In-vehicle 24V LiFePO4 Battery Charger LFP2420 / LFP2420-LV
THE LFP2420(-LV) The LFP series In-vehicle Battery Chargers feature technology designed to charge your Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFeP04) batteries to their optimal level, regardless of their size. By providing a unique charging profile, the LFP series In-Vehicle Battery Chargers are able to achieve and maintain an optimal charge in your auxiliary battery, at all times.
CONTENTS Table of Contents Page Warnings and Safety Instructions Contents Specifications 1 Product Function 1. Display Panel 2. Charging Algorithm 3. Turn On/Off Thresholds 4. Error Codes 2 Installation 1. RED wire - Input Source Positive 2. BLUE wire - Source Select 3. ORANGE wire - Not Used 4. BROWN wire - Auxiliary Battery Positive 5. BLACK wire - Common Ground 6. GREEN wire - Optional External LED Indication 7. Cable Sizing 8. Wiring 9.
1 PRODUCT FUNCTION The LFP2420(-LV) is a three stage, 24V DC-DC battery charger that operates from an alternator input of 12V nominal or from a 12V nominal solar panel input. The LFP2420 will also charge from an alternator input of a 24V nominal vehicle. The input voltage of the LFP2420(-LV) can be above, below or equal to the output voltage making it ideal for charging an auxiliary 24V battery where the distance from the main battery may cause a significant voltage drop.
1 PRODUCT FUNCTION 1.2 Charging Algorithm When the Charger is turned on, it will move into the Boost stage. The Boost stage maintains a constant current until the battery voltage reaches its Absorption Voltage. The current in Boost stage may vary during operation in order to maintain safe operating temperature, or to limit the difference between input and output voltages.
1 PRODUCT FUNCTION 1.4 Error Codes In the event of a fault with the unit installation, either battery or solar panel, ALL the LEDs on the unit will flash to indicate the fault type. Flashing sequences are described in the table below. LED State Description 1 flash (1 flash followed by 3.5 second off) Internal Hardware Fault 2 flash (2 flash followed by 3.5 second off) Reserved 3 flash (3 flash followed by 3.5 second off) Unit over temp fault 4 flash (4 flash followed by 3.
2 INSTALLATION 2.2 BLUE wire - Source Select The BLUE wire is provided to select whether the unit is charging from a vehicle input or from a solar panel. This wire is monitored at all times. For standard (non ‘LV’) models, the BLUE wire may be permanently connected to the Input Source Positive supply and the charger will only charge when the alternator is running. This is not suitable for the LFP2420-LV. 2.1.
2 INSTALLATION 2.3 ORANGE wire - Not Used The ORANGE wire is not used on the LFP series chargers. It should be left disconnected. BROWN wire - Auxiliary Battery Positive The BROWN wire should be connected to the auxiliary battery’s positive terminal. This should be a maximum of 1 metre in cable length from the battery. Appropriate size fuses should be used as per the specifications table on page 2. 2.
2 INSTALLATION 2.7 Cable sizing Below is a table outlining the required cable size for a given cable install length. Always choose a wire diameter equal to or greater than what is specified below. 2.8 Cable Install Length (m) Recommended Wire Size (mm²) Closest (BAE, B&S, AWG) 1-5 5-9 13.56 20.28 6 4 Wiring The heavy gauge wires on the LFP2420(-LV) unit carry peak currents of up to 40Amps and it is important to make a good, low resistance, electrical connection that will not degrade over time.
INSTALLATION Optional LED 12V OR 24V INPUT Green Low Voltage Disconnect Brown Red Blue Orange Black INPUT 30A Fuse Fuse* 24V Load Fuse Loads Not Used Start Battery Auxiliary Battery All ground points must be connected to chassis earth. *Fuse Ratings as per table on Page 2 Figure 2.
INSTALLATION Optional LED SOLAR INPUT Green 12V Solar Panel Array Low Voltage Disconnect Brown Red Blue Orange Black 2 30A Fuse Load Fuse Not Used All ground points must be connected to chassis earth. *Fuse Ratings as per table on Page 2 Figure 2.
2 INSTALLATION 2.9 RK1260 Relay Kit The below diagram shows a changeover relay being controlled by vehicle ignition to automatically swap between alternator and solar panel inputs. A Relay suitable for 12V Vehicle installations is available as part of the REDARC RK1260 Relay Kit. The kit also includes butt-splice connectors, a wiring loom, heat shrink, and instructions. For more information visit www.redarc.com.au . Alternatively, a suitably rated changeover type relay may be used.
3 TROUBLESHOOTING Start and run engine for 30 seconds - leave engine running whilst troubleshooting. Is the ‘Charge Status’ light flashing? Shutdown the vehicle and rectify the problem. Check the RED wire. Is it installed with appropriate gauge wire and connected to the source you require? No Yes Yes Check the BLUE wire.
4 Q A FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS The LFP2420(-LV) turns ON at 13.2V(12V) and OFF at 12.7V(11.9V), but you say it operates down to 9V, explain? The LFP2420(-LV) will turn OFF for a split second every 100 seconds to measure the unloaded voltage at the battery. When the LFP2420(-LV) turns off it is not drawing any load from the start battery, no load means that there is no voltage drop over the cable run. This allows the LFP2420(-LV) to measure the actual battery voltage, or the voltage at the battery.
5 TWO YEAR PRODUCT WARRANTY Over the last three decades our company has established a reputation as the power conversion specialist. A 100% Australian-owned company, we have met the needs of customers in transport and other industries through exciting, innovative thinking.
