Elektroblock EBL 269 and LRM1218, with Lithium!

[chalkstorm]

Morning

I have an EBL269 with an LRM1218 solar controller.

Just back from an Easter break and while the new battery didn't drop below 75%, I did find that with strong sunlight, I was seeing up to 8amps from the system, but the LRM would quickly decide that the battery was full and trickle charge (at a reduced amps).

I'm not sure if it is the battery BMS refusing the charge or the LRM1218, or even the EBL (as the LRM1218 is connected to the EBL).

Before I remove the LRM and fir a Votronic solar controller (that does support Lithium), anything else I should check?

Thanks

Si

 

[WonkyBass]

I know this is an old thread but I was searching for LRM1218 because I too have noticed that mine appears to switch to trickle too soon.

We were 35ah down overnight. It was overcast with sunny spells the next day and I checked the Victron monitor via Bluetooth connection during a sunny spell later on the morning and saw a low charge going to leisure battery. I pulled the protective fuse from the solar panel cable and acheived a higher charging current when I reconnected it.

The LRM1218 manual states that the bulk charging time for my lead-acid batteries is 4 hours before the charge voltage is dropped from 14.4v to 13.4v. I assume the LRM “sleeps” each night and wakes when the sun comes up. It then harvests the weak sunshine and supplies the resulting low charge current for 4h at the higher voltage before dropping back to trickle just when the Sun really gets going.

I am now thinking that I will need to disconnect and reconnect the panel every 4 hours until the batteries are as full as possible to get the maximum from my 120w panel. Or at least unplug the panel overnight and only attach it again when the sun has got his hat on later. Maybe I should fit a momentary switch in easy reach that I can press periodically during the day to restart the cycle? Any better ideas that do not involve hardware purchases would be welcomed.

 

[Lenny HB]

I thought the LRM1218 was suitable for Lithium but I can't find any info that says it is.
Do you have a copy of your manual I can have a look at?

On the LA setting it should charge to 14.4v then change to absorbtion mode (constant voltage with current limit) for 4 hours then drop to float.

I think you would be better off ditching it and fitting a Victron Smart Solar Controller.

 

[chalkstorm]

I'm in Kraków right now with sun burning my eyes out but the LRM1218 is putting 1.6amps into my battery (90%) and trickle charing my vehicle battery (not that I need that but I know if I switch to the Victron, I lose the trickle).

 

[chalkstorm]

If I flip the fuse then flip it back, I get 8 amps for a second then it drops straight back down.

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[Lenny HB]

I think you have that wrong the 4 hours is the absorbtion time when on the lead setting it should charge to 14.2v then go into absorbtion mode for 4 then change to float mode

I'm in Kraków right now with sun burning my eyes out but the LRM1218 is putting 1.6amps into my battery (90%) and trickle charing my vehicle battery (not that I need that but I know if I switch to the Victron, I lose the trickle).

Fit an Ablemail battery maintainer.

 

[chalkstorm]

I think you have that wrong the 4 hours is the absorbtion time when on the lead setting it should charge to 14.2v then go into absorbtion mode for 4 then change to float mode

Fit an Ablemail battery maintainer.

I have it set to gel so should give 12 hours but just doesn't... Guess it sees the higher voltage of the lithium and stops. Victron going in shortly

 

[peterc10]

I thought the LRM1218 was suitable for Lithium but I can't find any info that says it is.
Do you have a copy of your manual I can have a look at?

On the LA setting it should charge to 14.4v then change to absorbtion mode (constant voltage with current limit) for 4 hours then drop to float.

I think you would be better off ditching it and fitting a Victron Smart Solar Controller.

I had the LRM 1218 and it definately did not have a LiFePO4 profile. Ditched it last year when I went over to lithiums. Fitted a Votronic which has the advantages of trickle charging the cab battery and using the AES fridge to switch to 12v when the batteries are full. Recommended by you if I remember rightly