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Hi all,
I am trying to understand the best way to charge both Lithium (House) and Led Acid (Start) incorporating a WakeSpeed regulator.
There are various diagrams online but it’s not totally clear how the combined setup works.
Would one of the two set ups below work? Or does anyone have a simple diagram to visualise the correct approach? Thanks.
Diagram 1 is what I intend to to in my setup. The load on the start bank is very modest so it's better to change that with a DC to DC charger.
Diagram 2 isn't a good idea with a large system, and would likely result in a short service life in the start battery and limited charging of the lithium bank (unless you double/triple up the dc to dc converters, but it's not really the best way.
(a) In Diagram 1, I assume I would need something like a battery isolator from the alternator also so as to charge the starter battery and the house lithium battery - and therefore not use the DC to DC?? - See Diagram 3. But, I understand that if I installed solar or another charging source for example then the starter battery would not benefit?? The other issue is I only can set up one charger profile. What's your view?
Diagram 3
(b) Another Option might be to install an ACR to isolate the battery when the Alternator is not running (assuming I don't need a isolated set up and everything has equal voltages)?
(c) Or, opt for Wiring diagram 2 - (note: the Alternator Shunt is incorrect as needs to be between all batteries) - but with additional DC to DC Chargers to increase the charging amps (Orion limited to 30)?
Any views on this would be greatly appreciated.
Hello, did you realise that when the BMS is not ATC, your Alternator doesn't charge?
For this reason it's not a good idea the controll your alternator by a BMS.
In worst case (with low temperature in your LFP Batterys) you run out energy because your starter battery wouldn't charge too.
Wich size of alternator, DC/DC Charger and Battery Bank we talk?
Best regards Robert
Hi Robert, the ATC set up is the recommended approach - see here. I am considering a 150Ah balmar and 600Ah Lithium house bank. We will also install solar.
When your BMS send the information "not ATC" , the Alternator goes off.
When this is no problem for you, perfect.
I need very similar the same but at the moment the WS500 isn't that solution for me.
Best regards Robert
Thanks Robert, your point makes perfect sense. I am now considering the battery isolator option (see Diagram s) above as that means if the BMS shuts down I don't blow up the alternator - but I still havent figured out what to do with different charging profiles (Lithium House and Led Acid Start). Any additional comments would be very welcome.
