Renogy batteries and charging

I couldn't find any direct answers to that on here, and your charger won't say Lithium, for sure.

After finding out the bulk charge voltage required, set the Mag to that. Set absorb time to zero. Set float to whatever voltage required. Magnum should allow that.

But 2oldman won’t that void the battery warranty?

Ask Renogy for the specific requirements for charging their batteries.

LI in general, do not prefer a float charge.

I see Renogy is offering a 170 amp-hour 12 volt battery.

https://www.magnum-dimensions.com/mobile-power-products

and to email or phone them:

https://www.magnum-dimensions.com/contact-power-conversion-solutions-team

Groover wrote:
I am thinking about putting Renogy lithium-iron batteries in by RV but Renogy sales tells me that I need a charger made specifically for that type of battery. I currently have a Magnum ME2012 charger/inverter that has lots of adjustments but nothing that specifically says lithium. I tried every way that I can think of to contact Magnum about an upgrade with no success. So I am asking here. Does anyone here use a Magnum charger with lithium-iron batteries and how is it working out for you?

pianotuna wrote:
https://www.magnum-dimensions.com/mobile-power-products

and to email or phone them:

https://www.magnum-dimensions.com/contact-power-conversion-solutions-team

Groover wrote:
I am thinking about putting Renogy lithium-iron batteries in by RV but Renogy sales tells me that I need a charger made specifically for that type of battery. I currently have a Magnum ME2012 charger/inverter that has lots of adjustments but nothing that specifically says lithium. I tried every way that I can think of to contact Magnum about an upgrade with no success. So I am asking here. Does anyone here use a Magnum charger with lithium-iron batteries and how is it working out for you?

I have used the email on the Magnum page 2 weeks ago and called every number on the page with no response yet. A couple of days ago I spent an hour on hold and advanced from #3 in line to #2.

pianotuna wrote:
LI in general, do not prefer a float charge.

I see Renogy is offering a 170 amp-hour 12 volt battery.

Interestingly the cost per kwh is less for the 100ahr battery than it is for the 170ahr. However, the maximum current is about the same. I guess that is due to the cell protection circuits. I figured that 4 100ahr batteries would be better than 2 or 3 of the bigger ones so that I would be less likely to exceed the rated discharge rate plus my coach is set up for 4 medium size batteries already.

drsteve wrote:
Ask Renogy for the specific requirements for charging their batteries.

This is what is in the manual on-line: "• Standard Charge shall consist of charging at 0.2C constant current rate until the battery reaches 14.6V.
The battery shall then be charged at a constant voltage of 14.6V while tapering the charge current.
Charging will terminate when the charging current has tapered to a 0.02CA. Charge Time is approximately
7 hours. Safe Charging consists of temperatures between 32 ºF and 113 ºF."

It sounds like with four 100ahr batteries I could charge at 80amps up to 14.6V then try to hold 14.6V until fully charged. I will have to play with the Magnum unit to see if it will let me do that. Also the desulferizing routine would need to be disabled. With those batteries setting me back about $3,300 I don't want to do too much trial and error.

Groover wrote:
"• Standard Charge shall consist of charging at 0.2C constant current rate until the battery reaches 14.6V.

Other specs I find on Renogy site say you can charge at up to .50 C (50amps), so I don't understand the .2 thing. With 4 at 80 that's probably all you can throw at them anyway. I can charge my pack at equivalent 136 amps.

Lwiddis wrote:
But 2oldman won’t that void the battery warranty?

I don't know.. haven't read it.

The Magnum charger has a custom setting and it looks like all that I need to do is put it on the custom setting, set it 14.6V and disable the desulferizing routine. Just in case anybody is wondering.