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--- opinion:frater_secessus:agm2lifepo4 [2025/02/19 17:20]
frater_secessus [Can I still use my existing DC-DC charger for alternator charging?] changed language
+++ opinion:frater_secessus:agm2lifepo4 [2025/04/29 21:41] (current)
frater_secessus [shore power charging]
@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 ====== Upgrading a lead-chemistry house bank to LiFePO4 ======
-The pre-made LiFePO4 batteries (LFP hereafter) you seen on Amazon and elsewhere are designed and marketed as //drop-in replacements//:  pull your lead battery and "drop in" the LFP.  This approach works in many cases because the size, shape, voltage range, and charging requirements are in the same ballpark as traditional lead batteries.  It's not a perfect scenario, but will meet the needs of the average user.  People with special requirements or an interest in technical details can do the reading/testing required for an optimal setup.
+The pre-made LiFePO4 batteries (LFP hereafter) you seen on Amazon and elsewhere are designed and marketed as //drop-in replacements//:  as in "pull your lead battery and drop in the LFP".  This approach works in many cases because the size, shape, voltage range, and charging requirements are in the same ballpark as traditional lead batteries.  It's not a perfect scenario, but will meet the needs of the average user.  People with special requirements or an interest in technical details can do the reading/testing required for an optimal setup.
@@ Line 131: / Line 131: @@
 ===== shore power charging =====
-Shore power charging is relatively rare for vandwellers and has many factors feeding into it.
+Shore power charging is relatively rare for vandwellers and boondocking RVers, but very common for RVers who have frequent access to "pedestal power".  The use case will determine which way to go with shore power charging.
-IF **other forms of shore power charging are available** or **shore power charging will last at least overnight** the [[electrical:converter|shore power charger]] can be a simple, inexpensive, single-stage charger set to a relatively low voltage (13.5v - 13.6v?)  This will allow near full charge and load support without overcharging.  Lower set voltages like 13.2v - 13.4v will support the battery from depletion but won't charge completely.  If there is solar present that will also contribute.
+IF **other forms of shore power charging are available** or **shore power charging will last at least overnight** the [[electrical:converter|shore power charger]] can be a simple, inexpensive, single-stage charger set to a relatively low voltage (13.5v - 13.6v?)  This will allow near full charge and load support without overcharging.  Lower set voltages like 13.2v - 13.4v will support the battery from depletion but won't charge completely.((remember, there is no requirement to charge LFP to 100%))  If there is solar present that will also contribute.
-If **shore power charging is the only source of charging** or if **time on the charger is limited** then a more aggressive, expensive, higher-capacity multistage charger may be warranted.
+If **shore power charging is the only source of charging** or if **time on the charger is limited** then a more aggressive, expensive, higher-capacity multistage converter/charger may be warranted.
 If the van will **be on shore power for an extended period** (days, weeks, months) then a small single-stage converter charger set to quite low voltage (13.2v?) would hold the battery at middling states of charge.  It only needs to be a bit bigger than the expected loads so gradual charging can occur.

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