I've been looking at the possibility of using a Classic 150 to transfer power from a small LiFeP04 battery pack, to a large battery bank. Would this be possible or is there a limit on the current capability of the LiFeP04 battery source? Also, if this is possible, what is the difference in voltage required for efficient power transfer between the 2 banks.
I see that the Classic does have a current rating limit of 96 amps from a PV array. Does that mean that the PV array (or battery in this case) can not exceed 96 amps capability, or does the Classic limit the current to that level automatically (including during the power sweeps)?
If it doesn't work with a MPPT charge controller, I may look at a PWM model, that can also limit current transfer.
The LiFePo4 battery pack I'm considering would be either a) just above 24 volts and 200 ah or b) just above 48 volts and 100 ah. Thus capable of oodles of current!
If you want to use it to step down the voltage it should work . I just looked at the Local Status app configuration screen and you can limit either or both input and output amps as well as minimum and maximum output voltages .
You would need to have a larger voltage on the input battery pack over the battery pack being charged.
I am using a Kid to go from 24v to 12v and have an output amp limit on it. So I think the Classic will also do this.
Someone else might know this or if I have anything wrong.
Larry
That would mean that the Life battery would need one more cell to up the voltage? Possible to make it work...
Quote from: North of 56 on March 04, 2015, 04:59:56 PM
I see that the Classic does have a current rating limit of 96 amps from a PV array. Does that mean that the PV array (or battery in this case) can not exceed 96 amps capability, or does the Classic limit the current to that level automatically (including during the power sweeps)?
First of all, the 96 amp limit is only at certain input and output voltages... your limit may be less. Secondly, it's not good conservative design to run this equipment at its limit for a prolonged period of time.
It would be good to put a small resister (or a length of cable) on the input of the Classic so that the current is limited during sweeps... a sweep means that the classic is trying to load your LiFePO4 power source. If the voltage of the LiFePO4 doesn't sag under the load, the power source is said to be "too stiff" and your Classic may be damaged.
--vtMaps