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Aims Power inverter/charger with SOK 206ah batteries - will these charge properly?

kshc46

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Jun 3, 2021
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I'm looking at building a power system for a travel trailer. I am comfortable with almost everything in the system, but have some questions on an AIMS Power inverter/charger and their use with lithium batteries.

Essentially, this 2500w AIMS Power inverter/charger looks attractive due to the price and functionality. It has a bit higher of idle power draw than I'd like, but it's hard to argue with the price. According to the spec sheet it has a lithium charging mode (switch setting 4), but it shows a float charge as well - I'm not sure what happens when the "float charge" happens, though. Also, the battery spec sheet shows recommended charge of 14.6V, but the charge coming off the AIMS is 14.4V. Can somebody point me in the right direction here? Can I safely and successfully charge my batteries with this?

Batteries: (2x) SOK 206AH
- Recommended/Max Charge Current: 50/60A
- Recommended Charge Voltage: 14.6A
- BMS charge cut-off: <14.6A
- Reconnect voltage: >14.4A
- Balancing voltage: <14.4A

AIMS Power 12v 2500w charger/inverter:
(spec sheet for PICOGLF25W12V120AL)
Switch setting ||| Description ||| Boost / Vdc ||| Float / Vdc
0 ||| Charger Off
1 ||| Gel USA ||| 14.0 ||| 13.7
2 ||| AGM 1 ||| 14.1 ||| 13.4
3 ||| AGM 2 ||| 14.6 ||| 13.7
4 ||| Sealed lead acid / LIFEPO4 lithium ||| 14.4 ||| 13.6
5 ||| Gel EURO ||| 14.4 ||| 13.8
6 ||| Open lead acid ||| 14.8 ||| 13.3
7 ||| Calcium ||| 15.1 ||| 13.6
8 ||| De-sulphation ||| 15.5 (4 Hours then Off)
9 ||| Not used

Thanks in advance!
 
Welcome to the forum.

These are robust inverters, but inefficient, and they make poor charging choices.

Please consult pages 7 & 8 and note the relationship between T0 and T1. Your absorption time will last 1-12 hours, and that's way too much for LFP. LFP rarely needs an absorption time longer than 15-60 minutes at 14.4V, but this charger will hold it there for several hours before dropping to float.

If I was forced to use this inverter as a charger for LFP, I would pick AGM1 for the lower absorption voltage.
 
Thanks for the reply snoobler! I am now looking at some Victron options, it appears they are a better choice, though more expensive.
 
Two of my three chargers have an absorb time setting. Ironically, the only one with an actual lithium setting doesn't (absorb volts only).
 
Welcome to the forum.

These are robust inverters, but inefficient, and they make poor charging choices.

Please consult pages 7 & 8 and note the relationship between T0 and T1. Your absorption time will last 1-12 hours, and that's way too much for LFP. LFP rarely needs an absorption time longer than 15-60 minutes at 14.4V, but this charger will hold it there for several hours before dropping to float.

If I was forced to use this inverter as a charger for LFP, I would pick AGM1 for the lower absorption voltage.
Can you provide more info re use of AGM setting with AIMS inverter to charge LFP? Thanks. EDIT: I understand your recommendation to use AGM1. Would one just charge until maximum charge is reached then manually disconnect?
 
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