Question BIM in 2022 LADP?

[redbaron]

What provides the functionality of a BIM in the 2022 LADP and other coaches that have SIlverleaf RVC. It seems that the precision circuits 195 is not used as it was in my 2019 DSDP. I assume this is a silverleaf module, but would like confirmation.

I am in the process of replacing batteries in my coach with Lithium, but need to resolve the circuit protection for the alternator.

 

[Neal]

Li-BIM 225A?? May want to ask Precision Circuits or SES that does the Lithium work for Newmar. It’s timer based.

 

[redbaron]

That’s what I expected to find. It appears that the Silverleaf handles the bim functions using solenoids and outputs, and there is no BIM.


I think an email to silver leaf is required.

 

[Neal]

I think you could build and program your own. I think it’s just a timer based relay and it’s the single downside of Lithium right now. You’ll get to your CG and batteries will not be at 100% SOC. I’d rather have it programmed as a limiter on alternator use but also know when batteries are at 100% SOC. Or an override option to bypass the timer so again I can arrive with 100% SOC.

Interested in what you find.

 

[redbaron]

I am thinking that I will bypass the timer and use a dc to dc charger to limit the amp pull.

I would think that 30amp continuous max load would give a good charge and not stress the alternator too much. Thoughts?

 

[Kevin D Pem]

If I were to put an alternator protection circuit, I would use a DC to DC converter.

I would size it for
1) the voltage the battery manufacturer calls for
2) the current the alternator was designed to produce on a 100 percent duty cycle minus vehicle loading.

As a safety precaution I would time charging to start after the chassis batteries were topped back up after starting.

Such a system would be KISS reliable! And likely available from solar providers like what Neal used for his system!

 

[Neal]

Wish it was like a solar charge controller which knows your SOC. Almost makes you think you could use a solar charge controller to manage the current flow as I believe it’s the same concept. Just more expensive. My MPPt allows max current flow setting aka charge rate and knows SOC.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Wish it was like a solar charge controller which knows your SOC. Almost makes you think you could use a solar charge controller to manage the current flow as I believe it’s the same concept. Just more expensive. My MPPt allows max current flow setting aka charge rate and knows SOC.

With lithium, the BMS does it all! It is recommended by BMS manufacturers to use a CCCV power supply. That is what quality MPPT solar controllers provide on the lithium setting.

 

[flyboy013]

@redbaron I just email you a Silverleaf document describing the charge bridge capability, but I agree with others that the capability would be replaced with a DC-to-DC converter. I’m going to upgrade my batteries in the next year or so, so I’m interested in what you need to purchase and install other than the batteries. I assume you have the Xantrex inverter/charge and you will be reconfiguring it accordingly.

 

[Richpatty]

I Iike the idea of a DC to DC charger but it eliminates the Boost feature….

 

[Ddmo]

I have a Freightliner with 240 amp alternator. I think you can go higher than 30 amp no problem stressing alternator. I’ve seen others install 2 of the 30 amp model in parallel for 60 amp total.

But, look at the new Victron Orion 12/12 50 dc dc charger. A new product released recently that is much more efficient than the older models. I’m thinking of adding this to my setup when I change over to Lithium this summer.

 

[redbaron]

I Iike the idea of a DC to DC charger but it eliminates the Boost feature….

Is this because the flow is reversed, and the dc to dc acts like a diode? If so, a 2nd unit running in reverse should allow it to function.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I Iike the idea of a DC to DC charger but it eliminates the Boost feature….

Why are you concerned about a boost feature?

 

[Richpatty]

There is a Boost button on the dash that temporarily links both battery banks in case you need to get more juice when starting….

 

[Kevin D Pem]

There is a Boost button on the dash that temporarily links both battery banks in case you need to get more juice when starting….

WOW! That can be a major problem!

Personally, I would eliminate that from the get go. Paralleling dissimilar battery technology is a really bad idea, especially when lithium is one of the technologies!

 

[redbaron]

WOW! That can be a major problem!

Personally, I would eliminate that from the get go. Paralleling dissimilar battery technology is a really bad idea, especially when lithium is one of the technologies!

It’s only done when one set is dead and you need to get power from the other.

Ie: dead chassis and you need to start coach or generator to charge.

I will use a dc to dc charger to retain the boost feature, and that eliminates any concern over different battery types.

 

[Neal]

I have a Freightliner with 240 amp alternator. I think you can go higher than 30 amp no problem stressing alternator. I’ve seen others install 2 of the 30 amp model in parallel for 60 amp total.

But, look at the new Victron Orion 12/12 50 dc dc charger. A new product released recently that is much more efficient than the older models. I’m thinking of adding this to my setup when I change over to Lithium this summer.

This?

https://www.victronenergy.com/dc-dc-converters/orion-xs-12-12-50a-dc-dc-battery-charger

Sure looks interesting.

 

[Rd1]

I am in the process of replacing batteries in my coach with Lithium, but need to resolve the circuit protection for the alternator.

fwiw, this discussion might interest you, re dc to dc nor special BIM

Maybe switching to Lithium House Batteries - iRV2 Forums

I'm sure thhe info I am looking for has already been addressed in this great form, but I can't find it so: I have a 2018 New Aire and the AGM house batteries need replacing. Am considering going

www.irv2.com

 

[Joe Hogan]

Silverleaf system uses programming and a solenoid for BIM function on the 2024 DSDP with the Lion option. Had to replace the original one with a new one under warranty within the first month.
Luckily , the Silverleaf engineer was around so he checked that I had the most recent program installed. There is an update that is fairly recent.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

It’s only done when one set is dead and you need to get power from the other.

Ie: dead chassis and you need to start coach or generator to charge.

I will use a dc to dc charger to retain the boost feature, and that eliminates any concern over different battery types.

Well, not really! It's said a lithium battery acts much the same way a capacitor reacts! It will completely discharge very fast!

I could see modifying the relay system to switch the starting system from one battery to the other. But to introduce a short circuit to a lithium battery is pure suicide!!! Thank God your lithium battery has short circuit protection!!!