Dual Lithium Batteries – B-TEC 200Ah 12V Generation 2 Batteries

Dual Lithium Batteries – B-TEC 200Ah 12V Generation 2 Batteries

by | Sep 30, 2021 | Auto Electrics, Batteries, Blog, Dual Batteries, Dual Battery Systems

Dual Lithium Battery Systems

The B-TEC 200Ah 12V Generation 2 Battery

 

B-TEC 200Ah 12V Generation 2 Batteries is one of the latest produced by Enerdrive. The first thing to notice is that there are screws all around the top lid of the batteries which enabling the removal of the top  for maintenance should it be required sometime in the future. The warranty has now also been extended and Enerdrive offer a 3 year warrantee with a 2 year pro rata.

This 2nd generation 200Ah battery has another great new feature, which are the raised terminals, as opposed to recessed terminals, which, previously, presented issues with connecting cables coming in at odd angles making it difficult for proper connection.

This battery now also has an easily accessible reset button. For example, if you flatten the battery completely, by mistake or circumstance, by depressing the reset button you can wake the battery up again, enabling the battery to accept a charge.

Re-setting the battery is easy and right next to the reset button on the top face of the battery are clear instructions on exactly how to do this. In addition to these instructions, you will also find on the front face of the battery clear instructions and specifications of charging requirements.

Connecting B-TEC 200Ah 12V Generation 2 Batteries in parallel

These batteries also allow you to connect another battery in parallel so effectively if you connect 2 of these 200Ah batteries together you will get 400Ah bank output. However, it is important to do this correctly as we do not want to over-run the capacity of one of the batteries.

You will be interested to know that there is an Phone App available for Gen 2 B-Tec Enerdrive batteries which you can monitor your battery anytime giving you information like state of charge left in your battery, How many amps you are using from you battery, how many amps you are putting into your battery, the rate of capacity of your battery, including how many cycles you have put your battery through. A handy feature of the app on the last page of the app, is contact details and easy access to tech support for any issues what so ever you may have with your battery.

Enerdrive Battery Monitor
Enerdrive Battery Monitor
Enerdrive Battery Monitor

Here at Monteltham AutoElectric we can help you with every facet of your camping and auto hardware requirements. We can do all the work for you giving you the best advice possible with everything auto electric. If on the other hand you want to do all the fitting and planning yourself we can provide you with everything you need from batteries, inverters, regulators and more.

Mentioned above was the idea of connecting in parallel, two batteries, to give you double the Amp hours available in the form of a parallel bank.

 

So here are the pros and cons of this idea. It is always better to use one battery but sometimes you just need more storage capacity, and a bank of batteries will provide this. On the downside you are going to compromise the longevity of your batteries by connecting in parallel.

So, what is the proper way to connect two Enerdrive B-TEC batteries in parallel?

Using a 2000 W  ePower inverter in conjunction with the twin battery bank.

2000W Inverter

There is a problem with using batteries with an internal BMS (Battery Management System)is the possibility to overrun a board. The board in each battery has a rating For example, a 100 amp battery,  two batteries in parallel you can assume you can run up to 200 amps. However, the problem arises when the batteries discharge. At some stage one of the batteries will switch off, the internal board will isolate and switch off before the other, to protect the cells which is what it was designed to do. In this case the inverter which is attached to the two batteries is still consuming the original load but now it is taking it all from a single battery. This will be taking the load from a 100 amp device and the inverter is taking twice that load. This will overload the board and shorten the life of that battery and ultimately destroy your batteries.

So a way of protecting your system for example in this example we have two Enerdrive B-TEC batteries capable of a 200Ah load each and an 2000W inverter using around 180 amps. So as long as you do not use anything that will consume more than 200 amps you should be fine. This system will support that load and you can expect many years of use out of it.

So the rule is, when connecting two batteries in parallel do not connect any device to it capable of using more that the capacity of one of the batteries. This will ensure the maximum life of the batteries.

Connecting the batteries
Connecting the batteries in parallel, connect the positive terminals of each battery together and then connect the negative batteries together.

Dual Battery System

Connecting the load
In this case the load is the inverter and what we want to do is share the loads as evenly as possible, and using a staggered approach, instead of using one battery to connect the load we will use the positive terminal from one battery and the negative terminal from the other battery to connect the inverter cables as in the picture below.

Connecting the Inverter

Other good advice is to make sure the cables connecting your two batteries in parallel are as short as possible. The cables connecting the two batteries also need to be adequate in size. In the example we have used the connecting battery cables need to be the same size or larger than the cables used for the inverter.

Another bit of keen advice is to make sure you do not discharge your parallel battery bank 100%. A 100% discharge is not advisable and a way to help prevent this is to use an ePro plus Battery Monitor.

You may need more advice from us of how to install this but briefly this device will shut down your battery system way before your batteries are fully discharged.

This example we have used provides loads of 200Ah but if you feel this is not going to be enough reach out to the team here at Monteltham AutoElectric, we will have a setup which will provide everything you need.

More information on Enerdrive Products here

Other articles on Dual Battery Systems

Deep Cycle Batteries

 

Smartstart Alcohol Interlock

Smartstart Alcohol Interlock

by | Aug 19, 2021 | Blog, Smartstart Interlock, Uncategorized

Monteltham Autoelectrics serve your local area and provide auto-electricial and mechanical services for all your vehicle requirements. As authorised Smart Start Interlocks installers, provide everthing you require and need to know about the Mandatory Victorian Alcohol Interlock Program.

For your information, obtaining and installing an alcohol interlock in your vehicle, being relicensed with an alcohol interlock licence condition, shows you are participanting in the Victorian Alcohol Interlock Program. The Smartstart alcohol interlock is a breath testi, the device operates electronically and prevents any car or vehicle from being started if alcohol is detected.

The Smartstart alcohol interlock also requires breath tests at intervals during your driving trip and records the breath tests. Of course if alcohol is detected whilts the test you will not be able to start your vehicle.
Monteltham Autoelectrics are authorised installers of Smart Start Interlock devices and all have been government approved for use in the Mandatory Victorian Alcohol Interlock Program.

Monteltham Autoelectrics service a wide area around Montmorency including Eltham, Greensborough, Bundoora, Templestowe, Diamond Creek, Thomas Town, Preston, Heidelberg and infact, we help everybody Melbourne wide with car repairs, car servicing and any auto issue you may be having.

GOOD REASONS TO USE MONTELTHAM AUTOELECTRICS
Monteltham Autoelectrics are government authorised to install Smartstart Interlock decices.
We are dedicated to provide the highest level of professionalism and customer service.

Great location – Right in the middle of the Greensborogh, Eltham, Budoora, Heidelberg area
We realise your time is valuable and we give you quick appointment and turn-around times.
Our staff are friendly, well informed and happy to help.
Experienced auto-electricians with presice and detailed information to present you with the facts.
Smartstart interlock support line
Our products are easy to understand and to opperate. We teach you all you need to know without complication.

THE SMARTSTART INTERLOCK PROGRAM, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
This government program, the Victorian Alcohol Interlock Program (VAIP) can be hard to take in and understand first go, we help you to get up to speed with the program. The basics is simple, you separate your drinking from your driving.

VICTORIAN ALCOHOL INTERLOCK PROGRAM.

If you have been disquallified from driving due to a drinking and driving offence, then the Smartstart Interlock program allows you to drive under strict conditions, which state that no driving is allowed if there is any alcohol detected in your body. The Smartstart Interlock system checks your breath before you are allowed to drive. You cannot start the car without passing this breath test. Simple really. Also The Smartstart Interlock measures and record alcohol levels every time the driver is tested. The data is downloaded monthly and forwarded to monitoring authorities.

Prerequisites are eligibility for relicensing, and zero driving bans and then we can install a Smartstart device into your vehicle.
An alcohol installation certificate will be issued as evidence that you have had an alcohol interlock installed in your vehicle and this certificate is a requirement of relicensing.
When all requirements have been fulfilled you apply for a licence with a condition “I” and you become a participant of the Victorian Alcohol Interlocks Program. You are then required to have an approved alcohol interlock installed in all vehicle you drive on Australian roads.

WHAT TO DO NEXT?
Call us to get a quote and make an appointment for your interlock installation
Before installation, ensure that you are eligible to be relicensed and don’t have any driving bans due to start
Arrange for someone to drive you and your vehicle to your installation appointment
Concession card discounts apply (ask us if your concession card is valid for the program)

You can also get more information here

 

Solar Panels for Caravans, mobile homes and

Solar Panels for Caravans, mobile homes and

by | Jul 15, 2021 | Blog, Solar Panels

Using energy from the Sun, the solar panel can provide additional charge to 12 volt caravan, mobile home, and other recreational vehicle battery systems. The solar panel is effective, as a permanently fixed option or flexable non fixed option to top up battery power when off grid or on extended trips without needing to run the engine plug into AC mains or user generator. Fixed panels differ from portable panels in that they can be used both on the move and when stationary, whereas portable options can only be used when set up at camp.

The solar panel can be used with a battery management system in vehicle battery charges and solar regulators. The solar panel is ideal for four by fours, caravans, camper trailers, and motor homes If you’re looking to extend your stay out in the Bush, the best way to do that is to supplement your auxiliary battery system with solar power. Now, solar panels aren’t a new thing. They’ve been around for many years, and it’s the fact that solar power is an abundant source. In fact, more power falls on the Earth from the Sun in one hour than what the entire world will use in a day.

There are differing ways to set up solar panels depending on the application. There are fixed applications and flexible panels which can be rolled up. There are also foldable solar panels, flat monocrystalline panels, which can be stored in the back of the four wheel driver or a toolbox in the caravan or camper trailer. These can be unfolded at your camp, and moved around throughout the day to take advantage of the sun.

Solar Panels for Caravans

Advantages of movable solar panels

A problem of a fixed solar panel unit, say on the roof of your caravan, is that you cannot pick a shady place to park your caravan, without losing the sun’s rays to energise your solar panels.

Flexible solar panels on the other hand allow you to park your caravan in the shade whilst placing your solar panels directly in the sun. You can also get fabric back mono crystalline panels which can be hung from a tree, put it on the top of the car or out on the ground somewhere, they are lightweight, nice and easy to pack away.

movable solar panels
Solar Panels for Caravans

Advantages of fixed solar panels

 If you fix your panels to the roof of your vehicle, say your caravan, you can just forget about them, no need to take them out of some box, find a place to set them up and configure all the wiring. Although there is a problem with charging in the shade, whilst you are travelling, they solar panels will be doing their work to charge up you secondary battery. Solar panels still charge in the shade, just not as efficiently as if they were in the full sun.

 

So, it’s important, no matter what type, size, or how your solar panel is mounted, you must have a solar regulator. And the reason for that is a 12-volt solar panel like these guys can put out somewhere between 19 and 25 volts in full, good sunlight. If you’re looking at a 12-volt battery that you’re charging, obviously that’s far too high. So, the role of the solar regulator is to actually bring that panel voltage down to a voltage that is suitable to apply to that battery and bring it up to full charge. However, here at Monteltham Auto Electric we usually install a REDARC BCDC1225D which is a 12V 25A In-vehicle DC to DC battery charger . This is far more efficient and programable to give you the most efficient current to keep your battery healthy and fully charged.

Redarc 180W Monocrystalline Fixed Solar Panel – Slimline – SMSP1180

 

  • Fixed installation, used for the roof of caravans and motor-homes. They can also be installed on trailers for camping and some 4 by 4’s
  • If you have existing ABS mounts these are already compatible, no problem.
  • The frames are anodised.
  • The Anodised aluminium frame has been treated to develop an exceptionally durable finish, and the glass has a tempered coating.
  • These are easy to install with their MC4 connectors.
  • Made of Monocrystalline cells their efficiency around 20.6%

 

flexible solar panels

 

Redarc Solar Panel Monocrystalline 180W (Each Panel)

These perfected Redarc Monocrystalline Solar Panels are designed the roof of a vehicle, caravan, or similar motor home and RV.

There is a range of sizes and power output options.

Sunman eArc 185W – Semi-Flexible Solar Panel

 

  • Designed lightweight for caravans, motorhomes, 4 by 4’s
  • These solar panels are made of a composite material but are lightweight, frameless and do not have glass.
  • A vented gap increases efficiency and prevents over heating where the surface is attached.
  • A structural silicone (Fix8) can be used to adhere the panel to a surface.
  • The panel can be secured using bolts or screws through eyelets in the panel.

Solar Panels for Caravans

 

Specifications:

Dimensions (LxWxH)      1520mm x 680mm x 2mm

Weight 3.3kg

Cell Type            Mono PERC

Cell Configuration           36 (4×9)

Maximum Power (Pmax)             185 Watt

Voltage Maximum Power (Vmp) 19.9V

Current Maximum Power (Imp)               9.30A

Open Circuit Voltage (Voc)          24.1V

Short Circuit Current (Isc)            9.78A

Operating temperature (℃)        -40 ℃ to 85 ℃

Maximum system voltage           1000V DC (IEC)

Maximum series fuse rating        20A

Application Class            Class A

Power Tolerance             0/+5 W

Backsheet Colour            White

Junction Box      IP 68 rated (each j-box has one by-pass diode)

Output Cables   Photovoltaic technology cable 4.0 mm2, (+)150 / (-)450 mm

Cable Type         PV1-F, 4mm2 (tinned copper)

Connector Type MC4

Features:

  • eArc (formerly eArche) are the only lightweight solar panels approved for grid connect on buildings which means they have passed the same testing criteria as traditional solar panels.
  • Tougher, lighter, thinner and more durable
  • eArch thin lightweight solar panels have a tough top layer
  • Cutting edge technology – glass fibre-reinforced composite polymers similar to aircraft windows
  • ​This reduces the coefficient of thermal expansion to a similar level as fixed panels, eliminating the main cause of cause of flexible/lightweight solar panel failures as seen in ETFE and PET panels, thermal expansion related stress causing failure of the cell to cell connections
  • Lightweight – 100W frameless is 1.8kg
  • Thin – 2mm

Flexable Solar Panels for Caravans 

 

Tough – Hail tested with ice stones of 35mm diameter and 200g mass at 39.5m per sec​

 

Strong – rated 2400 pascals for wind and 2400 pascals for load

 

Durable – ​10 year product warranty for building and 5 years for mobile application

 

​25 year exposure simulations/tests show degradation of the solar module at similar levels to fixed panels

Output – Efficient monocrystalline cells, 25 year performance guarantee

 

The only lightweight solar panel composition with Clean Energy Council (CEC) Accreditation

 

​Development of the new waterproof composite polymers and panel structure was accelerated by funding of $3.3M from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to achieve the same durability as conventional solar panels.

 

eArc panels have been installed on the world’s first solar powered train in Byron Bay and 812 (235kW) panels have been installed onto the Sydney Maritime Museum’s Heritage Building which could not support heavy glass framed solar panels.  To date more than 1MW of eArche capacity has been installed in Australia

 

eArc has obtained a series of other certifications for reliability, including:

AlDelco Car Batteries

AlDelco Car Batteries

by | Jun 4, 2021 | Batteries, Blog

AlDelco Batteries

 Monteltham Autoelectric is a supplier of ACDelco batteries that are fully charged and ready to use off the shelf. You can purchase them from us and fit the battery yourself or we can do the whole job for you. ALDelco batteries are designed for most vehicles including marine boats, cars and trucks, and motorbikes.

The batteries are designed to withstand the harshest of environments and we are that confident of the battery’s reliability and soundness it comes with a 30-month warranty.

SEALED MAINTENANCE FREE (SMF) BATTERIES

All ACDelco SMF Batteries feature lead calcium expanded grids (Lead Calcium Technology) for improved resistance to corrosion, overcharging, gassing, water usage, self-discharge, and thermal runaway, all of which limit battery life in conventional lead-acid batteries. The range includes batteries to suit cranking/starting (traditional automotive), high cycle, dual purpose starting / deep cycle, and deep cycle applications.

SEALED MAINTENANCE FREE (SMF) BATTERIES

 The ACDelco SMF Batteries use a technique to reduce failure in lead-calcium batteries using expanded type grids. These expanded grids improve resistance to corrosion. They also prevent overcharging and thermal runaway including water usage and gassing. Self-discharge also limits the life of the battery, all of which are prevented or greatly reduced using the expanded type grids. 

The batteries are well prepared and designed for the normal engine starting and cranking including high cycle and deep cycle uses. 

The following are the basic benefits of the SMF battery: 

SMF Battery Benefits

  1. ACDelco Full Frame Technology stamped positive grids*
  2. The patented high-density active material on plates
  3. Built-in ‘State of Charge’ hydrometer
  4. Exclusive patented liquid & gas separators to prevent fluid loss
  5. Flame arrestor ‘Safety System’ on vents
  6. Low-resistance micro-porous envelope separators
  7. Centre-cast on plate strap connectors

All the SMF batteries in the ACDelco range are constructed with either Full Frame Grids or lead-calcium alloy grids which are much more resistant to chemical corrosion or accidental overcharging which will result in the batteries lasting a lot longer than most conventional batteries. The older type batteries which use antimony grids do lose water and do corrode quite easily.

The flat bottom ACDelco batteries have a polypropylene case that is ribbed and as tough as nails. Vibration does not affect it, it is strong and resistant. It also has what is called a “ Liquid Gas Separator “ which I believe is patented. What this does is stops any electrolyte evaporation or losses and basically collects and return the liquid to the main reservoir.

All the covers of the ACDelco SMF batteries are sealed, not like the old ones where you could remove the cover. This cover will also prevent acid loss, contaminating the electrolyte, and eliminates any risk of some errant spark from igniting gas and exploding. Pretty good really and so much better than the old batteries.

Download Battery Details

Full Detail Catalogue

 

Full Frame Grid Technology is available in the following ACDelco battery ranges:

Premium Car Battery

The Premium Range

Sealed Maintenance Free (SMF) uses a lead-calcium alloy grid to produce a heavy-duty stamped
Full Frame Technology plate capable of withstanding the most demanding conditions. These high-performance Calcium/ Calcium batteries are designed to meet or exceed original equipment (OE) specifications of all new car manufacturers from around the Globe. ACDelco® Commercial batteries are also the right choice for all commercial applications including transport, agricultural and earthmoving industries.

Benifits

  • Sealed Maintenance-Free design
  • Patented high-density active material on  plates
  • Built-in ‘State of Charge’ hydrometer
  • Factory heat-sealed leak-proof cover
  • Exclusive patented liquid & gas separators to prevent fluid loss
  • Flame arrestor ‘Safety System’ on vents
  • Low-resistance micro-porous envelope separators
  • Centre-cast on plate strap connectors
  • High strength reinforced polypropylene case
AGM Battery

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) range

The range represents the very best in advanced battery technology for the most highly developed luxury cars and the most advanced fuel-saving technology, including Stop/Start,
regenerative braking, etc.
AGM plate separators reduce internal resistance, providing significant improvement in all performance criteria, including increased cycling ability, faster recharge acceptance, and improved cranking power in Partial-State-Of-Charge (PSOC).

Benefits

  • 100% Maintenance-Free
  • Thicker positive plates and higher paste density
  • Spill and leak-resistant
  • Increased cyclic ability & longer service life
  • Highest corrosion-resistance
  • Highest CCA for Stop/Start applications
  • Pressurised internally for vibration resistance
  • ACDelco Quality Control manufacturing process
  • Suitable for Advanced Stop/Start systems
  • Mandatory replacement for cars fitted with AGM batteries as the original fit
EFB ALDekco

Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB)

These batteries represent the most dramatic improvement in flooded SMF battery design since the invention of the sealed maintenance-free battery.
The rapid increase of Stop/Start technology in recent years has placed a far greater demand on car batteries than they were ever designed to cope with. In some parts of the world, more than 80% of all new cars sold are now equipped with some form of Stop/Start fuel-saving technology and this number continues to increase.

Benefits

  • High-density optimised paste mix
  • Improved rapid charge acceptance
  • Polyester Scrim wraps around plates to prevent shedding
  • Higher CCA rating for multiple engines starts on each trip
  • Up to twice the service life of a conventional flooded battery
  • Significant life improvement in all conventional vehicles (retrofit)
  • Minimum for all Stop/Start equipped cars fitted with EFB batteries

Landrover 3rd Battery Installation

Landrover 3rd Battery Installation

by | Mar 9, 2021 | Auto Electrics, Blog, Dual Battery Systems

Fitting a 3rd battery to a Landrover 

The is an ex-army Landrover we are talking about which comes fitted with two 12 volt batteries fitted in parallel as standard. Landrovers can have many auxiliary devices such as a VHF radio to power up hence the two batteries for extra power output. The second battery also adds some redundancy to the system. However, there are times when even two batteries are not enough. On the right-hand side of the vehicle is a compartment big enough to house a third battery.

Two Primary Battery Housing

Two Primary Battery Housing

 

When the vehicle is off-road there may be a need to power for example a small fridge and you do not want to place extra demands on your two main batteries which you are relying on to start your engine miles from anywhere. This is where fitting a third battery comes in handy and can provide that extra power requirement without placing extra demand on your main battery power source.

 

In this case, we do not want to rely on the main alternator to charge the third battery as this is a very inefficient method of charging the battery and will reduce the lifetime of the battery. The alternator is now being asked to power another battery, a task it was not designed to do in an efficient manner. We solve this by fitting an in-vehicle battery charger in the form of a REDARC Multi-stage auxiliary DC-DC battery charger, 12 volts, 25 amp and this is fitted discreetly behind the driver’s seat.

Dual Batteries

 

Checkout the video

 

The third battery we provide is a Full River DC105-12

The Full River DC105-12 is one of the best 105Ah (Amp-hour) AGM Deep Cycle batteries and one of the most popular batteries in Australia due to its reliability and an incredible lifetime of up to 7 years or more.

 

As the battery is completely sealed and dry, it is not possible to spill acid or to give off gasses while charging. Places you can fit these batteries are under seats in Caravans or Motorhomes. They can be used onboard boats as the house battery. Like all AGM and GEL batteries, we do not recommend under-bonnet installations. 

Deep Cycle AGM battery

Details:

 

Width: 169mm

Length: 307mm

Height: 215mm inc terminals (211 without)

Weight: 30.2Kg Approx

Voltage: 12 Volts

Capacity 105Ah at a 20hour rate (C20)

Screw down M6 terminals. 

The positive (+) terminal is on the left (= red terminal in the picture).

36 Month Pro-Rata Warranty (includes 12 Month Manufacturers Replacement Warranty).

Full River DC Series Product Brochure

 

With the new Full River DC105-12 and REDARC Multi-stage auxiliary DC-DC battery charger, the Landrover is now fully capable of powering the camping fringe without any worry of over-taxing the two primary batteries and alternator. You can now sleep easy miles from anywhere knowing your beers will still be chill in the morning 🙂