Potential problems with Alternators and Lithium batteries.

[Revolvor]

I came across this which might interest people using, or thinking of getting Lithium batteries.

Victron

 

[Westbarn1]

Interesting, conclusion, don't charge lithium batteries at idle?

 

[Gaston aires]

Food for thought ?

 

[Dorset Diver]

Thanks for posting it has helped me decide that at present lithium is not really for me. I am however keen to hear from those that we given EcoTree LIFEPO4 lithium's as drop in replacements to try and their experiences.

 

[funflair]

Think that they should have mentioned that alternator speed is effectively geared from the crank speed by different pulley sizes, I don't know the ratio of various engines but its relatively simple to work out by measuring the pulleys.

Just to add IVECO daily crank pulley is 160mm dia and alternator pulley is 59mm die so at 750rpm idle the alternator is already doing over 2000rpm, what speed did they "smoke" the standard alternator? 1500 I think

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[Two on Tour]

We have a Sterling 60A B2B and have had no problem charging our lithium at idle which charging though a B2B was pointed out in the video.

 

[cmcardle75]

Food for thought ?

This is just the reason why you should never charge lithium using a split charge relay. Basically, LiFePO4 will pretty much soak up whatever current you throw at it. It is likely that this will exceed your alternator's capacity, especially at idle when the cooling is less (both from air movement past the vehicle and reduced fan speed within the alternator).

Fitting a B2B limits the charge current to one that will not cause alternator damage.

 

[jongood]

I didn't watch it all but wasn't the point of the video to get you to buy their alternator?

 

[Raul]

I didn't watch it all but wasn't the point of the video to get you to buy their alternator?

No the point is that Lithium low resistance can overwhelm the alternator low output when idling stationary. This is prevented by using a B2B charger that limits the current flow into the batteries. Split charge does not.

 

[Gaston aires]

This is just the reason why you should never charge lithium using a split charge relay. Basically, LiFePO4 will pretty much soak up whatever current you throw at it. It is likely that this will exceed your alternator's capacity, especially at idle when the cooling is less (both from air movement past the vehicle and reduced fan speed within the alternator).

Fitting a B2B limits the charge current to one that will not cause alternator damage.

Luckily I have a B 2 B installed, so if we go lithium when the gels die we should be ok.

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[Two on Tour]

I didn't watch it all but wasn't the point of the video to get you to buy their alternator?

Balmar alternators are not owned or sold buy Victron and was only used as it is a market leader in after market high output alternators.

 

[eddie]

Interesting, conclusion, don't charge lithium batteries at idle?

No the conclusion is to install them/have them installed properly.

 

[pete4x4]

I think the main conclusion is to use a realistic setup that will reflect true alternator speed, typically an alternator is geared 3:1 so at tick over of 800rpm the alternator will be spinning at 2400 rpm, not what was represented in the video.
Couple that with a B2B it will be fine.
Really bad video.

 

[funflair]

I think the main conclusion is to use a realistic setup that will reflect true alternator speed, typically an alternator is geared 3:1 so at tick over of 800rpm the alternator will be spinning at 2400 rpm, not what was represented in the video.
Couple that with a B2B it will be fine.
Really bad video.

Correct 2.71:1 on the IVECO daily by my calculations so minimum alternator speed would be over 2000rpm.

 

[EuroTrotters]

So, when you install these B2B chargers, do you disconnect the elektroblok/schaudt chargers,?

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[paddymcc]

So, when you install these B2B chargers, do you disconnect the elektroblok/schaudt chargers,?

The Votronic 50A B2B that I have is designed to work through the EBL 101 - seems to be working fine. The larger B2B (over 50A) bypass the EBL using bigger cables but you still don't disconnect the EBL.