Inverter Charger Project

[wincrasher]

Considering swapping out my existing PD9245 converter/charger for this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MW6PHG/...=IPSKR6NHAB9YW

With this accessory:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074T148C/...=IAGKD4RAX3DJU

I like this unit because it can charge any type of battery - including the lithiums because you can program the voltages for the different charge modes. And of course, the ability to have an inverter on board that could power all devices (except air conditioning of course).

Assuming of that I have room for this device. I've yet to pull up the floor of the closet to see what I'm dealing with. It's a bit bigger than my existing converter.

I assume that the PD9245 is plugged into an outlet which is fed from the circuit panel.

If I understand correctly, the AC for the Magna would be wired between the transfer switch (for shore power & generator) and the circuit panel. Correct?

The PD9245 is only 45amp DC charging. This Magna is 100 amp DC. So were going from about 4 amp AC to around 8 amp AC. Should I be concerned with that? On the control panel for the MagnaSine, there are switches to turn on/off both inverting and charging, so if I "ran out of amps" I could turn off the charger.

Looking at manuals, I don't feel too nervous about this being a DIY project. As long as I size the wires correctly and get the right parts.

Thoughts/opinions? FWIW, I'm not concerned about voiding warranties, so don't comment on that. Thx.

[gerrym51]

sportsmobile uses these devices. might pick up tips from them

[Jostalli]

Magnum is the best in the business. You can't go wrong. I got the MS2000 and the remote module. BTW, you do need the remote to program the inverter so good call on that. I got it so I could charge my LiFePO4 batteries.

[wincrasher]

I may want to pick your brain on the install. I'll post some pics on my existing wiring after this weekend.

[Jostalli]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

I may want to pick your brain on the install. I'll post some pics on my existing wiring after this weekend.

I haven't installed it yet. I'm converting a Promaster, which is taking much longer than anticipated.

[wincrasher]

How much battery are you going with?

[Jostalli]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

How much battery are you going with?

I have a 320Ah. 8 160Ah Winston cells.

[wincrasher]

That's alot of power if you aren't running air conditioning.

[Jostalli]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

That's alot of power if you aren't running air conditioning.

But I am running A/C. I have a 12V A/C from Autoclima called U-Go. Draws ~16-40amps depending on setting.

[wincrasher]

Cool.

So which profile are you going to use on the charger - CC/CV or custom?

[Jostalli]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

Cool.

So which profile are you going to use on the charger - CC/CV or custom?

Custom. Same on my Morningstar Tristar MPPT charge controller.

[Davydd]

I've had two Progressive Dynamic converters (Pleasure-way and Great West Van). Both were hardwired. They were concealed but in inside vented accessible spaces you had to get to by unscrewing panels. They are about the size of a thick hardbound novel book. I suppose you can get and compare the dimensions.

[wincrasher]

The dimensions of the PD9245 is 4.5"h x 8.3"L x 7.25"w. The MagnaSine is 8"h x 14"L x 13" w, approximately. It will all depend on how much room there is under that closet.

[Davydd]

Those are significantly different in size. Just remembering, I probably could have made the conversion in my Pleasure-way as it had plenty of accessible space inside an ottoman, but I doubt I could have done it in my Great West Van. Your next step is to determine if it is physically feasible.

[wincrasher]

Yep. Planning on pulling the access panel in the floor of the closet and see what kind of room I'm dealing with this weekend.

If it's too tight, I suppose I could fall back to under the dinette seat - there is a large space there and there is an opening between that space and under the closet for wiring. Just more work to putting it there.

So we'll see. I'll be posting some pics for those interested.

Not buying anything until I've done some measuring.

[avanti]

To perhaps state the obvious, a larger inverter will dissipate more heat. Make sure you have adequate ventilation and room for air circulation around the unit.

[wincrasher]

Well, I did some investigating today.



At first glance, it looks like there is enough space. But alas, it's a bit short.

11" to the back wall.

About 12" clearance if you mounted it the same way. Just a bit short.


The converter actually has a plug dedicated to it in the back of the electrical panel (in the pic the left corner). It's also fairly neat and the connections are protected.


So my assessment is there is not enough room for the MagnaSine combo inverter charger.
There is plenty to change out the converter with one that will do lithium batteries. Just not sure about the Progressive Dynamics model of converter - it looks like it's constant voltage.

[wincrasher]

Now there is always this space under the dinette bench. It would just barely work in there. Would have to construct a shelf for it. Not this is the home of the transfer switch. So I assume this is where I'd want to get the electrical feed for the inverter. I don't know what the other two junction boxes are for, as I didn't remove any covers.


Another option would be to replace the charger in it's existing location, and then just add an inverter under the dinette. I think I'd need an additional transfer switch?