LiFePO4 Batteries

Thanks. I would be using a Redarc Solar Regulator. I can check with them but I can't see why it wouldn't be compatible

I am not aware that either of the RedArc Solar regulators can deal with LifePO4 as yet. The can do AGM, Calcium and Standard Flooded for sure

Rob

Official Response from Redarc.

Whilst our solar regulators do not have a dedicated Lithium profile, the maximum charge voltage in standard configuration does not exceed 14.4V.
This conforms with most LiFePO4 battery manufacturer specifications, which you should cross-reference with your battery manufacturer.

Redark have the BCDC 1250D that has solar and alternator , and chooses solar first if possible and does lithium.

There are lithium batteries and LifePO4 batteries. Both are very different in what they are and their charging requirements. But I would be extremely surprised to find a LifePO4 battery that does not require a charger with the correct charging algorithms to ensure the battery is charged correctly and subsequently maintained in the correct SOC.

LifePO4's do have an inbuilt charger but this is normally intended to work in conjunction with the right external charger


Rob

You would be surprised then, according to their website no specific charger is required. Not the way I would go but might suit others.

I had a look at their website and the battery technical information and remain surprised.

I note their comment that any battery charger used must have a 14.7V cutout. If not then you need one of their chargers.

I can find no information on the internal BMS on their batteries so have no idea how that works.

What I do know after now 6 years of experience with LifePO4's is that like any battery they require maintenance via the correct charging algorithms. Otherwise their reliability is not guaranteed.

Yes you can "charge" a LifePO4 with almost any charger as long as it complies with the batteries requirements. But charge is only one element of battery management.

The original question is if a RedArc regulator would do the job. My reply is that it isn't in their specification.

Rob

Cheers Jon thanks

He's around the corner from me in Rowville so thanks

Hi is that a Lifepo4 battery? I note Redarc have released a new 40 AMP DC-DC charger that also suits Lifepo4 and accepts inputs from Solar and Alternator etc.

https://www.redarc.com.au/dual-input-40a-in-vehicle-dc-battery-charger

I see their Lithium profile still float charges.

No it doesn't actually. The 1225D didn't either despite the documentation.
I clarified this with Redarc when I upped to the 1240 for my lifepo4

Yes it is.... it’s a 200ah lithium fusion brand

Peter

Interesting, I'm just going by the user manual, would be a simple task for them to correct the online version of the user manual. If it indeed doesn't float charge when Lithium is selected. I wonder why they haven't done this, especially if you have brought this to their attention?

HKB
Quite agree. Redarc can be very confusing.
You need the manual that came with your unit too as the 1225 has had a few revisions changing its Li charge voltages. The online manual is for the latest version so unless you ask redarc based on your serial number, you won't know e\xactly what you have and the early models could over charge Li.
Model numbers are identical, not even a 1225b or rev B etc.


Here's a bit of a reply I had from them when I was arguing that they over charged, should not float and could I alter its firmware. Thats when I found out they had dropped the voltages. -
Thank you for your enquiry. See the "Li Profile" on page 5. The BCDC1225D uses a 2 stage process for LiFePO4:
1. Constant Current, where it will deliver constant current until the battery reaches the max voltage of 14.6V (as per page 2).
2. Constant Voltage, where the voltage is held at 14.5V.
3. It does not have a float stage.

I haven't actually measured my 1240 for float as my BMS disconnects at 13.6v

I've lost track of all my correspondence but their tech support guy Lex is very helpful with tech questions.
Best ask them based on your serial number.

"2. Constant Voltage, where the voltage is held at 14.5V"
That sounds like they haven't changed anything, charges till battery near full then goes to float except that it now floats at 14.5V, that is worse than the previous 13.8V!

Those figures were for the earlier versions of the 1225D.
Thats what I mean about the over charging.

Thanks interesting and handy form factor.

abqaiq

Can you elaborate on why Enerdrive is "way better" than the Redarc stuff?

Currently looking to install system in new trailer.

Cheers

Anthony