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If one has an ArgoFET isolator connected to an alternator as its input, and has separate outputs to two battery banks, what determines how much current goes to each battery bank? Is the isolator “smart enough” to send more amps to the battery bank with the lowest state of charge, or not? This is an important consideration when one battery bank is the starter bank (quickly recharged) and the house battery bank which requires longer recharging cycle.
I can't answer your question, but you can download the manuals from victron, which may answer your question. If they don't the answer is probably no.
Take a look at the Orion chargers. The common way to do this is to connect alternator to starter battery (existing), Orion to starter battery and house battery. . Orion charges house bank from starter battery/alternator. You can configure the cut in/out voltages for the Orion, switch it on/off electronically or manually if wished. This prevents discharging the starter battery.
You’re absolutely right, an Orion unit would do the job as well, I just wanted to understand Victron isolators better.
Can an Orion charger work from a 12V starter bank to charge a 24V house battery?
How it works is not explained in the manual because the function of a FET (field-effect transistor) is simplest electronic.
There is nothing "smart" inside the ArgoFET, it is just a kind of a one-way switch. Just like in a diode current can only flow in one direction but there is no way to control how much current is going in which battery.
It depends on the internal resistant and the SOC of the batteries.
The Orion-Tr Smart is available in 12/12, 12/24, 24/24 and 24/12.
https://www.victronenergy.com/dc-dc-converters/orion-tr-smart
https://www.victronenergy.com/dc-dc-converters/orion-tr-smart-non-isolated
