I have installed 2 X 100 watt panels on the wheelhouse roof of my ex-commercial fishing boat now used only for pleasure. It has 2 separate systems, one 24 volt operating the engine starter and instruments, charged by the standard 24 volt alternator. The domestic system is 12 volt, this powers everything else, electronics, pumps and lights etc. This system is charged by an auxiliary 12 volt alternator on the same engine. Both systems share a common ground. Neither alternator is “smart”
This worked well when the boat was in regular use but will now spend most time on a mooring in our local harbour where the domestic system will be used without the engine running. Hence the need for solar. I intended to just charge the 12 volt system but bought 2 panels as I thought they could be switched to the 24 volt batteries if necessary. I have connected a 100/30 smartsolar today to the 12 volt battery and it appears to work very well.
Would it be possible to connect a DC-DC converter/charger from the 12 volt battery to keep the 24 volt topped up as well? I have researched and the most usual application is for one alternator to handle two systems but my needs are slightly different.
If you have managed to get to the end of this post thank you very much, I would very much appreciate some ideas and or constructive criticism.
That’s exactly what the Orion DC-DC converter was designed for…
You could charge from 12V to 24V or from 24V to 12V…
The MPPT controller could use both systems…
It now depends on whether you have a common or separate ground for both systems… There are isolated and NON-isolated Orion models.
Thank you, I would like to fit a 12 to 24 converter charger. What I do not understand is can the unit be set to switch on at a certain voltage of the 12 volt battery and secondly when the engine is running and both alternators are charging would this have a detrimental affect on anything?
You can control it via a remote or adjust the voltages so that the Orion stops converting from 12 V to 24 V once a certain voltage is reached…
Try downloading the Victron Connect software… there you can simulate an Orion
My DC-DC converter is fitted and appears to be working well. There are however a couple of things that I do not understand. There is a label on it saying “do not reverse polarity” which is obvious enough but is there any issue with either the input or output batteries being connected or disconnected first? Is it necessary to fit a switch (presently strapped) to turn unit off before connecting? I am using this to keep the 24 volt battery “topped up” and have set the menu to charging but I could only find Gel in the types of battery listed. Mine are flooded lead acid which I think should have a slightly higher absorption voltage than gel. Thanks for reading and hopefully replying.
I have been monitoring my set up for a few days and my only issue is the lack of information given by the Orion DC-DC charger on the connect app. I know that say the low voltage lock out can be changed but only float/bulk and the voltage of the input and output is shown. Current is shown in the solar charge controller are there any plans to add features like this for the Orion?
Function, Battery settings, Engine shutdown detection and Input voltage lock-out (allow to choose between two thresholds. One to set the lock-out and another one to reset it. Normally, a minimum 0.5V (for 12V input Orion Smart) difference is used for a better performance. The protection can still be disabled if desired by the user. For more information about the input voltage lock-out, please read the Orion Smart manual.)
Yes I understand all that, my question is why does the connect app not give similar information like current as the much cheaper solar controller does?
