I’ve been researching hard, but still a relative newbie, so below is what I hope is a relatively straightforward question.
I want to refresh the house electrics in my 1990 VW T3 diesel camper. I’m thinking of Orion XS, MPPT, mains charger and a 100ah lithium. I’d like capacity to expand to 200ah if ever warranted. I’ve one ancient solar panel that will be replaced, possibly by two modern panels, once I’ve done my power consumption sums.
My nagging concern is that my camper only has a 65 amp alternator. Would you this be too greater a limitation for the above? There is an upgrade path to a 90 amp alternator, but that’s as high as I’d be able to go.
On the plus side, vehicle consumption is low compared to modern vehicles… there’s no aircon, PAS, heated seats, electric windows etc.
An Orion XS at 50A draw may be too high for continuous charging from a 65A alternator. However, the charge current can be set to a lower value like 30A which will probably be OK for the alternator and charging a 100Ah battery. If you increase battery size then you could increase to the 90A alternator and set the Orion to 50A charging at that point.
Hiya mate, old post I know, but similar query, 12/12 orion, lipos ask for 28amps from a 50 amp alternator, absorption usually goes for 2hrs. I can’t find on “settings” were to restrict current output?..cheers Mike
Thanks mate for the quick reply!. Mine is a TR version, and such it looks as though I can only manipulate the Bulk and Absorption ‘Time’, and voltage cut offs. I’ll monitor the alternator temp manually after fitting new alternator. The batteries, lifepo’s, are asking for 30amps from a 50 amp alternator for almost 2 hours. I’m concerned about overheating the alternator, which may or may not have been the reason for failure (?)…anyway thanks again…