• If you're struggling to login because of the verification email not reaching you, don't worry it's just the forum settings applying the change slowly. I'll get in touch with those who are awaiting the verification email and sort your accounts out. I think new ones should go through fine now in most cases.

EF: Use vehicle generation system to charge leisure batteries, replace with B2B charger retaining the existing wiring, or replace everything?

Currently reading:
EF: Use vehicle generation system to charge leisure batteries, replace with B2B charger retaining the existing wiring, or replace everything?

B

bofhchaos

Use vehicle generation system to charge leisure batteries, replace with B2B charger retaining the existing wiring, or replace everything?

Hi all,

I'm in the UK. I purchased a VW Crafter van and intend to convert it into a campervan. I'm currently stripping it of the original racking and equipment fitted by the previous company. One piece of equipment the previous company fitted was a generation system with a secondary alternator on the engine connected to an inverter that can supply 110v, 24v, 12v or DC for welding. The system can supply up to 150 amps, is large, and weighs 26kg. I'm considering my options on what to do with this. I think I can use this system to charge the leisure batteries. However, I expect that it can't charge Lithium iron phosphate batteries. I can't use the 110v, 24v and DC welding outputs. I believe my options are:

1) Use the system to charge the leisure batteries. This is the cheapest and easiest option, but it takes up a lot of space, and I may be unable to use LiFePo batteries.
2) Remove and replace the charger with a B2B battery charger while retaining the secondary alternator and wiring. The new B2B will take power from the secondary alternator and charge the leisure batteries. However, I don't know if the B2B charger can cope with being connected directly to the alternator, if it can take the current from the alternator, or if I can use an A2B charger. The advantage is that I don't have to do much re-wiring, the B2B charger is significantly smaller, and I can use LiFePo batteries. However, it will cost money.
3) Rip everything out, including the wiring, except for the secondary alternator, leave it free-spinning, and use the B2B charger connected to the starter battery as designed. It is the safest option but costs the most in terms of time and money.

This page shows the power system I've got installed in the van - AutoMate - Onboard Power Systems - Motor On Services - https://www.motoronservices.co.uk/services/automate-onboard-power-systems & page 6 of their brochure -...


Read more

Use vehicle generation system to charge leisure batteries, replace with B2B charger retaining the existing wiring, or replace everything? to Continue reading...

ElectriciansForums.net for the latest in electricians' jobs, news, advice and more
 
Back
Top