I’m finally changing my old lead batteries bank for a lithium battery.
My installation contains two other lead batteries that I’m going to keep (an engine battery and a windlass battery)
Currently, the batteries are charged by several means:
Alternator to battery Sterling 12V 80A (set for lead)
Shore charger AC-DC Cristec 12V 25A (older generation, which I think doesn’t handle lithium)
Watt&Sea hydrogenerator regulator (older generation, which I think doesn’t handle lithium)
In addition, I’m installing 2 x 100W solar panels with a new Victron 100/20 MPPT.
The battery manufacturer (Lifepo4 200Ah, BMS 200A) indicates that a DC-DC must be installed to charge the battery.
I would like to consider the Victron Orion 12I12 30 product.
In view of my electrical installation, am I right in thinking that installing it just before the new lithium battery will be enough to complete my installation?
The Orion DC to DC takes power from one battery (in your case lead acid) and charges a second battery ( in your case lithium). It does not take the DC from the Christec and convert that to lithium charging. It is used for alternator charging of lithium via the engine start battery. You might be able to put both Christec outputs onto your engine start battery and then the Orion will also charge the lithiums when the Christec is running. You have a common ground so you can use the non-isolated Orion with only 1 negative lead. Read the manual, diagrams are included.
Thank you for your answer. I feel like my Isolator Mastervolt make things difficult in this case. I have been looking at diagrams but I still don’t see where I need to connect the Orion…
The trouble is I do not fully understand the switch between the starter and service battery and have not made a detailed review of the whole wiring diagram.
Here is my view of what you need to do as I described above. The Orion will then charge your lithium battery with the correct type of charge when you have the engine running or the Christec charging. Note, fuses are required in the positive cables and perhaps also an isolation switch.
Note, your MPPT negative wire was connected the wrong side of the shunt, I have also corrected that for you. The MPPT will also need a fuse adding close to the service battery.
You need to make sure that this is all OK. If not, consult a marine electrician.
Thank you very much for that. It will help me a lot to think clearer about my installation. Also, as you suggest, I am in contact with a marine électricien.
I will write to you as soon as I know a little more or if I succeed
