AmpereTime + Victron = Budget LiFePO4 Battery System
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 มี.ค. 2021
- Parts list (affiliate links):
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You do not need to take the battery apart to add the temp sensor. You just slap it on the side of any cheap battery and you're done.
The VE Network is not a Wi-fi network!! Some people below are thinking that you need internet to run this or set it up. Absolutely false. It is the bluetooth network system for victron energy components. Not a wifi network! You can use this network system off-grid and without internet. If it did require internet, no one would buy it.
And swapping out the bms would be the more expensive and horribly difficult. You are better off building your own battery. Watch the tear down video to see how difficult this case is to open. That would be an awful idea lol
And no you do not need the battery smart sense mounted to the cells. Mount it to the outside of the battery case. If you needed to tear the pack apart, I would never make this video. That would be a horrible idea.
And you can use this on any cheap battery. The battery does not matter. You can add this to home built packs or whatever you need. It is up to you!
Will do you know if the Overkill BMS can be added to the VE Network? Or if there is a work around to do that?
My Renogy solar charge controller came with a temperature sensor, but i think it is just there for temp compensation and will not cut off low at low temp. Am I right? It would be so nice if it did low temp cut off :)
Ok so this setup stops the MPPT from charging the battery using LTCO. What about the other charging sources in your system? Ho do you prevent them from trying charge at LTCO? More battery sense devices? What if they are not Victron devices... say, you you have a Magnum Hybrid Inverter. I know it has temp sensor, but I don;t think it can be configured to prevent charging at LTCO like you can with Victron Battery sense.
@@tomali2100 yeah
It only works for temp compensation iirc and high temp sadly
My epever tracer is the same
just wanted to give a quick thank you, you really do give me the boost in confidence of doing my own solar setups and even going for building batteries as well, wanted to extend gratitude!
I just bought a shuttle to convert (I haven't even picked it up yet) and I was starting to feel a little defeated regarding my ability to add solar. But after your beginner video and other videos, I feel confident I can do it myself. My kids always said I was a nomad in another life. I'm getting prepared to be a nomad in this one! Thank you for teaching old dogs new tricks!
Thanks for all the knowledge. I learned a bunch from you and Hobotech are my favorite solar channels. Prepping in Florida for the next Hurricane that takes my power out for a week or more again.
You're videos are always full of useful information. You're about the only "Solar Guru" I watch now. I'm also ordering your book because I'm preparing to install solar at my off grid cabin in the next few weeks. 🌞 ☀️ 🌄
That is what I thought also. !:- )
His book is great. Simple and very thorough about the parts you need. You'll be happy with it.
Living in Northern Utah about 7,000 feet above sea level means cold. The folks in Texas and those southern states east and west got some real cold so must be prepared and Will’s adamant need for this is spot on I think many would agree
On a side very related note, I completed my test yesterday on Maestro Will’s 400 Watt Configuration for beginners and cha-ching, I’ve got all boxes checked ✅, solar panels are charging my batteries. Couldn’t have done it without the Maestro. I’m 66 and learned so much. Thank you Will!
@@jimoray3 Awesome!! :D
I live in Texas. I had to flip the battery switch to AGM battery bank. When it hit -21 degrees...Never thought I would need it. I now have my batteries wrapped in thermal heat tape. To make sure they stay warm...
You want extra protection from vibration and cold.. Put High Density Rubber Matting around the batteries..I found they reduced the cold from ever penetrating the battery box..They do this on Ambulances..Which are used in way worse conditions..
@@WizzRacing Good idea THANKS!
@@WizzRacing , LiFePO4 batteries are supposed to be vibration proof to a certain extent, especially when compared to any other type of battery.
Somehow you always answer questions I never knew I had.
Finally. This is how mine is set up and I've tested it. Just haven't seen anyone confirm it. Awesome!
I'm "Currently" running ( 3 ) Amperetime 100Ah Batteries with 3 Victron 100-30 Solar Charge Controllers ( into 2 different Battey Banks ) ( one LiPo4 /300ah , and 1 200Ah AGM ) . I have the Victron Smart Battery Sense on the LiPo4 Battery Bank. I run 1200 watts of Solar that I can move between the Controllers to charge the different Banks.
Thanks for the video, I bought 2 of these and I was worried about the quality and I see that the purchase is not bad, as for the low temperature I do not worry since I live in Puerto Rico and the temperature will never drop so much.
Always enjoy these videos!
This new batteries is a game changer for all my project.
Great test. Thanks for the vid. I love your reaction "It actually works!" Don't you love it when things just work like they're designed and advertised as?! Well done.
Man you CRUSHED that wire connector🤘🏼
Did it 1 year ago with my 18650 230Ah battery. Didnt work last year but with new updates, works now🙏🏻🙏🏻..Victron devices are great and will work preciselly for a long time.
We need this content. Thanks Will!
Inside my insulated solar shed, I'm using one of these Victron battery sense modules in conjunction with a ceramic heater sitting on the floor and set to turn on/off at 41 degrees +/- 2 degrees. The battery sense shows 43 degrees steady. Nice little device, especially when you have it networked with your charge controller.
Excellent display of information. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome video and something i hadnt thought of! Thanks Will
A year old video but I'm just now catching up! Thank you so much. Very affordable battery sense.
This is perfect for my boat. Thanks for the research will.
I keep learning from you and it is most appreciated young man.
Just make sure that he's not your ONLY source of information!
@@vespagts7078 There are other good sources That I watch. At least will is honest and transparent.
Thanks, Will!! Great video.
Thanks for the video Will.
Great work thanks for all your great research and info! Is 5c the best stopping point for this type of scenario in your opinion?
Good information.... wouldn't keep my batteries in the cold, however cooling them is a must
I did exactly this with the Amperetime 200 ah battery. I picked it up on Amazon for $799. Added a Victron temp sensor to the victron charge controller I already had for old lead acid, and wired in a cheap but well reviewed 2000w sine wave inverter that cost $160 (compared to 200 for a 1200w version...?). Now I’m up and running on 2400 wh system in my camper and I’m selling my brand new Bluetti AC200. I liked it and mine worked fine, but I couldn’t find a good place for a semi permanent install in my small camper. Oh, and when I wrote Amperetime to thank them for the greet communication during shipping, they sent out a 10 amp Lithim charger for free. My sense is that they really want to establish themselves in this space. I hope so.... the battery comes with a 5 year warranty that I hope to never use!
And I love that o get to expand the functionality of my victron 100/50 charger with a networked low temp cutoff.
Thanks for the great work and independence, Will!
Hey Will, can you do another video on the electrodacus SBM0 giving some more detail on the low voltage disconnect and how you wire it to the switch on a couple of example inverters?
Love your stuff. Very good explanations and teaching. I feel like the world is going to be ok with smart young people like you. I have a question though: For a DYI 12v 280ah battery for the marine environment, specifically a 35' sailboat, which cells would you recommend given the salty and high vibration environment? Thanks for working so hard on your show!
Thanks Will. I have 2 Victron charge controllers in my enclosed trailer RV. They work exactly as you found. I have 2 because l upgraded my panels adding another used 330W panel that l got for $75. It was removed from Philadelphia's Eagkes football stadiums system. I used 4 Pb acid golf cart batteries as l couldn't afford Li ion. You are a natural nearly brilliant young guy. I've always enjoyed listening to your technical analysis and lessons. Impressive young Sparks!! 😉😎
Thanks. Love. Your. Work
excellent video and as always - no animals were harmed in its making
Will Thanks for supplying me with my tech-tip fix! Tom (Hobotech) has been MIA. Keep up the good work!
Everyone needs a vacation/break from work, even TH-camrs! Will himself has been MIA at times. Contrary to popular belief, it's actually both healthy and normal for TH-camrs to have their own lives, they don't just exist for our entertainment. 😉
@@NorthernKitty You're right, of course, I just have a youtube tech-tip addiction. 😆
@@captaincurt3180 No worries, I do, too!! Hehe. 😋 I definitely understand the feeling of, "awww, no video today?" from my favorite channels.
thank you. start camping so I can thank you for the valuable information that you have provided. I really tried to go cheap on controllers, Victron is the best and there currently is no better alternative for 12-48 systems . keep up the videos.
The manual for the EPEVER Triron series indicates that with a Li battery and their (optional) temp sensor you can set a Low Temp
Protection Threshold (LTPT) (default is 0degC) which stops charging. I think that machine is quite a bit less spendy than the Victron, yes? Like your vids!
Hi Tom, you are probably correct. You would need to raise the temp to 5C. 0C may still create expensive problems. Where I live they are ca., the same price. But I’ve gone Victron. Yes expensive but robust and compact. The network allows one sensor for all charging systems I.e. Dc to DC charger. I like the single app for all the different units I have. Either way main thing is don’t charge bellow 5C. I’ve lost Lion batteries to the cold!
I live Texas . At what cold temperature are you concerned about for the cold sensor to shut off the charging
I have been enjoyong your channel for a long time.
Your explanations and tear down of products is so educational and informative.
Thank you for your dedication to the industry!!😏
2:35. KILLING IT.
I've been thinking about using a solar charge controller for just that purpose. I have a similar solar trailer set up for my off-road wheelchairs... Let it charge up during the day then at night I will utilize DC to DC wheelchair charging from trailer 5 kW battery
Will you ever review the Ego Nexus with the new solar charge setup. Have seen many reviews of the unit but would really like to see you review it. Just to watch a review I can totally trust.
Hab ich auch, Victron lässt sich schon sehr geil kombinieren !!!
Thank you Will
very cool. thanks so much!
Pretty much did the same thing with a Renogy DCC50S DC-DC charger. I didn't know about the 5°C. It comes preset at 0°C, time to go change that if I can.
Awesome video! Would I still only need one battery sense in a 2x Li paralleled battery bank?
Thanks for such a useful tip! I am curious though, if you have multiple batteries in your system do you need a temperature sensor for each or is one sufficient for the whole system?
You should do a review on Chins lifepo4 batteries
Hi Will! Thanks for all your videos. I would like to see a video on the test equipment you use and what you like the best. I.e. dc power supply, watt hour meter, etc. Thanks!
look back into his library of prior videos - its there
Nice video. So, does this allow the charge controller to adjust its output voltage to compensate for voltage droop over wiring/over current protection, and deliver the desired voltage at the battery terminals?
I use this to control the Victron IP22 Charger the Bluetooth is the best I've ever seen
Hi Will.... I love your detailed videos. I would like to build a simple 12v battery pack to power my electric fishing reel (Daiwa tanacom bull 1000) and the budget I have is around $250. Is this possible with high quality LiFePO4 batteries, a BMS and a charger? Thanks in advance
I just installed 2 Amperetime 300AH batteries in my Motorhome. Had my first outing and they were great. I currently have a Go Power Solar controller so was trying not to replace that but I may have to. What about battery blankets? Any good ones?
Would this setup work with a redarc bcdc1225? Redarc dcdc chargers have the mppt built in. So I’m just curious if it would even work! Great video. Ton of good information. Thanks for making this videos!
Have you ever considered using a mirror or mylar to increase the output of your solar PV panels? I know it can work well for heating but I doubt you have a need for that. Would love to see a future video on that. DANGER unintentional concentration of solar energy can sometimes start a fire. But as long as its not concentrated there could be a nice increase in energy at little cost
First off Thank You for school us on low temp charging protection. I have a chevy bolt EUV and need to add a 840 watt 24v cabin heater to get enough range for my 140 mile one way commute to work in Ohio. I purchased 2 ,,24 volt ampere time 100ah batteries and didn't have a clue about low temperature charging protection. You saved me thousands of $$$!!! Can an ampere time operate (run a heater) in below freezing conditions?
just a tip, you can also do this the "Smartshunt" and the sold separate thermocouple.
could you explain in detail?
Yes. Please explain in a bit more detail. Super interested
Hey! Great video. I ended up going with this setup ( victron 100/50 and the ampere time 300Ah 12V).
Reading the battery manual they recommend a charge voltage of 14.6 V and float voltage of 13.8 V. I noticed the victron preset for LiFePO4 has an absorption = 14.2V and float = 13.5V.
Would you recommend changing those settings in the victron app?
This is the answer to my prayers. Much appreciated Will!
Can this Victron battery sense also be used to protect low tempo charging when charging RV batteries with the converter? Thanks
definitely need to get your hands on the 200ah version of the Ampere Time battery as it's $799.99 on amazon... is it hold up to the same standards as the 100ah one you've been testing?
Is this only for when charging via solar panels? What about when you’re connected to shore power and the charge converter charges your batteries?
Good morning Will
Morning haha
Do the EPEVER BN series MPPT Chargers that you recommend offer cold temp shutoff? I may have to return the one I just ordered on Amazon for a Victron.
Thank you
How about temperature cutoff termometer like for those found in hydroponic or reptile aquarium setup to shut off the charger? $35 at worst. Love your videos.
Question on the Victron VE.Bus. If you are also using the Victron Multiplus which has a built in charger, would the battery smart sense also shut that down through the VE.BUS?
If this were to be in an RV and have solar and shore power option, with shore power you wouldn’t be going through the solar controller so you’d need a victron charger (configured to 5deg) that would also sync with the battery temp monitor? As the solar controller is the only unit that knows about the low temp cutoff and it’s only responsible for charge from solar. Or am I missing something? Thanks
On the amazon product site it says these batteries can operate to as low as -20C. I assume that means draw of power but not the charging temp?
Just bought one of these batteries and they say it has an operating temperature range of -20C (-4F) to 60C (140F). Is that only for drawing current and not for charging? What happens to the batteries if they are charged when it is too cold? Is it not a problem for the batteries themselves to get very cold but you just don't want to charge at a low temp? Love your videos.
Would love a HSQ charge controller review it has low temp cutoff/protection
So, I am thinking of using a bunch of the cheap LiFePOs on our sailboat build. The batteries will be inside in the engine room so freezing is really unlikely when we are on board. If I run the MPPT low temp and I manually check temps to make sure I don't run shore power or alternator charging below 5 degrees I would be golden right? It would be nice to have a low temp solution to protect shore/alt charging as well as solar.
Very cool!
Why didn't you use an Overkill Solar 12/24/48V BMS since you like them so much? What do I miss?
It's not very often I hear "Budget" and "Victron" in the same sentence! I love my little 75/15 it does everything I need I also wired up a 48v power brick power supply off amazon that I plug into the solar input of the victron so no need to mess with expensive chargers etc - the victron charges with solar if you plug pannels in or mains voltage if you plug the power brick in.
Can you post a link to the 48V Power Supply you got off Amazon? Thank you!
hi Will and everyone, I manage to set up my victron MPPT with the battery sense to protect low temp charging, but was wondering how I could do the same using the Victron Orion dc/dc smart charger. Why doesn’t the dc/dc charger also take input from the battery sense to cutoff low temp charging? I can’t find any settings for it like the MPPT charge controller.
Will, thanks for all your videos. By your recommendations, I went with a 200Ah AmpereTime (not plus) + Victron SmartSense coupled with a Victron MPPT controller. Do you have or know of any guide on charging settings for these AmpereTime batteries paired with Victron devices? I notice my battery stays slightly under 14v and I am not 100% sure I am charging it to its max.
I'm more interested you using a desktop power supply to masquerade as solar feed. I spent good money on DC2DC charger with solar input and now wondering if I buy an AC charger or just a power supply and have the existing DC2DC pull double duty.
Top tip👍
Can you use this for multiple battery packs? Possibly shut down an array of 48v batteries ?
Assuming this only works for solar panels and not alternator charging? And also would you need one for each battery?
Hey Will, what is the make and model of that power supply in the background that you always use? I notice it goes well over 10 Amperes and I was having a hard time finding similar bench/lab supplies with more than 10A - most are 30V 10A or 60V 5A - I already ordered one, but I might get a second if you share the details and it'd be worth it. I checked your recommended gear page and that supply is different and is not the same one as in the background of this vid and is the same 30V 10A as the rest. Cheers.
Will this sensor cover all batteries connected in a series? What if you have in parallel? Thanks!!!
Can you please do a video on the plug and play gyll ( or g4ll ) life power 4. It's $1500 and 5.12kw at 12v, 24v or 48v your choice. Also built in bms and 125a breaker. Seems too good to be true?
Have you looked at Gyll by Signature solar?
Their packs are 300$/kWh and based in texas.
Hi Will Can I do the same low temp protection with the smart shunt, temp adapter and Victron smart 75/15 charge controller?
I am a bit worried it charges with full current just above the cutoff temperature. Should charging not be eased in as the temperature goes into the optimal range?
It will make the circuits more complex, but the batteries should last longer.
I forgot, if the batteries cannot take the current, shift the current into heating elements instead.
Here in the St. Lucia in the Caribbean the lowest temperature is approx. 19 C. so low temp cut-off is not an issue for me.
I wonder what is the power consumption of the sensor...
And also if there are cheaper options to this charge controller and sensor
Do you need a controller for each battery or can you set that up to multiple with each having their own temp sensor?
Hi can you possibly revisit your 2019 vid on auto xfer switches and test to see if it will work
with dc to dc converter(which you covered in another vid) thereby hopefully hoping to avoid use
of batteries entirely....Would be greatly appreciated..my motto is use sun when available
Will the Smart Battery Sense interface with Victron IP22 AC to DC charger for low temp charge protection?
Hi will . I have two victron charge controllers (15/75 & 20/100 ) also the smart shunt all awesome !!! .
i have both controllers in my battery bay so same temp as my lifepo4 battery bank .
as far as i'm aware both controllers have internal temp sense .though not displayed .
and will not charge below the set temp setting of in my case 5*c.
apparently . it only checks the start up temp at first light . and will refrain from charging un till this value is achieved . so no smart sense required ?
i have read this many times , including in a forum , are you able to confirm this ? thank you . love your channel .
Hey Will if I am planning on using an all-in-one set-up like the growatt 3000tl lvm-es 24volt would I still need to use the low temp sensor? If so would I be able to just connect it to the growatt or would I need to buy the something like the Victron charge controller?
Best
Will is using the temperature controller with the Victron solar controller. Can this be used on the Victron Inverters?
EPEVER AN series charge controllers added low temp cutoff/protection & factory settings for lifepo4 make a video on it 🙏
G'day mate. Mick from Australia.... I am looking at a 150aH Lithium battery for my toyota land cruiser. With so many choices, can I ask what brand I should be looking at or what spec kpi's I should be choosing from please. Thanks
I have a renogy charge controller. Will this work with that one as well? Or does the renogy temperature sensor work the same way??
FYI - The Victron Smart Battery Sense units fail below -3.3°C (26°F). I've tested several of these and they don't read temps below -3.3°C. And some of them got completely destroyed and stopped working all together even after they warmed back up I wasn't able to connect to them via Bluetooth afterwards. Hopefully they fix this problem soon.
So I have a Renogy MPPT dc-dc/ solar charge controller and it has a temp sensor probe on it. Is that not for shut down if the battery is to hot or cold??
Hello, I have a travel trailer with an “all in one” PD4045 converter/charger set up for lithium charging. If I added a victron solar charger with low temp cutoff how would I keep the built in charger from charging below 32 deg F?
If we don't want to run an AC charger through the mppt, is there a way still do a low temp cut off? e.g. leaving a camper plugged in from the house on a cold night.