SmartShunt queries

DIY
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1

I’m building a dual battery system for a 4x4. It will primarily run a 12V fridge, occasionally some lights, a 12V compressor and some USB charger points when camping. The vehicle is parked under cover when not in use, sometimes for a few weeks at a time.

The new system consists of a Smartsolar 100/20 (with 2x 110W folding PV), Orion XS and a 300A SmartShunt to manage charging of a 100Ah, 12V AGM battery. This battery will eventually be replaced with a 100Ah 12V LifePO4.

The SmartShunt requires its red power cable to be connected directly to the battery +ve terminal. This leaves the unit permanently powered. I am concerned about draining the battery when it stands for a few weeks.

  • Can I connect the power cable downstream of an isolator switch that will power the whole system on or off? Volt drop should be minimal; there is about 50cm of 16sq.mm cable, a 100A fuse and the isolator switch between the two locations.

I really want to monitor both the starter battery voltage and the “house” battery temperature using Victron Connect. The Smartshunt can do one or the other, not both. I will set up a VE.Smart network to link the devices.

  • Is it possible to use the Orion XS or the Smart Solar unit to monitor and share the battery temp while using the smartshunt to monitor (and share) the starter battery voltage ?

Thank you

2

The SmartShunt datasheet states the current draw is <1mA so less than 1Ah per month, you could easily leave it connected. It will be OK after an isolator, but any voltage drop will affect the results. Also, in the settings there is one near the bottom that is something like “Shunt starts at”, this will need to be set to “remember last reading” or something like this, read the manual, it is obvious, DO NOT have it set to “starts at 100%”.

If you have an Orion XS this monitors the starter battery voltage leaving the SmartShunt free for the house battery temperature. Neither the Orion XS or solar controller monitor battery temperature.

3

Thankyou. That will fix it. I’ll need to get the temp. sensor for the Smartshunt.