Hello everyone,
I lost my shore power connection, which caused the leisure batteries to retire. But the two starter batteries for port and starboard are also down to about 35% capacity. So they need replacing too.
So currently, the system consists of 2 starter batteries and 2 leisure batteries. The latter are connected in parallel.
There is also a Quick SBC 500 charger on board, which has so far charged all 3 banks.
My first step was to mount 4 flexible PV panels on the roof and use an MPPT 100/50 charge controller to charge the leisure batteries.
On the output side, I installed 2 BatteryProtect units: one to switch off a charging socket at 12.6 V, and one to switch off all consumers when the leisure battery bank drops below 12.2 V.
I used the charging socket to charge an Anker Solar, so that I could have 220 V now and then.
Connecting the PV system to the Anker wasn’t possible because the Anker switches off after 24 hours at the latest. So, for now, the PV charges the batteries, and from there I transfer the charging peaks to the Anker.
Well, that worked quite well, but it doesn’t feel like a permanent solution.
Now I have the following plan
The new AGM batteries will become the starter batteries.
For the leisure side, I’ll install a 500 or 600 Ah LiFePO4 battery.
The charger can stay, but will only be used for the two starter batteries
The MPPT will henceforth charge the leisure side.
Between the starter side and the leisure side, I’ll install 2 Orion SX units to store the alternator charge while underway. Apparently, with the next update they’ll also be able to do more than just manually charge the starter batteries—they’ll automatically provide support in the other direction too, for the starter batteries.
A MultiPlus II 12/3000/120 will provide the 220 V supply on board. Of course, it should also charge the leisure side when shore power is connected.
A Cerbo GX with a display will handle monitoring and control, and I’ll add a Shunt 500 behind the LiFePO4 battery for support.
Each bank will get a Lynx, so the setup also looks good and the cable cross-sections are right. On the leisure side, perhaps I’ll install 2 as well, so that I can connect all the consumers properly.
The plan is to install everything as close as possible above the battery locker, with the MultiPlus mounted right next to the battery compartment.
The thickest cables will run between the Lynx and the MultiPlus or leisure battery.
Now for my questions:
Would you set the system up differently to improve charging or control?
Would you use any additional components?
Are there any other factors I should consider, apart from the things I’ve already thought through?
Do you have any other tips, suggestions or advice?
I’d be glad to hear from you and have a lively discussion.