Lengthy post but could use some assist on a weird issue that popped while we're boondocking down in Key West. It appears that my coach is not receiving any 12V voltage provided by my 10 LiFePO4 battery bank via two Orion 24/12-70 DC-DC Converters and I'm only getting it from a single 12V starter battery for my generator that was supposed to only be receiving charge voltage from my new bank. I've verified that my converters are both putting out good (14.3V) voltage but the only voltage I'm seeing across my entire system including IRD relay, Coach Disconnect, and everywhere is the starter battery's 12.5V. Not sure when the problem started but the starting battery died and we lost all power to the coach which got me troubleshooting. I have no idea how the installer wired my system but I'd love some input on what he might have done.
Here's some background info on my install and I've attached the original schematic, a pic of my battery bank FYI and a modified schematic of my 12V system not including the new battery bank.
- I have a 2007 Gulf Stream Tourmaster T-40A coach which was originally equipped with two 12V deep cycle batteries to provide 12V power to the coach near my chassis batteries in back and four 6V deep cycles (in series and parallel) up front to provide 12V to a 2000W Xantrex inverter and start the generator. Both banks were charged by the generator and shorepower via the ATS and and a Progressive Dynamics IntelliPower converter charger.
- When we installed our new Victron system, we removed those old batteries and migrated the battery location to one of my bays. The installer moved one of my old 12V batteries up front to serve as a starter battery for the generator. (Did he really need to do that if I had such a large lithium bank?)
- I can see two 2/0 wires leaving the bank (see picture and black wires in front of the batteries) but that's it.
- There are no wires in the front at the starter battery that have 14.0+ volts.
- There's a 2/0 wire similar to one of the ones leaving the bay coming into the rear battery location where the two 12V coach batteries were and it's connected to the two positive wires that were attached to those batteries. One 4AWG wire is presumably a lead coming from the now disconnected IntelliPower converter and the other 2AWG is connected to the coach IRD relay solenoid. The original drawing has it connected to the coach disconnect but they are next to each other so assume that was the manufacturer's prerogative.
- I'm assuming the coach is getting starter battery voltage via the connection via the Main IRD relay and the Coach IRD relay to the disconnect solenoid.
- EDIT: The only way the starter battery will charge is via the alternator with the engine running or by attaching a charger which is what I have to do to keep the lights on for any length of time.
So my questions are (if you're still reading lol)
1. If you were installing, how would you wire up the starter battery to take charge voltage from the Orion DC-DC converter? Is it as easy as just connecting it up? The Orion does say it's a Battery Charger as well as a converter but not sure how that affects the entire system. It has been working great for the past four years of full-time living.
2. Do I even need a starter battery for my generator? I have Lion's but Battle Born has guidance on the minimum number of batteries you'd need to provide safe starting ability for gennies.
3. How would you connect my lithium bank to the 12V distribution system? My guess is straight to the Main IRD relay for emergency connect power to the chassis system.
Thanks a lot for your input. Standing by if you have any questions for clarification.
Here's some background info on my install and I've attached the original schematic, a pic of my battery bank FYI and a modified schematic of my 12V system not including the new battery bank.
- I have a 2007 Gulf Stream Tourmaster T-40A coach which was originally equipped with two 12V deep cycle batteries to provide 12V power to the coach near my chassis batteries in back and four 6V deep cycles (in series and parallel) up front to provide 12V to a 2000W Xantrex inverter and start the generator. Both banks were charged by the generator and shorepower via the ATS and and a Progressive Dynamics IntelliPower converter charger.
- When we installed our new Victron system, we removed those old batteries and migrated the battery location to one of my bays. The installer moved one of my old 12V batteries up front to serve as a starter battery for the generator. (Did he really need to do that if I had such a large lithium bank?)
- I can see two 2/0 wires leaving the bank (see picture and black wires in front of the batteries) but that's it.
- There are no wires in the front at the starter battery that have 14.0+ volts.
- There's a 2/0 wire similar to one of the ones leaving the bay coming into the rear battery location where the two 12V coach batteries were and it's connected to the two positive wires that were attached to those batteries. One 4AWG wire is presumably a lead coming from the now disconnected IntelliPower converter and the other 2AWG is connected to the coach IRD relay solenoid. The original drawing has it connected to the coach disconnect but they are next to each other so assume that was the manufacturer's prerogative.
- I'm assuming the coach is getting starter battery voltage via the connection via the Main IRD relay and the Coach IRD relay to the disconnect solenoid.
- EDIT: The only way the starter battery will charge is via the alternator with the engine running or by attaching a charger which is what I have to do to keep the lights on for any length of time.
So my questions are (if you're still reading lol)
1. If you were installing, how would you wire up the starter battery to take charge voltage from the Orion DC-DC converter? Is it as easy as just connecting it up? The Orion does say it's a Battery Charger as well as a converter but not sure how that affects the entire system. It has been working great for the past four years of full-time living.
2. Do I even need a starter battery for my generator? I have Lion's but Battle Born has guidance on the minimum number of batteries you'd need to provide safe starting ability for gennies.
3. How would you connect my lithium bank to the 12V distribution system? My guess is straight to the Main IRD relay for emergency connect power to the chassis system.
Thanks a lot for your input. Standing by if you have any questions for clarification.
Attachments
Last edited: