Question DutchStar 4311 has both BIM and BIRD

[Joe Hogan]

The standard BIM installed by Newmar appears to not able to handle the Li Ion House batteries current load. The standard unit failed quickly and we replaced with a Li-BIM that is specifically designed to interface between a lead acid chassis battery and a Li Ion House battery bank.

For those unaware of a BIM's purpose, Li-Bi-Directional Isolation Manager, unit does:

Description​

The LiFePO4 Battery Isolation Manager (BIM) monitors voltage and connects batteries when needed. Under normal charging conditions, the BIM will connect for 15 minutes every 35 minutes. That means that the BIM will connect for 15 minutes, disconnect for 20 minutes, and repeat this cycle until the coach battery is charged.

If the coach battery resting voltage exceeds 13.4 V then the BIM will disconnect. A resting voltage greater than 13.4 V indicates a fully charged battery. Note that “resting voltage” means that no current is flowing to the coach battery.

The BIM will disconnect if the alternator voltage exceeds 14.4 V. This protects the coach battery from overcharging. The LiFePO4 Battery Isolation Manager will disconnect if the voltage difference between the alternator and the coach battery is less than 0.1 V. If the voltage difference is too low, then there is a negligible charging current, and no need to connect to the coach battery.

The BIM will disconnect if the alternator voltage drops below 13.3 V. If the alternator voltage is too low, then it cannot adequately charge the coach battery, so there is no reason to connect.

Now the Question:

Upon inspection of the BIM, I traced the control wires back to a BIRD909 which is programable with the appropriate KIB tools. The BIRD appears to monitor the functions of the BIM in my coach an can be adjusted for certain voltages.


If there is anyone out there that understands why these are both present in the RV charging circuits, please share.

 

[newmarokie]

Have you made any new discoveries JOE?

 

[Joe Hogan]

Other than the current setup seems to work, no new info. This week we will be at Tampa with Newmar KK. There should be some techs around to quiz

 

[osuallen]

That is pretty strange. Let us know what you find out.

 

[Joe Hogan]

We’ve had a day of analysis on the adjustments made to the Bridge BIRD/BIM system. Between Dave from Newmar, KIB tech Mike, we’ve decided that the original BIRD setup is best.
The original BIRD setup connects to the Coach Network which is important. The original BIRD setup is documented and will simplify future maintenance.
Jonas from Newmar has sourced an upgraded Solenoid (KingAire solenoid) which works with the installed BIRD controller. This should avoid future issues.
New solenoid will be installed in the morning.

 

[newmarokie]

So you did away with the BIM?

 

[Joe Hogan]

Yes, BIM will be gone this morning. We’ve decided it is best to stay with a documented design so future maintenance can understand the installation per Newmar original design.
In the future If a maintenance person calls in with an issue with the Bridge system Newmar can talk through the BIRD installation as originally designed.
Additionally the BIRD communicates with the Coach Network whereas the BIM does not have that capability.
The lack of communication of the BIM is why Newmar chose this style of BIRD. The BIRD has a Network connection and is programmable as well.

 

[newmarokie]

The BIRD sounds like the much better solution. Joe, isn't this coach just a few months old? Was the BIM an afterthought install at the factory? Did anyone at Newmar have a reason/explanation for how it wound up there?

 

[Joe Hogan]

The original BIRD Solenoid failed. When I went to NEWGLE I thought the part listed was a BIM. So I purchased a “replacement “ BIM.
During the installation I noticed a BIRD installed originally not a BIM. Put in the BIM just to get things working knowing that we would be here at the Supershow to discuss with KIB and Newmar.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Learning from BIRD replacement.

a) DutchStar with Li Ion option has Silver Leaf electrical system.
b) Silver Leaf components are typically programmable.
c) Bi Directional relay is a programmable BIRD not a standard BIM as in other DutchStars.
d) Silver Leaf system is a network that can be programmed from any light switch.

John Brown, KIB, plugged into light switch updating software of SilverLeaf.