Need Faster Shore Power Charging

[morfja]

So I've got a 460Ah/12V Epoch LiFePO4 battery on the way to replace the current 200Ah. The next mod I'm thinking of is upgrading the shore power charging rate. The max charge rate for the battery is 200A (2400W). The installed charger, which I believe is integral to the electrical management system (EMS) is 50A (600W). I'd like to triple the rate of charge to 150A (1800W not accounting for losses in the transformer etc.). I have a 30 amp AC circuit installed at my house, so like 3600W max there or at 30A campground plugs. I'd be pushing things with a standard 15A circuit, so it would be good to be able to limit the rate of charge for that situation (automatically like my electric car charger would be nice, but manually would be ok).

Has anyone done an upgrade like this? Equipment recommendations?

 

[Centex]

NM (deleted)

 

[RambleOn]

I'm not familiar with Epoch batteries, but it's often best to charge at a rate well below the maximum. Some people recommend a max of 100 amps. Epoch probably makes a recommendation that would be more specific. I've had good success with the AIMS Power MODEL #: CON120AC12/24VDC -- adjustable charging rate up to 75 amps. Enjoy!

 

[Selkirk]

I'd suggest researching the Victron's Multiplus Inverter/Charger models. I believe they they possess the charging capacity and automated features you are looking for...plus much more (perhaps even overkill for your needs).

I believe the 3KVA 12/3000/120 model can be ordered factory installed by ETI as part of the "Zap Pack" upgrade.

 

[CE Vogel]

As others have stated, it is best for battery life to charge well below the maximum rate. Manufacturer recommended rates vary, but 0.2C is common, which would be 92A for your new battery. Lithium batteries aren't damaged by discharges, so a slower charge rate won't harm them. Do you really need to charge the batteries so quickly? My 55A converter charges my 300AH Lithium battery in less than 8 hours, and I don't need a 30A shore power circuit to do so.

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

charging my 412AH batts at 50A (PD4655L) takes them from pretty deeply discharged to fully charged in about 7 hours (350AH). That deep discharge was 7 full days and nights with the solar shut off, and using everything we'd normally use. 90% of the time, I leave my PD4655L shut off and charge strictly by solar.

you would need some massive DC cables from this 150A charger to your batts, like 2/0.

 

[morfja]

Thanks for the input all. This is not my first camper, o I am sure I want the larger battery capacity. I was thinking I’d like to be able to charge it faster when plugged in, but having re-examined the math and considering your comments, I think I’ll give it a try as is, even though the battery can take twice the charge rate without harm. On a typical trip we’ll stay in a state park or similar campground with a 15 amp service (and water and dump) every 5 to 7 days for a day or two. We like free DNR, Army Corp, National or State Forest, Boondockers, or Harvest Hosts most of the time. If I can get 50 amps (600 watts) charging for 8 hrs that should work.

 

[FFPaul]

I’ve recently installed exactly what you’re talking about in my 2019 5.0
With the multiplus victron inverter charger combo unit I can charge my 600ah battery to it’s max rate if I have the source capable of doing so.
One of the reasons for doing this is not needing a generator most trips, not needing a 3500w generator that this old guy has to load in the truck and unload to use. I now can use a 33lb generator that puts out 1k and run my A/C if I want without tripping the generator breaker. I just set my max shore power to 1k and the battery system will compensate for the overload. My stock solar 160w helps recharge the batteries.
With this setting I can also use any household outlet at a friends place and not burn up a standard cord or throw a breaker.

 

[BobG-ESC]

I’ve recently installed exactly what you’re talking about in my 2019 5.0
With the multiplus victron inverter charger combo unit I can charge my 600ah battery to it’s max rate if I have the source capable of doing so.
One of the reasons for doing this is not needing a generator most trips, not needing a 3500w generator that this old guy has to load in the truck and unload to use. I now can use a 33lb generator that puts out 1k and run my A/C if I want without tripping the generator breaker. I just set my max shore power to 1k and the battery system will compensate for the overload. My stock solar 160w helps recharge the batteries.
With this setting I can also use any household outlet at a friends place and not burn up a standard cord or throw a breaker.
View attachment 1115950View attachment 1115952

I can run my Coleman Mach 10 13.5k BTU air conditioner all night at Quartzsite the end of April using my 340 Ah batteries and Multiplus. Can also run the AC and Microwave simultaneously. I expect you can too.

I am actually running 2x 12V 170 Ah lithium batteries in series for 24 volts. I do have enough solar to recharge the batteries during the day if it is sunny. The battery runs down to around 7% by morning. You have almost twice as much battery capacity as me. I run the AC on Low Auto so the fan turns off when the compressor turns off.

Maybe you don't need a generator unless camping in the trees when it is hot.

 

[FFPaul]

How do you vent the compartment. My inverter is building too much heat. 100F +

 

[BobG-ESC]

How do you vent the compartment. My inverter is building too much heat. 100F +

I installed a 12-volt computer fan to vent into the interior of the trailer. I have a 21NE and the driver side bench settee is the electric locker. I removed the WFCO load center from this area when I installed the Multiplus. The ventilation fan took the place of the WFCO load center.

I programmed a K relay on the Multiplus to close when the internal Multiplus cooling fan turned on and to turn off after the internal Multiplus cooling fan turned off. I'm not sure of the delay to turn off but maybe a minute. The manuals explain how to program the relays.

I did incorporate a switch in the circuit that has On, Off, Auto. I just leave it Auto.

You might find a YouTube video on programming "K" relays on the Multiplus.

 

[motel58]

I made a similar upgrade for a LiFePO4 battery, and I opted for a Progressive Dynamics PD9180LV with lithium charge. It gives me a stable 80A and that's fast enough without exceeding the limits of my 30A circuit. A Victron charger could also do the trick, with more precise control of the input current.

Mini Militia App Lock​