I am working on an Overland build for my truck. I have recovered some LiFePO4 Battle born GC2 batteries from my RV (no longer in service). I am looking to use a 200A variable alternator from my 2022 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel which feeds an AGM starter battery. I am interested in creating a battery bank (in truck bed) based on 2x Battle Born LiFePO4 100Ah GC2 batteries which have there own BMS built-in.
The question is can the Orion 12/12 - 30A handle the 200A Alternator. The fuse was sized based on Alternator and 1/0 Gauge wire (200A though it is a 48V. I will clarify with Blue Sea that this fuse is fine to use (my understanding is you can go up to 2X of your source power on Voltage). I started with battery isolator (which is rated 250A) but since I have mixed chemistry, I don’t think this would work so looking at Orion instead.
When you will charge more you need two ore three of the dcdc charger but ypu cant use the full 80A the car need power to work
And dont forget to add a relais that conected to the ignition with an timer when its a diesel ypu need power to glow and ignition at start of the car
The breakers on the input and output sides of the Orion Tr are too high.
On the output side, the breaker should be no more than 40 amps.
On the input side, the breaker should be no more than 50 amps.
Using a 200 amp breaker on a circuit that pulls no more than 50 amps means that there could be a damaging catastrophic 150 amp current and the breaker would never trip.
Also, for the cables going from the battery bank to the busbar, put the positive cable on one battery and the negative cable on the other battery.
This is great resource thank you for feedback. I have Blue Sea 30A, since Wire is not a concern due to size being 1/0. I should size for the device in this case to prevent over driving the 30A device.
Current is pulled not pushed, the orion will only pull the currenr it needs. Oversizing the wire for long runs is fine but you shouldnt oversize the fuse / breaker.
Rich, you need to slow down. Your new diagram changed but you completely missed what I recommended for breaker sizes.
The Orion Tr has the potential to draw 40 amps from the alternator. You could install a 30 amp breaker, but if your house battery has a low state of charge, it’s likely that you’re going to trip the 30 amp breaker when more than 30 amps is pulled through it.
50 amp breaker on the input side, 40 amp breaker on the output side.
Thank you for the feedback I have made the change. I have another question on Bus isolation for Line vs Load but will open new thread for that. Also just to confirm when you say output you mean the output on the orionXS correct? I put the fuse on the input of the OrionXS in the attached diagram. This was also to protect against an accident since the battery bank is in the bed of the truck, to help kill power from the truck battery connection in an accident. Should I also put another fuse on the output connector of the Orion XS as well to the battery bank?.
Ideally, if there’s a wire, there’s also a fuse or breaker on it. It doesn’t always work out that way but it’s the best way to protect your equipment and yourself.
For fusing the output side of the Orion XS, it would be cool if there was a fuse holder that fit into the terminal. I’m not aware of one, but it sure would be convenient.
