Orion XS 12/12-50 Offroad 4x4 Car Setup

DIY
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Hi All,

i want to install a Orion XS 12/12-50 in my 4x4
i want to also install MPPT 150/70 and the battery i will be using is Victron 200ah LifePO4

i want to know if its possible, that when the solar has finished charging the Victron battey, if its then possible for it to charge the main battery in the car,

i will have a cable from the main (Car) battery to the Orion and from the orion to the victron battery

Thanks

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Not with the setup you plan.

You could connect the solar panel to the car battery then when it is charging the car battery the Orion XS will then charge the Victron battery. This is slightly less efficient and limited to 50A but it makes everything work. You set up the Orion XS with engine shutdown detection so when the solar increases the car battery voltage, the Orion starts to charge, the same as if the alternator was generating power.

Another option is to install a DC to DC trickle charger from the Victron battery to the car battery.

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I agree with pwfarnell. This is very similar to how I have my RV set up. One solar array feeding the house battery. An Orion XS that charges the house battery from the chassis battery when it gets a charge from the alternator. But also a second solar array that feeds the chassis battery. When voltages reach the given level the Orion XS sees the charge voltage on the chassis battery and then charges the house battery from the chassis battery and its solar array. With this set up, you always have a full battery to start your motor and any surplus goes into your house battery. Works well.

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what parts do i need to achive this ?

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George, here is my schematic that you can draw from as you wish. Lots of it you wont need and I’ve yet to update the diagram to show the second array but that simply feeds the chassis battery via a second mppt.

Maybe up the cable sizes in a few places as I used the existing American cabling in the RV and adapted to Victron.

If you plan to add an inverter later bear this in mind when you design.

All I would add to your shopping list to achieve your initially stated goal is a smart shunt for your house / leisure battery but you could live without it if you’re on a budget.

Les' design with Charger - inverter to come later
Les' design with Charger - inverter to come later2184×1478 290 KB

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One question, which Victron lithium battery.

  1. The Lithium Superpack batteries have an inbuilt BMS, cheaper, simpler install with less integration but less control.
  2. The Lithium Smart batteries need an external Victron BMS, many different BMS version available to suit the rest of the system. More complex install, more control wiring, more costly.
  3. The lithium Smart NG are as no 2 but currently only the largest, most costly BMS is available and these are probably not suitable at this point in time.

You need to look into this.