Hello,
Thanks,
Stuart
This site is now in read-only archive mode. Please move all discussion, and create a new account at the new Victron Community site.
Hello,
Thanks,
Stuart
@stu0468, 230v is out of my area of expertise (I'm in 120v land) but it looks to me as though a Blue Smart IP22 charger in 12v/15A/3 output would work well for you... the float voltage in standard mode is high, but if it's in Li-Ion mode it brings it right down into your acceptable range.
Here's the datasheet:
https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-Blue-Smart-IP22-Charger-180-265-VAC-EN.pdf
I would say a 15A charger is pretty undersized for a battery bank of 3 x164Ah.
I don't know if there is some confusion, but the 15A 3 Output charger is not 15A per output, it is 15A in total. I don't think getting a 3 Output charger and connecting output to each battery is the best way either. a single output charger connected to the +12V feed point on the Bank makes more sense, as would a charger in the realm of around 50A or at least 30A.
How would I connect the 3 outputs to a parallel connected battery system?
how can I find the power output of the chargers?
Thanks for your help.
Well it's available in single-output as well, but the three outputs would just each connect to a battery. The output info is on the datasheet I linked below, or you can just get the info on Victron's website at www.victronenergy.com
@stu0468, the output (charge current) is on the datasheet, second line down the chart, labeled "charge current, normal mode"
Yes but what about the power?
Do you mean voltage? Or? Charge current is power output... voltage settings are also listed on the datasheet.
Hi Stu, Might be best to clarify your question a little (well, a lot).
The 16.46A limit is for 'each' of those batts, so your 3x in parallel is now 49.38A. Unsurprisingly, that's a nominal figure for their 164.6Ah (20C) capacity. That 0.1C is typical for a vrla batt to stay safe from boiling off water. But not necessarily cast-in-stone.
In another question you asked, you were considering a 75/15 mppt (15A) and a Multi 12/500 (which can also charge from mains @ 20A).
If you stepped up to a 12/800 Multi, that's now 35A, and a 12/1200 Multi is 50A of charge capacity.
You'd essentially be doubling-up with a separate mains charger. Sure the bigger Multi's cost more, but you also get more inverter grunt. And don't underestimate the value of a bigger inverter.
With respect, best give us the full story..
Chaps, the penny finally dropped today.... Like I said I have 3 x 12V 164Ah batteries connected in parallel that need 16ish Amps each to charge.
What I have just realised today is that the most current I can put into my battery system is 16.46Amps and not 16.46Amps x 3 regardless of the number of batteries connected in parallel.
So basically to recharge my battery system will take me 3 times longer than if I only had one battery on the charger.
Sorry to have pestered you all.
Cheers
Stuart
@stu0468, I stand by my original recommendation, though, as this is what I had understood to be the case from your original post. The IP22 12/15 in 1 or 3 output would still do you well. Slow, but well.
I'm still curious. What's the reason for this (very closely defined) 16.46A limit?
The current limit is what’s recommended by the manufacturer. That’s all.
ive ordered the IP67 blue smart 12/17 charger yesterday. I’ll see how I get on.
Yes but if I put in 3xamps depending on the internal battery impedance the current won’t be shared equally
Yeh, nor will the loads. So you're going to limit them too?
If you have imbalance at all, even with a slow charge, you'll soon know. They'll fail, given enough time.
The easiest way to test for imbalance is the 'touch test' for temp. The hot one will be the one doing all the work, and may well be the good one.
I'm no fan of paralleled pb's either, but I say you're overthinking this. To design for failure and put yourself out in the meantime seems strange to me.
But I'm not you. I wish you the best with it though..
Additional resources still need to be added for this topic
12 People are following this question.