newin62
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Post by newin62 on Mar 4, 2023 10:02:27 GMT -8
I bought a PD9245CV power converter with Charge Wizard on sale a couple of years ago, not really thinking about the battery I would be using on my restoration. This power converter and charger was meant for lead acid and AGM batteries but I now would like to use a LiFePO4 battery. From what I have read, (on online forums and not from the manufacturer) the Charge Wizard will bring the SOC (state of charge) on a LiFePO4 battery up to about 80% and then you can manually boost the voltage with the remote pendant on the charger to complete the charge cycle.
I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience using a Progressive Dynamics converter with Charge Wizard on an LiFeO4 battery as I'm not really sure if that is safe and I am completely confused by the built in BMS (battery monitor system) that is usually included as part of these batteries.
My budget will require that I use this converter and I was hoping I could safely use a lithium battery with it.
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Post by vikx on Mar 4, 2023 12:49:57 GMT -8
I have no personal experience with LiPo batteries, but have talked to several that are using them.
Lithium batteries can be picky on charging. From what I've read, the PD charger is not designed for LiPo batteries. I think you can research online for more info, don't miss youtube videos.
A friend gave me his PD w/Charge Wizard after changing to LiPo batteries. He switched to a charge specifically designed for the new LiPos.
Your PD charger should be saleable online if you want to switch.
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newin62
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Post by newin62 on Mar 5, 2023 3:11:30 GMT -8
Yes these multi stage units were not designed for LiPos as they cut the voltage when they get closer to full charge. That's why some people use the manual boost function if they want to top off the charge. From what I'm reading, the lower voltage at the end of the cycle doesn't harm the battery, it just doesn't bring it to full charge. It would be a bit of an inconvenience as you would have to think about pushing the boost button if you were anticipating needing the full charge. Even if you don't bother to boost, 80% in a lithium battery beats any AGM hands down in terms of power, weight and flexibility of installation. I was hoping someone here has been experimenting with this.
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62jewel
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Post by 62jewel on Mar 6, 2023 9:01:39 GMT -8
Not an expert in this area.
Thought: as an owner of 4 LiPos, I might suggest a solar alternative for "top off". You wouldn't need to install solar panels, you could use the fold out kind and add an the additional controller. You would charge the batteries as far as you could with your power converter then isolate them to complete the solar charge. Never charge these batteries when it is below freezing.
The additional solar charger would also allow for boondocking if that's something your interested in.
Not an expert in this area.
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newin62
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Post by newin62 on Mar 7, 2023 2:43:24 GMT -8
Not an expert in this area. Thought: as an owner of 4 LiPos, I might suggest a solar alternative for "top off". You wouldn't need to install solar panels, you could use the fold out kind and add an the additional controller. You would charge the batteries as far as you could with your power converter then isolate them to complete the solar charge. Never charge these batteries when it is below freezing. The additional solar charger would also allow for boondocking if that's something your interested in. Not an expert in this area. Now that you mention it, I really do like the idea of a small solar panel some time in the future but It would have to be the flat flexible type that lays flat on the roof, hidden from ground view. I'm going to figure out what I need for it and rough in the wiring to a junction box in the ceiling, hidden inside inside the upper kitchen cabinet. |
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62jewel
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Post by 62jewel on Mar 7, 2023 8:04:16 GMT -8
[but It would have to be the flat flexible type that lays flat on the roof]
Not sure if they are the best price, but Harbor Freight might have what you are looking for.
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