charging LiFePO4 from the alternator: FUD vs reality
This morning I got a FUD-filled reply from a youtube “influencer” about why relays aren’t “appropriate” for charging LFP. It involved batteries “expecting” steady voltges/currents, etc. I swear people are making stuff up. It’s ok to be confused. It’s not ok to confuse others.
Then in the afternoon I read a post from a user whose bank obeys physics rather than the fearmongering of influencers.
800Ah bank vs 130A alternator
Surely this will suck all 130A out of the alt, right? Right?
Spoiler alert: OP is actually worred about low charging rate at idle:
- 300w at idle (let’s assume 13.4v, so ~22A or 0.0275C
- 1000w at cruise, so ~75A or 0.09375C
I’m not sure what numbers he was expecting from a 130A. He’s considering a high-output replacement optimiszed for idle-speed charging and that would certainly get him more. (see updates below)
I wouldn’t charge at idle or try to run a huge bank off a 130A alt, but his needs aren’t my needs. He’s using a Li-Bim, a device that is, IMO, of dubious value for the money; the BiM is effectively a relay while connected so throughput will be the same as a relay. He’s also use a chassis NEG return which is probably the secret sauce that keeps charging acceptance under control.
Compare this video where 100Ah and 280Ah banks are connected using direct NEG return. The 280Ah pulls 39A (0.14C) at idle (160A alternator) and 72A (0.26C) at cruising RPM, largely because there is a dedicated NEG return.
an unfortunate update
I think our friend is in for heartache:
300 ish Amps at idle will maybe let me almost hold my own during work hours if I’m running the A/C in eco mode. If I’m going to run the engine, I want to gain an advantage so I went ahead and ordered the high output alternator. Idle output is 160A and full 320A output at 1200 RMP.
A 320A alt won’t/can’t put out 320A hot/continuous. I’m predicting:
- ≤100A at idle, hot/continuous
-
≤220A at cruise, hot/continuous
And even those numbers might require a dedicated NEG return and doing the Big Three upgrade. I’d like to be wrong about this.
another update
OP is no longer talking about the upgraded alt and is not answering my questions about the situation. I suspect they bailed on the idea.