Delfin
Grand Vizier
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2010
- Messages
- 3,848
I'm finally completing a User's Manual for Delfin for my long suffering bride. Each installation of an LFP battery bank may have differences, but this is mine. Hopefully of some use.....
Managing the Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries
Quick Start Guide:
Unlike lead acid batteries (AGM, Gel, Wet cell), LiFe batteries should never be continuously connected to a charge source, but only connected during active charging. While Delfin's smart Balmar Regulator and Trace Charger are set up to avoid higher voltages than the LiFe batteries will tolerate, manually managing the charging is desired.
Technique:
Every 10 - 20 charge cycles: To avoid memory effects, periodically re-charge to 29.2 vdc with an absorption time of a max of 30 minutes beginning when charge acceptance rate drops below 2% or 12 amps. This activates the cell balancing of the BMS.
Daily use: Re-charge at 50 - 80% depth of discharge to 28.4 vdc and terminate when charge acceptance rate is < 30 amps.
Annual: discharge to 95% DoD, then re-charge to 29.2 vdc with 30 minute absorption time.
Battery on/off, BMS Switch position:
1. At dock moorage connected to shore power, battery switch on and BMS off (in that order). Shorepower charging is directed to starter bank.
2. Underway to anchorage, BMS switch on, starter battery switch off until LFP bank is full. Then battery switch on and BMS off (in that order). Alternator charging is directed to LFP bank until full, then to start bank.
3. At anchorage, BMS on, battery switch off.
4. Ocean passages - same as at dock moorage. The alternator supplies operating current with LFP offline.
Storage: Ideally, LFP should be disconnected from charge sources at around 50% DoD.
Charging options:
1. Alternator + genset + Sterling chargers - approx 300 Ah. Conductors can heat up at this rate of charge, so its probably a good idea to charge at this rate rarely or for limited periods of time.
2. Alternator + genset - approx 200 Ah.
3. Genset + Sterlings - approx 180. This is the combination most used when at anchorage.
4. Alternator alone - approx 100 Ah.
Managing the Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries
Quick Start Guide:
Unlike lead acid batteries (AGM, Gel, Wet cell), LiFe batteries should never be continuously connected to a charge source, but only connected during active charging. While Delfin's smart Balmar Regulator and Trace Charger are set up to avoid higher voltages than the LiFe batteries will tolerate, manually managing the charging is desired.
Technique:
Every 10 - 20 charge cycles: To avoid memory effects, periodically re-charge to 29.2 vdc with an absorption time of a max of 30 minutes beginning when charge acceptance rate drops below 2% or 12 amps. This activates the cell balancing of the BMS.
Daily use: Re-charge at 50 - 80% depth of discharge to 28.4 vdc and terminate when charge acceptance rate is < 30 amps.
Annual: discharge to 95% DoD, then re-charge to 29.2 vdc with 30 minute absorption time.
Battery on/off, BMS Switch position:
1. At dock moorage connected to shore power, battery switch on and BMS off (in that order). Shorepower charging is directed to starter bank.
2. Underway to anchorage, BMS switch on, starter battery switch off until LFP bank is full. Then battery switch on and BMS off (in that order). Alternator charging is directed to LFP bank until full, then to start bank.
3. At anchorage, BMS on, battery switch off.
4. Ocean passages - same as at dock moorage. The alternator supplies operating current with LFP offline.
Storage: Ideally, LFP should be disconnected from charge sources at around 50% DoD.
Charging options:
1. Alternator + genset + Sterling chargers - approx 300 Ah. Conductors can heat up at this rate of charge, so its probably a good idea to charge at this rate rarely or for limited periods of time.
2. Alternator + genset - approx 200 Ah.
3. Genset + Sterlings - approx 180. This is the combination most used when at anchorage.
4. Alternator alone - approx 100 Ah.
