degrees. The BMS will stop the battery being charged at this temperature. But will I be able to start the car?

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[patrol97]

I have another question: I go ski in every winter. The place where I stay the temperature can be around -9 to -15 degrees at the night, and also very cold in the early morning. I understand that the Lithium LifePo4 battery will not accept charges at these kind of cold temperature. But I assume I can still crank the engine? What happens after the car is running, the alternator is connected to the battery directly. I was told in case the BMS disconnect the battery from the alternator, then the alternator may get damaged, so will other car’s electronic devices (such as ECU, etc). How does the BMS manage to handle the system in such cold temperature?

 

[patrol97]

update : seller answered my question about the operation temperature range:
"The battery optimal working temp range: -20°c to + 80°c (battery internal temp)

The battery has build-in bms which has senson inside of the battery if the battery too cold or too hot , it will cut off the power itself.


Car alternators put out around 14–14.2v when charging a car battery, and after a battery is fully charged ,it will then slowly drop to around 13.2v charged-and-rested voltage."

 

[patrol97]

Question about the Victron 75/15 output load control. I have set the output load via the app. So I removed the jumper. However, my setting seams doesn't work, as it didn't cut off the battery when the voltage lower than I set for. Anyone who use the Victron solar controller has experienced this ? A bug or something wrong?

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[geeyoutoo]

Question about the Victron 75/15 output load control. I have set the output load via the app. So I removed the jumper. However, my setting seams doesn't work, as it didn't cut off the battery when the voltage lower than I set for. Anyone who use the Victron solar controller has experienced this ? A bug or something wrong?

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@Yeti's Beast

 

[patrol97]

googled about the Victron load output control, looks like it is a common problem with this Victron. many people are having the same issue- the load wont cut off when below the preset voltage. I have tried to reset the device, and the firmware is the latest. but still no go.......

 

[patrol97]

Update for the load output control solution: I have installed a load control device after the Victron solar controller. I set the cut off voltage at around 12.8v. last night I tested the battery with load. It was running continuously for 23 and half hours with load current at 3.5A till the internal BMS cut off the power. unfortunately, the Victron controller did not act as I set ... Anyway this start lithium battery with 90ah capacity can be used for overnight camping without any issues. If running a fridge, I believe it will last longer. I don't have dual Battery setup. Last time Simpsons desert trip, I carried a spare battery box for the fridge. But now with the lithium battery, if cross the desert again. I won't carry a 2nd battery.

Added a heatsink to allow more current in a hot day

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A

 

[patrol97]

any recommendation for a good MPPT solar controller good enough to install inside the car? I need to buy another controller and move my current Victron to my caravan. To replace the caravan's old PWM unit to a new one. I dont feel confidence about the Victron as there are many reported output load does not turn off issues, and I cannot find an answer either from the factory, or public. The new controller need to be installed in the car ( to replace this Victron unit). So it must be good enough for high temperatures. My setup: roof top solar panel can run the fridge and charge the battery at the same time when engine is not running during the day time. At night, the lithium battery is good enough to run through the night. The solar panel and the alternator are both connected to the crank battery. This setup has been running for many years. But now I want a good reliable solar controller to replace the Victron.

 

[patrol97]

Update: finally, I bought another Victron solar controller. And move the current one into the caravan where no load control needed, getting ready for lithium LifePo4 upgrade for the caravan. Installed the new one with two layers heatsinks attached at the back to cope with the heat inside the car.

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[Dan789]

Just coming in on the back of this. I have a 200 a/h lithium DCS slimline for my truck. Similar setup to Mikes. I have located it above the rear wheel arch on the drivers side. It is the perfect size to fit there. Just removed the wing and made a cover for it. Then put the inverter straight above it. Charges from the alternator. As the battery has to outputs on top, I ran 00 zero cable to the rear. I did this to allow for max charge, as well as max pull for the winch. Never had any issues with it.

I wouldn't put a lithium under the bonnet. Just my opionion. Why risk it when there are alternative options to mount it. Also gives me a ton of room under the bonnet now with no battery located there.

 

[mikecooper422]

Just coming in on the back of this. I have a 200 a/h lithium DCS slimline for my truck. Similar setup to Mikes. I have located it above the rear wheel arch on the drivers side. It is the perfect size to fit there. Just removed the wing and made a cover for it. Then put the inverter straight above it. Charges from the alternator. As the battery has to outputs on top, I ran 00 zero cable to the rear. I did this to allow for max charge, as well as max pull for the winch. Never had any issues with it.

I wouldn't put a lithium under the bonnet. Just my opionion. Why risk it when there are alternative options to mount it. Also gives me a ton of room under the bonnet now with no battery located there.

I've had 2 x DCS 75ah under bonnet next to the kettle for years now.

Will refresh them one day if not convert to the 200ah and put it behind the seat in the cab.

 

[62woollybugger]

Just a tip on heat sinks, paint them matt black, far better heat absorption and dissipation, silver is the worst possible colour.

 

[geeyoutoo]

Just a tip on heat sinks, paint them matt black, far better heat absorption and dissipation, silver is the worst possible colour.

Very true across the board, all my race engines were painted black.