ianganderton
Auckland, NZ
So I'm planning to use the load connection for my DC loads in my camper vans system but it seems to have folks I've shown the diagram pretty fired up.
I figured it was worth asking the question specifically here and outlining why I think its ok in my use case and then request a reality check from you lot!
First the information
Build thread here
Diagram
NB - the SSC - Battery connection will be fused at 60A, not the 100A shown in the diagram. I've found lower than 100A mega sized fuses now!
Here are my thoughts.
The Epever Tracer4210 AN is a 40A SSC and the load terminals are also rated to 40A. The above diagram matches the manual wiring/fuse schematic. The cable sizes in the above diagram match the maximum size for the SCC terminals (both battery and load connections)
In my power audit my peak amp load possible for the 12V DC fusebox off the load terminals is is 25A so I think I've got loads of headroom.
The advantages I see of using the load terminals are primarily to do with control and monitoring.
I have 3 other devices in the mix that factor into my desire to use the Load terminals:
Epever MT75 Remote display & Epever IP-Plus 2000W Inverter
Epever E-Log
So the MT75 Remote connects to the SSC and the Inverter. It has 2 key relevant functions
Monitoring its combines the available display information from both the SCC and the Inverter. This means it will display information including the following
Having the DC load information and control neatly with all the other info is definitely a nice to have
Monitoring - E-Log - this device will log all the information available for display by the SCC including data from the load terminals.
Lastly Protection
I can set low battery voltage parameters for load disconnect to help ensure the BMS is only activated as a last resort. This is the same for the inverter too. I can also set a load reconnect parameter so the SCC has a great level of programmable protection functionality that wouldnt be possible if the DC loads were stright to the battery bus bar/victron lynx
So thats the positives. I do have some concerns that I want to pick your brains on
Will the SCC increase the resistance and potentially cause voltage drop? I see lots of folks experience voltage drop problems with fridges and diesel heaters. I'm speccing my cables to minimise that risk but maybe the SCC will cause a problem
Will the additional load going through the SCC cause any problems that will dramatically decrease the life of the device?
So thats where I'm at. Am I completely wrong like some folks have strongly expressed
Relevant device info for reference
Solar Charge Controller – Epever Tracer 4120AN https://www.epever.com/product/tracer-an-10-40a-mppt-charge-controller/
Manual - https://www.epever.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tracer-AN-SMS-EL-V1.0.pdf
SCC & Inverter Remote Display - MT75 https://www.epever.com/product/accessories-mt75-remote-meter/
Manual - https://www.epever.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/MT75-Manual-EN-V2.0.pdf
Data Logging - E-Log https://www.epever.com/product/elog-01-logger/
I figured it was worth asking the question specifically here and outlining why I think its ok in my use case and then request a reality check from you lot!
First the information
Build thread here
My Build Questions - Camper Van 480W Solar 12V 200Ah LifePo4
Finally starting to install this system Purchased Product Specifications Battery – SunnyTech (badged Lithium Valley) 12V 200Ah Lifepo4 https://web.archive.org/web/20210130064931/https://sunnytech.co.nz/store/default/product-details/121/69/0/0 Solar Panels – SunnyTech 120W x 4...
diysolarforum.com
Diagram
NB - the SSC - Battery connection will be fused at 60A, not the 100A shown in the diagram. I've found lower than 100A mega sized fuses now!
Here are my thoughts.
The Epever Tracer4210 AN is a 40A SSC and the load terminals are also rated to 40A. The above diagram matches the manual wiring/fuse schematic. The cable sizes in the above diagram match the maximum size for the SCC terminals (both battery and load connections)
In my power audit my peak amp load possible for the 12V DC fusebox off the load terminals is is 25A so I think I've got loads of headroom.
The advantages I see of using the load terminals are primarily to do with control and monitoring.
I have 3 other devices in the mix that factor into my desire to use the Load terminals:
Epever MT75 Remote display & Epever IP-Plus 2000W Inverter
Epever E-Log
So the MT75 Remote connects to the SSC and the Inverter. It has 2 key relevant functions
Monitoring its combines the available display information from both the SCC and the Inverter. This means it will display information including the following
- PV voltage, current & power
- Battery voltage, current, capacity & temperature
- DC load voltage, current & power
- AC load voltage, current & power
Having the DC load information and control neatly with all the other info is definitely a nice to have
Monitoring - E-Log - this device will log all the information available for display by the SCC including data from the load terminals.
Lastly Protection
I can set low battery voltage parameters for load disconnect to help ensure the BMS is only activated as a last resort. This is the same for the inverter too. I can also set a load reconnect parameter so the SCC has a great level of programmable protection functionality that wouldnt be possible if the DC loads were stright to the battery bus bar/victron lynx
So thats the positives. I do have some concerns that I want to pick your brains on
Will the SCC increase the resistance and potentially cause voltage drop? I see lots of folks experience voltage drop problems with fridges and diesel heaters. I'm speccing my cables to minimise that risk but maybe the SCC will cause a problem
Will the additional load going through the SCC cause any problems that will dramatically decrease the life of the device?
So thats where I'm at. Am I completely wrong like some folks have strongly expressed
Relevant device info for reference
Solar Charge Controller – Epever Tracer 4120AN https://www.epever.com/product/tracer-an-10-40a-mppt-charge-controller/
Manual - https://www.epever.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tracer-AN-SMS-EL-V1.0.pdf
SCC & Inverter Remote Display - MT75 https://www.epever.com/product/accessories-mt75-remote-meter/
Manual - https://www.epever.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/MT75-Manual-EN-V2.0.pdf
Data Logging - E-Log https://www.epever.com/product/elog-01-logger/