question

kajimike avatar image
kajimike asked

Orion T Isolated 12/30 Charger - 3x parallel but not outputting 90 Amps - why not?

I have three Orion T 12/30 Isolated chargers installed in my Ford Transit RV (Ford Transit 2020 350HD chassis), hoping to get 90 Amp Hours of charging from them. But the maximum charging Amps I see is around 72 Amps. I am wondering if my settings are preventing these units for outputting their full power. I have attached a PDF of the settings, all three have the same settings.

OrionT Settings - 12-27-2021.pdf

My system includes 600 AH of Lithium Batteries (100 x 6), the Ford Transit has two 250 AH alternators, and I have connected the Orions to the CCP2 power output stud under the driver seat. This CCP2 can provide up to 175 Amps of 12 volt power. When running the Transit I turn the 'Auto Stop/Start' to OFF.

All three Orions are mounted properly, and each has a cooling fan blowing air over them. After 1.5 hours of running I see these temperature values: Blue outer case: 114 F, Black cooling fins: 110 F.

Well within specifications to provide full output.

If I run only two of the Orions I will see about 60 Amps of charge. But then turning on the third unit does not provide another 30 amps of charge.

Thanks for your input.

orion-tr smart
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2 Answers
nicetrip avatar image
nicetrip answered ·

whats happening here? I have two in parallel, I am an electrician. So what I figured out so far in my system, don't put too much load on your alternator. A Ford Transit has probably no more then a 12V 60A alternator, I would not add more then 30A load in addition to what it has to run, like stereo, AC fans , electric seat heating or mirrors, lights. 3x 30A on 12/12V is impossible for you, burns your alternator, doesn't matter how big your battery is. On a 12/24-30A TR you have 15A on the alternator input side.

I see you have two alternators in your Transit, so maybe 2x60A? 250 Ah is no alternator size, its battery size. Alternators have either 12 or 24 volts, and then depending on motor size 60 (in my case 90 ampere on a 5.2liter industrial truck engine). A Transit has 2.5 liters or so, in size.

So with a smaller motor, your alternators are limited to max 2, and if you want to charge massive batteries like 600Ah you will have slow charging. Can't pull too much energy out of a small motor, if you add big alternators, they will pull your motor down when idling and destroy it in some ways.

Hope that helps, cheers from Australia

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over-and-under-victron avatar image
over-and-under-victron answered ·

I don't have an answer to your question but a different product suggestion.


Sterling has a new line of DC to DCs. One is rated to 200 amps and with the display you can derate to 65 and 85 percent. Could be a better match and simplify your wiring.

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