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I would like to know if anyone out there has actually managed to destroy their alternator by using a Cyrix LI CT and a lithium battery bank?
(I do know about 'the video' and why a DC/DC converter is the 'correct' solution. However, this is expensive in comparison to Cyrix and one loses some nice functions such as bidirectional charging and start assist).
If it's such a no no to use a Cyrix, why does Victron sell it?
Looking forward to hearing some real world experience.
Dave
I keep trying Dave despite those YouTube warning videos . ;)
We have been travelling fulltime for 7 years in our Mitsubishi Canter based motorhome here in NZ.
Our 100A rated alternator has been direct charging our 4 cell 300Ah Sinopoly LiFePO4 battery at 80-90A continuous until full. No smoke yet.
The alternator spins over 3000 rpm at fast idle.
We have only a single battery that powers the RV and starts the truck.
'If it's such a no no to use a Cyrix, why does Victron sell it?'
We don't all use lithium.
We started installing Victron lithium batteries in 2013.
At this time there weren't any DCDC Charger available, so we installed a big relay (no Cyrix-li-ct because it wasn't also not available).
I know of at least one customer who had to replace the alternator 3 or 4 times by now.
Thank you Matthias.
From what I've been told, the amperage limitation of the stock charging wire in the 7-pin connector is so low that there is no risk to harming your alternator. People have run into problems when they increase the wire size and remove this limitation. A stock Alternator (in most cases) is not designed to charge Lithium batteries.
