Isolating a non lithium compatible WFCO converter when upgrading to lithium

Comments

• AnOldUR Member Posts: 1,703

  March 15 edited March 19

  This is my uneducated take on this subject. We have two Victron 100/30 solar controllers, a Victron shunt and a Victron stand alone charger. All smart devices. Being networked, they monitor each others voltage and optimize charging from each source. Since the WFCO is not part of this network, any charge coming from it can be misinterpreted as battery voltage and confuse the Victron network. This could affect the charging mode of the Victron devices. The system will still charge with the WFCO connected but at a reduced efficiency.
  
  edit to add that this is not from an AI search, just what's floating around in my head ... probably not a good source 

  Stockton, New Jersey
  2020 nuCamp T@B 320S * Jeep Wrangler
  60,865 camping miles through the end of 2025

  
  

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• bjn2 Member Posts: 123

  March 19

  I don't trust AI to provide information. You need to follow the links that are the source for any AI-provided information in order to evaluate the credibility. Often, you'll find its just bad information. Frankly, there's no credible reason I've seen to worry about bypassing the WFCO converter. I use a standalone Victron charger or our Victron solar set to lithium settings to fully charge a 100AH LiFePo retrofit. The WFCO doesn't error or complain when the higher lithium charge voltage is implemented, and on its own our "never detect" unmodified WFCO will only charge the battery to 80%, which is the ideal storage charge for the battery when I have the trailer covered for the winter.

  Utah-based
  2023 T@B 320 S Boondock

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• Horigan Member Posts: 854

  March 19

  Same here.  I have the non-Li WFCO, Victron Li battery charger, and Victron Solar charger (Li mode) all connected in parallel and have had no issues.
  
  

  Rich

  2019 T@b 400
  2025 Toyota Highlander 2.4L Turbo

  Bellingham WA

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• MarkAl Member Posts: 509

  March 31

  I have an external solar input connected to a separate Victron charger in the trailer. If no external solar is in use I plug a 120 Watt 20V laptop charger into it which will charge the lithium fully and as long as I don't want AC or Alde on electric, I use this at a campground (or home to recharge after a trip). It's not necessary to isolate the installed charger as it just turns off with the "solar" power input. Simple, the solar set as Lithium also charges MUCH faster than the Lead-Acid output of the installed trailer charger!

  Snohomish WA, 2015 Diesel Grand Cherokee
  Sm@ll World: 2021 320S Boondock, 6V Pb-acid
  Shunt, Roof & Remote solar & 30A DC-DC Chargers
  managed by VE Smart Network
  

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