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goon326 asked

Adding a Orion-TR Smart DC-DC battery charger, which size?

Dear Community,

Is adding an Isolated Orion-TR Smart DC-DC battery charger to my system useful? I have an 1991 westfalia system with a relai between the start battery and the household battery and an regular alternator that gives with lights and engine on between the 13.7-14.0 volt. And which size should I take?

Start battery: 80ah lead battery

Household battery: 200ah lithium with BMS

Alternator: 14v 90ah

https://m.autodoc.nl/bosch/1158260#productImageGroup

I am going to use the following setup in my t4 California Westfalia from 1991:

  • 130wp solar panel (and maybe a second one)
  • SmartSolar MPPT 75/15
  • BMV 712
  • Phoenix 12/1200
  • 200 ah Lithium battery (not from victron)

Kind regards,

goon326

MPPT SmartSolarBMV Battery MonitorPhoenix InverterVE.Bus Smart Dongle
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matthias-nagel avatar image matthias-nagel commented ·
Do you have more details on the technical specifications of your alternator? How much power does the alternator provide? The Orion-Tr Smart should not be "bigger" than the alternator otherwise you could overload it. Having detail about the starter battery is fine, but in this case it is the alternator which actually counts.

Moreover, rumors are that Victron will launch a successor to the Orion-Tr which is really smart and supported communication with other Victron products. If you can wait that lontg, I would do it.


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Michelle Konzack avatar image Michelle Konzack matthias-nagel commented ·

He wrote 90A.


A Orion-Tr Smart 12/12/30 should be no problem for the old Westfalia. But it depends on the Battery if it can take 30A otherwise he has to go with the 20A model.


Even my newer Sprinter work with 65A Alternator and my installed 90A one power an Orion-Tr Smart 12/24-15


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goon326 avatar image goon326 matthias-nagel commented ·

I only know this about my alternator:

https://m.autodoc.nl/bosch/1158260#productImageGroup

It is 14V and gives 90A. What do you need to know more?

Do you know when the new product is coming? And can I also charge my lithium battery without this product and what is the use of using this within my system?

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kevgermany answered ·

Rule of thumb. Keep total continuous load below 50% of alternator rating. If you don't there's a good chance of overheating the alternator, especially at low revs. 50% must include driving with lights on etc. 30A should be fine as @Michelle Konzack said.

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