Charging LiFePO4 batteries through the DC to DC charger

[Dark Star]

I have a new R-31 with the LIFePO4 house bank. I therefore have a DC to DC charger for charging that bank. It is my understanding that the DC to DC charger is required for charging the house bank from the alternator, but does the shore power charger also charge the house bank through this device?

 

[Maggie Anne]

You should have a separate Kisae Inverter/Charger that converts AC shore power to DC to charge the batteries and also acts in reverse to provide AC power from the batteries when not on shore power.

 

[OverTime]

These Kisae Inverter/Chargers can be configured in several different ways. The manual I have describes four of them but there are actually 6 different ways my unit will operate. The default (in1) for these units is to automatically supply 120v power from the house bank the instant shore power is removed for any reason. I have mine configured (In5) so that if the shore power dies, (likely during the winter months here) the inverter will NOT supply 120v power from the house bank batteries. I have it set this way so that if the shore power dies, my two space warmers and the dehumidifier won't keep running and destroy my house bank. The unit is supposed to shut down (and alarm) if the house bank falls below a certain level but by then it may be too late. Now, when I'm on the water and want 120v power I just turn the inverter on. Back on the dock just plug the shore power back in and you're good to go. The in5 setting allows the unit to pass the 120v shore power straight through whether it is "on" or not.

 

[Dark Star]

Thanks for these replies, I believe I have my answer. Essentially the AC inverter/charger (Kisae) is configured to automatically accommodate charging the different battery bank types (LiFePO4, AGM) where the DC to DC charger is necessary to do the same when charging from alternator output.