Victron Smart BMS for Lithium Upgrade?

[Submariner]

I'll keep an eye out for your new video -- and thanks again for all the advice.

Link to the video about my LFP upgrade.

Why I upgraded my house battery to Lithium on my boat | Ranger Tug R27-OB

 

[MechGuy]

I’ve done the 400w solar upgrade with a Victron 100/30 mppt and will need to replace batteries over the next year due to age on my 2017 31s. I’m very interested in possibly installing lithium batteries for the house but don’t have a confident handle on the details of the installation. shontm did you make a diagram of your installation on your 29 that you would be willing to share? Also thanks Submariner for all your input.

 

[shontm]

I’ve done the 400w solar upgrade with a Victron 100/30 mppt and will need to replace batteries over the next year due to age on my 2017 31s. I’m very interested in possibly installing lithium batteries for the house but don’t have a confident handle on the details of the installation. shontm did you make a diagram of your installation on your 29 that you would be willing to share? Also thanks Submariner for all your input.

I have handwritten notes on the factory R29 wiring diagram, which I'd be happy to share and walk you through by phone. Send me a DM if you want them.

 

[MechGuy]

I have handwritten notes on the factory R29 wiring diagram, which I'd be happy to share and walk you through by phone. Send me a DM if you want them.

Thanks. I’ll get in touch when I come back in town this weekend. I also need to check to make sure my Kisae ic122055 is the later version that supports lithium. I know the previous owner had to replace the original inverter so I’m hoping this is the newer version.

 

[freedomvango]

Just to chime in a little.
This is a killer budget way to get alternator charging from a capable motor that has the output. We use them in vans CONSTANTLY with great results. You will need an okay solar setup to top it off. The Charge profile wont be completely perfect, but it will be great to quick fill batteries compared to normal DC to DC Chargers.

The only other thing, is if you use a Victron battery along with this BMS you need to also put in Smart battery protects or relays to turn on/off charging sources and load sources since the Victron batteries don't have a built-in contactor and technically not super ABYC compliant if you care about that.

Another method would be to use a pair of Victron Orion XS 50a units to charge at 100a if you can. That would be the more universal way to do it

 

[shontm]

Our Volvo Penta D4 320 alternator puts out 14.2-14.3 volts, which is a good match for the recommended 14.2 absorb setting for our LiFePO4 batteries. The main drawbacks with using the Victron Smart BMS are (1) for long journeys, it will put out that 14.2-14.3 the whole time whereas the Orion DC-DC will follow a charge profile and float and (2) if the lithium battery isn't full, it will draw a lot of amps during docking maneuvers which puts more strain on the thruster battery because alternator amps aren't as available to help there. I went with the 50 amp Orion plus a new 300 watt solar panel and MPPT charge controller, which I think will provide us all the charging we need. If I ever needed to use more than 50 amps of alternator power to charge quickly, I could flip the parallel switch for a little while.