We have used quite a few OrionXS1400 units in a 24volt alternator to 24volt battery configuration. We like the ability to use DVCC control when charging Lithium Batteries as the Orion XS1400 specification is good. Unfortunately we have had multiple failures of this unit (at least 7) and sometimes mulitple failures in the same location. We think possibly the OrionXS1400 reacts badly to alternator ripple voltage or possibly some other charactersitic relating to alternator charging. Our dealer is very good but we need a solution that provides a robust way forward as we think our relationship with the OrionXS1400, although we like its specification has come to an end. I am seeking advise on a replacement for this type of unit that can provide a 24 volt input, 24 volt output charging solution for Lithium Batteries and DVCC controlled. Some other older Victron DC-DC solutions may be ok but we would like DVCC control.
I take it you’ve checked the wiring and connections? I was just wondering if they’re getting too hot and damaging the units. Mine’s been working fine the last 2 months.
This is my question, too. His wording suggests that he has the input connected directly to the alternator without a lead acid battery to buffer (filter) the erratic output of an alternator. You were very diplomatic with your question
@pwfarnell our experience is many and varied. The alternator is always charging a start battery, almost always AGM, usually for a large diesel engine. We originally thought the failure was only for units in parallel. We then thought out installation practices required review. We then thought it may be only when charging Lithium (low impedance) batteries. We then thought they only failed in the first few minutes of operation. We now realise none of those reasons for failure form a pattern. We have tried to stick with this product because we like the specifications but we simply can’t afford any more failures. Irrespective of the cause we are now not using them anymore so need an alternative.
@pau1phi11ips yes we have undertaken a lot of investigation over several boats in several configurations. We have had some that continue to work. We can find no single thread causing the failures. We do have some boats with them working fine. We have had them fail quickly or we have had them fail after a few days. We have worked with our dealer to establish a root cause for the failures. We have had them fail such that the MOSFET switching has blown the tops off the chips and we have had them fail in a less spectacular manner. We also cannot find any correlation between batches manufactured at the same time. I have added a photo of a unit I pulled apart in an effort to try to find out what was happening. Note the tops blown off the chips as pointed to by the arrows. Not all fail in this manner.
Then I don’t have anything to contribute we haven’t had any failures yet, but we likely have a smaller sample size to compare than you do. I would suggest that you craft a letter with data (i.e. xx number of failures out of xxx sold) and ask them to send up the chain. You might get Victron’s attention here, but I can almost guarantee you will if you get your distributor involved.
Incidentally, have you considered installing second alternator(s) on the engine(s)? A Zeus alternator and Zeus 24V controller is a great combination.
@OGPS yes Zeus or Wakespeed are good solutions but if we are dealing with new boats making those modifications can impact engine system warranty (not our assumption, the boat dealers advice to us). We would like a solution that is simpler than that and the OrionXS1400 presented the perfect solution. I am now thinking of using the older 100Amp Buck Boost (50 amp @ 24 volt ) and using a DVCC to relay contact converter to open the relay when charging of zero amps is called for. I just wish it was available off the shelf.
. which of course is appreciated….
we haven’t had any failures yet, but we likely have a smaller sample size to compare than you do. I would suggest that you craft a letter with data (i.e. xx number of failures out of xxx sold) and ask them to send up the chain. You might get Victron’s attention here, but I can almost guarantee you will if you get your distributor involved.