cttrp
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by cttrp on May 5, 2016 16:24:25 GMT -8
Greetings all,
I just got my Renogy 200W kit with the Adventurer 30A charge controller. I am going to permanently mount the panels to the roof and mount the Adventurer in the wall of the RV. From there, everything I have read indicates that the output to the battery should be direct and as short as possible. The question is, can I connect the output from the Adventurer directly to the battery inputs on the existing power distribution panel in the RV? I realize there will be some loss during charging due to the cable length but aside from that, does anyone see any problems with this arrangement? BTW the power distribution center/converter is a WFCO WF-8900 series and it receives battery voltage at all times (as long as the battery has voltage...)
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Post by jsb2000 on May 6, 2016 10:56:12 GMT -8
I doubt that there would be any problem with doing that.
There are two main reasons for keeping the cables as short as possible to the battery. One, as you indicated, is to minimize power losses. The other is to give the controller as accurate a voltage reading on the battery as possible so that it can determine its state of charge.
Given that the WFCO is already handling that for your RV, I'd imagine that the existing cabling losses are not significant. Therefore, it shouldn't be for the Renogy controller either.
And the controller's job is to take care of the battery, no matter how many there are. Both should "coordinate operations" between themselves based on the battery voltage to assure that the battery isn't overcharged by either one.
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cttrp
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by cttrp on May 6, 2016 12:42:16 GMT -8
Perfect! Thanks jsb2000, I appreciate the feedback.
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Post by spiderbob on May 12, 2016 22:59:19 GMT -8
Just an additional note, I have 4 chargers, the WF8900 (55amp), as you do, a MPPT 40 for solar, a Xantrex TrueCharge 2 (40a), a pair in parallel, there is no problem with mine dealing with each other. I do use a TriMetric Monitor to keep a close eye on all the charging, it is also an awesome piece of equipment. The TrueCharge 2, gives me the option of equalizing the batteries at the manufactures recommended output, for my batteries that is 15.3 for two hours. If you boondock a lot, this would be a exceptional monitor, to work with your solar system.
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Post by andrew on May 30, 2016 17:02:09 GMT -8
I am about to install 2 x 100w Renogy solar panels with a Renogy 20 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller. I also have a Truecharge 2 (40amp) and a Balmar alternator with a 3 phase controller. Are we saying above that they can all live in harmony connected directly to the battery. Any advice greatly appreciated. Andrew
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Post by spiderbob on May 30, 2016 18:10:37 GMT -8
Andrew, what kind of batteries are you using? You might be a bit heavy with the 40a charger unless you are working with at least 220+AH. The controllers/chargers should all be charging at the correct rate together, as provided by the manufacture of the battery. They will not work together if your settings are way off from one controller to the other. The system will see the most powerful one and the others will probably shut down if they are automatic thinking they have come to full charge. All mush have a capability of over voltage shutdown and under voltage shut down. However, why are you using a three phase controller? Is it programable? I know nothing about this controller. What is this system being used for? If it's three phase it is not an RV so must be in a commercial zone? I should say that I replaced my MPPT 40 with a 30 as the monitor for it is integrated together not a stand a lone monitor. It sees all my controllers which are all fairly close to the battery manufacture suggested settings. So I have one working when I'm disconnected from shore power, one when connected and the Truecharge2 primarily for Equalizing my battery at the correct voltage, which was impossible by using my previous chargers/controllers.
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bcbob
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by bcbob on Jun 3, 2016 11:55:06 GMT -8
Greetings all,
I just got my Renogy 200W kit with the Adventurer 30A charge controller. I am going to permanently mount the panels to the roof and mount the Adventurer in the wall of the RV. From there, everything I have read indicates that the output to the battery should be direct and as short as possible. The question is, can I connect the output from the Adventurer directly to the battery inputs on the existing power distribution panel in the RV? I realize there will be some loss during charging due to the cable length but aside from that, does anyone see any problems with this arrangement? BTW the power distribution center/converter is a WFCO WF-8900 series and it receives battery voltage at all times (as long as the battery has voltage...)
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Post by Andrew on Jun 7, 2016 16:22:22 GMT -8
Spiderbob, thanks for the input. The controllers are 3 stage not three phase. (Must have been a late night) I have two 6 volt deep cycle lead acid batteries in series to make 12 volts. Each battery is 232 ah. I am thinking you are telling me the charge sources should be okay together. Each will look at the battery voltage and act according to what it senses. Thanks for the input. I will post after I complete the installation.
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