Beanis
New Member
Hi all,
I know this is not strickly a solar question, but it is about charging Lifepo4 batteries in a campervan via a DC to DC charger, and trying to get the best results for my setup and usage. I think you guys are experts so maybe you can help!
My cmapervan setup is this:
-A 4 Varicore cell 12v 105ah self build battery, with Daly 100amp 4s BMS with Bluetooth.
-Paired with a Sterling Power DC to DC charger that takes van battery output and sticks it into the Lifepo4 battery
( https://sterling-power.com/collections/battery-to-battery-chargers )
I have two questions, and the answer to the 1st probably relates to the 2nd:
1. Should I match my Sterling Power DC to DC charger settings to be exactly the same as the Daly BMS settings?
At the moment the Sterling is on its standard setting for Lifepo4, which is to charge at 14.4, then float at 13.8 (I attach the chart for this, as not sure what condition is, that's 13.8 too)
My Daly BMS is set to charge until each cell voltage reaches 3.45 (see question 2 for why i sett his quite low). I have top balanced the cells before putting any of this in the van. The balance charge is set to come on at 3.37, and whenever the cells are different by 0.02v.
If the Daly is cutting off at a lower current than the Sterling, will the Sterling ever go into float anyway? I don’t want them conflicting, but also, not sure if setting the Sterling at 13.8 charge might make it charge slower? I heave heard float is not good, but surely the Daly just cuts any charge anyway, so how can it float?
2. I have heard that life span of batteries is decreased when fully charged all the time. Is this true? If so, considering I use my camper van a lot for general transport, but actually don’t use the leisure battery very often (maybe 1 weekend trip a month on average, so I won't be discharging it very often. And besides, if I do drive it and use the battery one night, I usually drive a bit the next day, so it will always be reaching peak charge), is it best to only charge to 80%? And if so, how would I do that with the current setting, would I have to charge to 13.6 or lower? Will that be good for the battery to be charged lower? Will it takes ages?
Sorry for the lengthy questions, I am just slightly concerned that charging to 100% each time I run the van will eventually damage the battery or lower its life? Considering it took me ages to get the cells from China, I want to make sure the yard ok.
If I am worrying over nothing, maybe the settings are just fine as they are!
Thanks for any advice!
I know this is not strickly a solar question, but it is about charging Lifepo4 batteries in a campervan via a DC to DC charger, and trying to get the best results for my setup and usage. I think you guys are experts so maybe you can help!
My cmapervan setup is this:
-A 4 Varicore cell 12v 105ah self build battery, with Daly 100amp 4s BMS with Bluetooth.
-Paired with a Sterling Power DC to DC charger that takes van battery output and sticks it into the Lifepo4 battery
( https://sterling-power.com/collections/battery-to-battery-chargers )
I have two questions, and the answer to the 1st probably relates to the 2nd:
1. Should I match my Sterling Power DC to DC charger settings to be exactly the same as the Daly BMS settings?
At the moment the Sterling is on its standard setting for Lifepo4, which is to charge at 14.4, then float at 13.8 (I attach the chart for this, as not sure what condition is, that's 13.8 too)
My Daly BMS is set to charge until each cell voltage reaches 3.45 (see question 2 for why i sett his quite low). I have top balanced the cells before putting any of this in the van. The balance charge is set to come on at 3.37, and whenever the cells are different by 0.02v.
If the Daly is cutting off at a lower current than the Sterling, will the Sterling ever go into float anyway? I don’t want them conflicting, but also, not sure if setting the Sterling at 13.8 charge might make it charge slower? I heave heard float is not good, but surely the Daly just cuts any charge anyway, so how can it float?
2. I have heard that life span of batteries is decreased when fully charged all the time. Is this true? If so, considering I use my camper van a lot for general transport, but actually don’t use the leisure battery very often (maybe 1 weekend trip a month on average, so I won't be discharging it very often. And besides, if I do drive it and use the battery one night, I usually drive a bit the next day, so it will always be reaching peak charge), is it best to only charge to 80%? And if so, how would I do that with the current setting, would I have to charge to 13.6 or lower? Will that be good for the battery to be charged lower? Will it takes ages?
Sorry for the lengthy questions, I am just slightly concerned that charging to 100% each time I run the van will eventually damage the battery or lower its life? Considering it took me ages to get the cells from China, I want to make sure the yard ok.
If I am worrying over nothing, maybe the settings are just fine as they are!
Thanks for any advice!