singlehander
New Member
As noted in previous posts I am very happy with my Ecoworthy 280 so far.
I am alternator/shore power charging via the new Victron XS DC to DC and I really like that unit also. In particular the ability to tweak current is an awesome feature which allows tuning to reduce heat and load on the alternator and on my 20 Amp shore charger. My solar charges the LFP directly but panels are turned off at the dock, I leave the Kid MPPT turned on in order to observe LFP SOC. I also have a Xantrex battery monitor which provides an independent SOC reading. As a result I have the ability to compare and check SOC measurement from two sources. This allows me a little sanity check on SOC which we all know can be less than a perfect measurement.
I have, however, run into a bit of a dilemma. I use the LFP for all boat loads except start (AGM for start). The issue is at the dock is I have a small load,.5 to .75 amp (12VDC), at all times due to bilge pump, usb chargers, Kidd MPPT (Kid on but panels off) and two muffin fans providing air circulation to the Victron and the LFP battery. What I had been doing is just allow the LFP to slowly discharge into this small load and periodically charge the LFP using the shore charger. This is inconvenient and could be a problem if I am gone from the boat for an extended period.
My solution was to turn on the the Victron XS and tweak current to match or slightly exceed the "at the dock" load current to achieve a zero discharge rate. I am at about 80% SOC and this arrangement, so far, has maintained the battery at that SOC with no significant increase or decrease over time.
When I get underway I engage the alternator and the solar panels, tweak the Victrom XS current to a higher level and charge at about 20 - 30 amps. I'll then do a full charge. This works great because I have to do some significant motoring to reach sailing water and getting from 80% to high 90% SOC is achieved with almost perfect timing. After that the Victon is turned off and the solar panels carry me.
My question is, Is this approach at the dock safe for the battery? It seems like it should be fine with the charger just providing enough power to support the small load without asking the LFP to contribute. I would appreciate community feedback.
Just as an aside, one thing I have noted with this battery (maybe all LFP batteries) is neither the Ecoworhy app or Overkill solar app seem to sense low current loads. I suppose this is due to the limitations of the hall effect sensors in the BMS???
I am alternator/shore power charging via the new Victron XS DC to DC and I really like that unit also. In particular the ability to tweak current is an awesome feature which allows tuning to reduce heat and load on the alternator and on my 20 Amp shore charger. My solar charges the LFP directly but panels are turned off at the dock, I leave the Kid MPPT turned on in order to observe LFP SOC. I also have a Xantrex battery monitor which provides an independent SOC reading. As a result I have the ability to compare and check SOC measurement from two sources. This allows me a little sanity check on SOC which we all know can be less than a perfect measurement.
I have, however, run into a bit of a dilemma. I use the LFP for all boat loads except start (AGM for start). The issue is at the dock is I have a small load,.5 to .75 amp (12VDC), at all times due to bilge pump, usb chargers, Kidd MPPT (Kid on but panels off) and two muffin fans providing air circulation to the Victron and the LFP battery. What I had been doing is just allow the LFP to slowly discharge into this small load and periodically charge the LFP using the shore charger. This is inconvenient and could be a problem if I am gone from the boat for an extended period.
My solution was to turn on the the Victron XS and tweak current to match or slightly exceed the "at the dock" load current to achieve a zero discharge rate. I am at about 80% SOC and this arrangement, so far, has maintained the battery at that SOC with no significant increase or decrease over time.
When I get underway I engage the alternator and the solar panels, tweak the Victrom XS current to a higher level and charge at about 20 - 30 amps. I'll then do a full charge. This works great because I have to do some significant motoring to reach sailing water and getting from 80% to high 90% SOC is achieved with almost perfect timing. After that the Victon is turned off and the solar panels carry me.
My question is, Is this approach at the dock safe for the battery? It seems like it should be fine with the charger just providing enough power to support the small load without asking the LFP to contribute. I would appreciate community feedback.
Just as an aside, one thing I have noted with this battery (maybe all LFP batteries) is neither the Ecoworhy app or Overkill solar app seem to sense low current loads. I suppose this is due to the limitations of the hall effect sensors in the BMS???
