One Battery to Rule Them All

[NorthernFocus]

I recently finished installing a LiFePO4 battery for my house bank. I elected to go with the IP67 rated Epoch DP12300H. The DP in the model number stands for dual purpose. The battery capable of 300A continuous draw and 1000A for 5s. This made it possible to eliminate the thruster bank and power the thrusters and windlass off of the house bank. It should also be capable of starting the engine so I installed a selector switch to allow using either the dedicated starter battery or the house bank. In spite of all I'd read about the complexities of converting to LiFePO4 the new system is actually simpler and removed a lot of weight back aft. Net cost was about $1700. Benefits are:

• 2 battery banks simpler than 3
• 2 ACRs and associated wiring eliminated(see attached pic)
• 160lbs lighter and shifted weight forward(new 80lb battery located in the "cave")
• 300Ah available for house load vs 100Ah previously(50percent of 2x100Ah flooded cells)
• much faster recharging house bank when depleted(no solar)
• phone app connects with the BMS(battery management system) to provide real time state of charge, net amp flow in/out, time remaining to full charge/discharge, etc.
• aft lazarette now available for other use

The only added complexity of this configuration is the need to install a DC/DC charger between the lead acid start battery and the LiFePO4 house bank. Which is pretty straight forward.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

did you install a alternator protector like the balmar to prevent damage to the alternator when the BMS shuts off? - or is this not needed anymore with these batteries?

if im understanding your setup

solar to house
alternator + shorepower charger to house
DC-DC to engine start?

what else?
are you using stock shorepower converter?
did you change the inverter?