Converter compatibility with lithium batteries

[JeeperNY]

Hey everyone, I’m looking to make the switch to lithium batts. Anyone know if the boondocker bd1255 mba converter (already installed)from bestconverter.com is compatible?if so I assume I would need to adjust the fixed charge voltage. I’ve put in several emails to bestconverter but haven’t heard back from them yet. Thanks in advance for any info you can provide. I’m only a weekend warrior so it’s only going to be 200ah bank and I only carry a 2000w generator to power it, I also have 400w of solar on the roof thru a victron smart charger.

[NavyLCDR]

This webpage states that they are compatible:
https://www.bestconverter.com/Boondo...rs-_c_154.html

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by JeeperNY

... I also have 400w of solar on the roof thru a victron smart charger.

As NavyLCDR stated, you're converter is compatible. But the fact you have a solar charging system makes it moot. The SCC will top off the batteries, even if your converter won't. (That assumes the SCC settings match the manufacturer's recommendations.)

[distracto]

Exactly what chriscowles says. Solar will take care of topping them up. No need to spend time and money retrofitting the converter/charger if you have solar.

[NavyLCDR]

Originally Posted by distracto

Exactly what chriscowles says. Solar will take care of topping them up. No need to spend time and money retrofitting the converter/charger if you have solar.

What about in Oregon or Washington where you can go days without seeing the sun?

[JeeperNY]

Thank you all for replying, I must have completely missed that page on bestconverters about compatibility. I thought the solar might be capable of making up the difference but wasn’t sure. Most of the areas I camp are heavily wooded (In the Adirondack’s of Ny) so I still have to rely on a genny (at least with the 400ah of agm batts I used to have ) it will be interesting to see how the lithium of less compacity compares. Thanks again there’s so much info out there it almost gets confusing.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by NavyLCDR

What about in Oregon or Washington where you can go days without seeing the sun?

Unless it's totally dark my solar panels provide some charging current.

Two weeks ago I was camping next to Mt Rainier and days were totally overcast. Panels (240 w total) were charging at average 5 amp. With full Sun they deliver ~17 amps.

If there's enough light to read the solar panels will still charge. Enough to top off a LiFePo4 battery and balance cells after charging with a standard converter..

LiFePo4 batteries don't require cell balancing with every charge. Cell imbalances only occur after a number of deep discharges.

Note: when my Battleborns go above 13.8 volts they draw less than 5 amps while topping off and balancing. Don't need much solar power at that stage.

[distracto]

Originally Posted by NavyLCDR

What about in Oregon or Washington where you can go days without seeing the sun?

I'm in Vancouver, BC and camp in the shade most of the time, have no issues with gathering amps to top up.

I do have ~800W of solar and 340ah of LiFePO4 headroom though.

Good point though, if you're trying to collect amps with one 100w panel and a PWM controller, you will likely have issues in the shade.

[JeeperNY]

I just heard back from Randy @ bestconverter.com, and he confirmed that the bd1255mba is in fact lithium compatible and he recommended that I switch it to fixed mode and adjust the voltage per the battery manufacturer specs. Just thought I’d pass along that info. Thanks for everyone’s comments!