T&T: smart chargers, was : 24V backup charger...

[Krogenguy]

Chuck & Brent et al,

For the past 5 or 6 years we have been running a Trace 2412 and Iota  
55 in parallel.  It was one way to get maximum charge amps in the  
bulk mode when running our NL 5 kw genset.  The Trace and NL don't  
like each other so the Trace would pout and limit the AC amperage  
input to 17 when charging .  This resulted in a lower than desirable  
12 vdc charge rate and a lower than desirable load on the genset.   
The addition of the Iota charger solved both problems.  We now can  
bulk charge at 150+ amps, would like more but we can live w/ this rate.

For those concerned about the two chargers getting confused I think  
you'll find that the Iota will go off line first depending on how it  
is programed to detect the absorption stage.  Ours starts to ramp  
down the amperage at 13.8 vdc and is essentially nil at 14.1 vdc.   
The Trace takes over and finishes the charge cycle just as though the  
Iota wasn't even there.  I usually turn off the Iota and try to find  
some additional load for the genset - like heating water or something.

  We know of several other boaters taking the same approach and have  
yet to hear of any problems.

Message: 4
Date: Sat, 2 May 2009 06:21:30 -0700 (PDT)
From: Chuck and Susan <sea_trek_2000 at yahoo.com>

Brent, While I am sure there are some chargers that you could do this  
with
there are some that will not even allow this with like chargers. In  
each case,
both manufacturers should be consulted to verify that it would not  
cause any
damage to the chargers or the batteries. Chuck

snip

Speaking of this, I know most of the Xantrex smart chargers will work in
parallel, and complement each other, but has any one mixed brands of  
smart
chargers, with maybe slightly different technology, and had them work
together?  Specifically Xantrex and Iota brands mixed?

Brent Hodges



Tom
Aventura
KK-42 #204
krogenguy at comcast.net