LITHIUM BATTERIES charging from car/from auxiliary solar panels/from generator.
Brodie Allen said
09:37 AM Sep 6, 2025
I have converted from deep cycle lead batteries to Lithium (some time ago)
and a few queries have arisen in my mind as I contemplate the changes and
management of same:
Charging from an auxiliary array (no regulator) - connect direct to battery or to existing array
charger/regulator? Is the roof array the same voltage as a single unit and does
it need to be so?
Charging from Anderson plug on tug - connect where? Voltage difference between alternator voltage
output and that of solar panels that would be also likely trying to charge while driving. Again, different
voltages of any consequence? What happens to the lower solar output voltage input when faced by higher voltage
from the alternator? Is the solar wasted? Would the alternator be trying to charge the solar panels?
Charging from power generator or 230v external - if connected to 230v van input while
batteries charging from solar at the same time who actually does the charging? If the solar is connected to the
batts via a regulator and the 230v via a charger what if the outputs of each are different?
Very interesting - can't get my head around it all. Wouldn't want to be a DIY dummy!
AVATAR "STOLEN" FROM PUBLIC DOMAIN.
rgren2 said
01:07 PM Sep 7, 2025
Just a bit of stuff that Ive done in my Patrol, its a 2008 model, the second battery is a a deep cycle sealed battery and is mounted on the chassis rail so its a little difficult to access, its charged from solar and alternator, I have a 100AH slimline lithium in the back of the patrol to run the fridge, this is charged by a DCDC Victron that gets its power from the deep cycle battery. To charge you van batteries from the vehicle, youll need to go through a DCDC. Im happy to be corrected on this if Im wrong.
Brodie Allen said
11:51 AM Sep 10, 2025
Looks like we aren't very technical?
B
landy said
09:34 PM Sep 10, 2025
Maybe try asking the question in Techies Corner Brodie.
-- Edited by landy on Wednesday 10th of September 2025 09:34:48 PM
Brodie Allen said
01:45 PM Sep 12, 2025
I contacted Dometic with my enquiries since most of my stuff is from there.
I am constrained to say that they have spent some hours with me both by phone and e-mail and have been beyond helpful!!
(And patient).
They really take their after sales service seriously.
I have answers to everything and more - thanks Landy and rgren2 as well.
Be warned - there's more to this wiring-up business than you might think !!!
I have converted from deep cycle lead batteries to Lithium (some time ago)
and a few queries have arisen in my mind as I contemplate the changes and
management of same:
Charging from an auxiliary array (no regulator) - connect direct to battery or to existing array
charger/regulator? Is the roof array the same voltage as a single unit and does
it need to be so?
Charging from Anderson plug on tug - connect where? Voltage difference between alternator voltage
output and that of solar panels that would be also likely trying to charge while driving. Again, different
voltages of any consequence? What happens to the lower solar output voltage input when faced by higher voltage
from the alternator? Is the solar wasted? Would the alternator be trying to charge the solar panels?
Charging from power generator or 230v external - if connected to 230v van input while
batteries charging from solar at the same time who actually does the charging? If the solar is connected to the
batts via a regulator and the 230v via a charger what if the outputs of each are different?
Very interesting - can't get my head around it all. Wouldn't want to be a DIY dummy!
AVATAR "STOLEN" FROM PUBLIC DOMAIN.
Looks like we aren't very technical?
B
-- Edited by landy on Wednesday 10th of September 2025 09:34:48 PM
I contacted Dometic with my enquiries since most of my stuff is from there.
I am constrained to say that they have spent some hours with me both by
phone and e-mail and have been beyond helpful!!
(And patient).
They really take their after sales service seriously.
I have answers to everything and more - thanks Landy and rgren2 as well.
Be warned - there's more to this wiring-up business than you might think !!!
And if it aint right, tat tah insurance!!!
B