Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Topic: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries (Read 2190 times) previous topic - next topic

Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

February 11, 2024, 11:49:21 am

Currently we have (2) 200 amp hour lead acid house batteries and the Xantrex ProSine 2.0 inverter/charger (circa 2004). From the research we have done, this inverter is capable of changing the settings to charge lithium batteries at 100 amps (or whatever you set it at).

What we are thinking of doing, is ultimately, installing solar and lithium with Victron components. But, in stages.

Stage one being, we want to replace the lead acid batteries with (2) 300 amh of lithium and a Victron DC to DC charger (Amazon.com: Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-Volt 30 amp 360-Watt DC-DC...) or (Amazon.com: Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-Volt 30 amp 360-Watt DC-DC...) and programming our existing Xantrex inverter for use with this set-up.

Stage two, maybe next fall, installing solar panels, Victron multiplus (Amazon.com: Victron Energy MultiPlus-II 2X 120V, 3000VA 12-Volt Pure Sine...) inverter/charger, along with solar chargers, and all bits and pieces to make it all work. I haven't researched that far just yet.

Questions are:

In Stage one, is there any other equipment needed to install the batteries and DC to DC charger that I'm not aware of.

Should I still be able to use the boost switch or will that not be compatible with the AGM (new) start batteries we have.

I'm certain there is much I don't know about this yet, but does the above scenario (in stages) hold water (courtesy of My Cousin Vinny).

Any input or suggestions appreciated. We are thinking about getting this going soon.

Tom and Michelle

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #1 – February 11, 2024, 12:58:01 pm

There is no problem with your plan. The B to B charger is to save the alternator nothing to do with the other components. I have AGM start batteries and use the boost switch occasionally with my 3 200 ah lithium's when starting the engine to make it spin faster. I started with the solar and later added the LiPo batteries.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #2 – February 11, 2024, 01:48:34 pm

I agree totally with Chuck (Craneman) only i went the other way around. I have installed the LiFePO batteries and B to B charger and may add solar in the future.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #3 – February 11, 2024, 02:03:59 pm

I should have done the batt to batt upgrade after installing the 800 ah of lithium but I put it off for a couple of years. I did expect issues with the alternator but it never happened.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #4 – February 11, 2024, 02:15:46 pm

Agree with Craneman. I use my boost switch for starting. It helps spin it a little faster, just don't leave it on. I have two AmperTime 300amh lithium for house and three conventional for start. You should be able to set a charge profile on Prosine that will do the job. You might install a Victron shunt with batteries to know your battery state. We really like Victron

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #5 – February 11, 2024, 03:39:53 pm

Thanks all for the input and Patrick, I'm glad you mentioned the smart shut to monitor the batteries. Do we base the size of the shunt to the amh of the batteries. If we have 600 amh we need to buy the 1000 amp shunt, as opposed to the 500 or 2000? We think so, but we were not certain.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #6 – February 11, 2024, 04:53:20 pm

I thought of another question - how would the auto start on the generator work with the lithium? Before we get solar at least.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #7 – February 11, 2024, 04:56:40 pm

You would nave to reset the dip switches for the voltage amount you want the auto start to start the gen.,

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #8 – February 11, 2024, 05:37:57 pm

I would go with at least the 60A DC-DC charger.

AGS is going to be touch and go. The LiFePO4 Battery operate different and working off of voltage from what I am told does not really work. The best way for AGS is to use a shunt were it will give you a better idea of SOC.

Right now there are a number of threads going on that could get your head spinning.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #9 – February 11, 2024, 06:26:09 pm

Thanks. My head is already spinning!

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #10 – February 11, 2024, 06:34:02 pm

I was thinking the parameters for the AGS would have to be a lot different for lithium. Probably not as much of an issue once we install solar. Also I don't believe Victron makes 60amp dc to dc charger. They are coming out with a 50 amp in May I think. You can run 2 30 amp chargers I believe. My knowledge of this is limited. So I could be wrong.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #11 – February 11, 2024, 07:05:53 pm

Replaced my isolator like this, no problems so far

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #12 – February 11, 2024, 07:23:31 pm

Tommy that helps I was thinking that I wouldn't need the isolator. And that maybe I could install the dc to dc charger there. Can someone tell me which smart shunt I need? I think I need the 1000 amp one. As I am planning for 600 ah of lithium. They come in 500 amp, 1000 amp and 2000 amp. Is it sized by the size of battery bank. Not sure and reading on Victrons web page I'm not finding the info. I may call them tomorrow.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #13 – February 11, 2024, 07:57:27 pm

Quote from: T and M Long – February 11, 2024, 07:23:31 pm

Not sure and reading on Victrons web page I'm not finding the info. I may call them tomorrow.

I am told Victron does not supply tech support and they expect their dealers to supply the tech support.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #14 – February 12, 2024, 12:07:40 am

I'm quite sure a 500 amp shut is more than plenty. The cabling to handle a 1000 amp load would be quite large.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #15 – February 12, 2024, 12:11:50 am

Quote from: turbojack – February 11, 2024, 07:57:27 pm

I am told Victron does not supply tech support and they expect their dealers to supply the tech support.

If you buy from Bay Marine they give great tech support. Justin has helped me many times.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #16 – February 12, 2024, 06:58:33 am

Ok the smart shunt would be sized by the the load not the size of battery bank. Chuck I will look into Bay Marine. Thanks

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #17 – February 12, 2024, 11:08:06 am

Quote from: T and M Long – February 12, 2024, 06:58:33 am

Ok the smart shunt would be sized by the the load not the size of battery bank. Chuck I will look into Bay Marine. Thanks

They give a discount to Forum members.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #18 – February 12, 2024, 03:30:42 pm

Isn't their code on their website? I think it's forefourm but not sure.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #19 – February 12, 2024, 03:51:30 pm

I always order on the phone and either Allan or Justin will give you the discount, 10% I believe.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #20 – February 12, 2024, 04:32:29 pm

When I converted my electronics I bought all my equipment from Alan at Bay Marine. Alan was great when it came to designing the system and telling me what parts I needed and what I don't need.
All was well until I was ready to program the Victron system. I was under the impression that you could get all your equipment set up remotely. Victron is a non starter for tech info.
I called Alan at Bay Marine to see if I could schedule a time to have my system programed and what the charge would be.
Alan advised me that only Victron installers could do the programing. I did the install myself so had nobody to contact, I live in Chicago and Bay Marine is in San Diego so the installer that Alan suggested was also in the San Diego area. I was not happy about this huge gap in customer support.
Next time around I may not choose Victron again simply because of there lack of first person support.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #21 – February 12, 2024, 04:37:21 pm

What needed programing, and why couldn't the installer in San Diego walk you through it?

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #22 – February 12, 2024, 04:47:11 pm

Yes I would be interested in what needed programming. And how you got the issue resolved. If you did it again what brand equipment would you consider?

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #23 – February 12, 2024, 05:28:32 pm

I installed a Victron 12v 3000 inverter/charger, two Victron charge controllers, a Victron color monitor, Victron shunt and battery monitor, 10 Lifeline L10 6v, 400ah AGM batteries, 2000watts of solar.
I stumbled through the programming myself.
The installer in San Diego did not install anything and would only program if they did the install.
A Victron factory direct person would have been a blessing to help walk me through the programming of the Victron components. All are tried together with the Victron direct cables. I plugged in my laptop to do the programming.

Re: Changing flooded lead acid batteries to lithium batteries

Reply #24 – February 12, 2024, 07:05:59 pm

Still at a loss for why Alan or Justin didn't help. Justin walked me through setting the parameters on my 2 Victron solar controllers and my Victron BVM. Even though one of the controllers came from Roger not purchased from them. Then later help me trouble shoot a controller issue that turned out to be the 50 amp fuse that passed voltage but not amperage. My Xantrex SW 3012 had a manual that showed me how set the charge and float parameters for the 600 amps of LiPo and all is working as it should be.

Affiliate Notice