IOTA dls 45

97TJ
97TJ Solar Expert Posts: 68 ✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
I'm upgrading to lifepo4 batteries.  I have an IOTA dls 45 charger for topping off my current lead acid batteries.  This charger has an option to charge at 13.6 or 14.2.  will this charger work for lifepo4 batteries?
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,613 admin
    #2
    It depends on your batteries (different chemistries have different charging voltages) and the type of BMS (battery management system) you have...

    Some BMS will give you a warning of high/low voltage... Others may actually "active balance" cells (requiring to hold charging voltage "high" for longer periods of time). And many BMS also include a "dead man's switch"--Cutting off the battery bank power if over/under voltage, over/under temperature, cells out of balance, etc...

    Ideally, you want your system to run "in between the guard rails". You don't want to have the BMS shutdown the DC battery bank unless there is a serious possibility of harm to bank or safety.

    Regarding the Iota--As I recall, some (few/many/all of the older units) have a 10 turn pot inside that can be used to adjust the output voltage. However, you do have to remove the cover to access the adjustment (there may be several "pots"--Make sure you know what you are doing).

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • 97TJ
    97TJ Solar Expert Posts: 68 ✭✭
    #3
    The IOTA I have has a jack similar to a RS 232 or phone jack.  If you remove it it will charge to 14.2 volts.  With it inserted it charges to 13.6 volts.
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  • 97TJ
    97TJ Solar Expert Posts: 68 ✭✭
    #4
    Appreciate your insight.
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,889 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 2022 #5
    I think this charger is not accurate enough unless you are going to monitor it, know the exact charge voltages, and be an advanced user.

    Real easy to kill an LFP with an unknown BMS and unknown battery make and model.
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • 97TJ
    97TJ Solar Expert Posts: 68 ✭✭
    #6
    This place is now my permanent residence.  How much monitoring would it take?  Define advanced user.  I have a victron BMV 600s for my lead acid system but will upgrade that.  Still haven't purchased the batteries but am currently looking at reviews.  If this charger won't work do you have a recommendation?
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,889 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #7
    You are going about this backwards, I think. You need to define the battery and what the battery BMS requires for charge and discharge.
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • 97TJ
    97TJ Solar Expert Posts: 68 ✭✭
    #8
    Ok. I'll decide on which brand of batteries in going with and go from there.  Thanks.
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