Leisure Battery Install

[IneosGrenadierTech]

Hi all,

I was asked to design and build a completely custom leisure battery system, including split charging and multiple auxiliary outputs to support a range of devices—from Starlink satellite systems to basic USB phone chargers. All components were hand-selected by the customer to balance reliability, efficiency, and expandability.

This was actually my first project of this kind, and I built it from the ground up with future installations in mind. The system’s modular design means it can be easily adapted or scaled for future custom builds.

One of the key goals was future-proofing the setup. The system was designed with easy integration points for solar power—so adding panels down the line is as simple as plug-and-play. Whether for trickle charging or full off-grid capability, the groundwork is already there.

The project involved careful load analysis, planning for upgrades, and ensuring everything could run safely and independently of the vehicle’s main power system. From fusing and cable sizing to the mounting hardware and monitoring systems, every detail was tailored to meet the user’s unique needs.

 

[IneosGrenadierTech]

@CRH Some images as promised

 

[PDX_Keith]

Out of all of the B2B lithium charging options on the market, what drove you to chose that National Luna?

 

[TheDocAUS]

Hi all,

I was asked to design and build a completely custom leisure battery system, including split charging and multiple auxiliary outputs to support a range of devices—from Starlink satellite systems to basic USB phone chargers. All components were hand-selected by the customer to balance reliability, efficiency, and expandability.

This was actually my first project of this kind, and I built it from the ground up with future installations in mind. The system’s modular design means it can be easily adapted or scaled for future custom builds.

One of the key goals was future-proofing the setup. The system was designed with easy integration points for solar power—so adding panels down the line is as simple as plug-and-play. Whether for trickle charging or full off-grid capability, the groundwork is already there.

The project involved careful load analysis, planning for upgrades, and ensuring everything could run safely and independently of the vehicle’s main power system. From fusing and cable sizing to the mounting hardware and monitoring systems, every detail was tailored to meet the user’s unique needs.

A very clean install. Well thought out.

 

[DenisM]

Hi all,

I was asked to design and build a completely custom leisure battery system, including split charging and multiple auxiliary outputs to support a range of devices—from Starlink satellite systems to basic USB phone chargers. All components were hand-selected by the customer to balance reliability, efficiency, and expandability.

This was actually my first project of this kind, and I built it from the ground up with future installations in mind. The system’s modular design means it can be easily adapted or scaled for future custom builds.

One of the key goals was future-proofing the setup. The system was designed with easy integration points for solar power—so adding panels down the line is as simple as plug-and-play. Whether for trickle charging or full off-grid capability, the groundwork is already there.

The project involved careful load analysis, planning for upgrades, and ensuring everything could run safely and independently of the vehicle’s main power system. From fusing and cable sizing to the mounting hardware and monitoring systems, every detail was tailored to meet the user’s unique needs.

The led battery monitor..is it specified for Li batteries or lead acid? I suggest that a smart shunt which " counts coulombs" going in/out is the better way to monitor battery charge/discharge due to the Lithium battery's much flatter voltage-discharge curve.

 

[anand]

The led battery monitor..is it specified for Li batteries or lead acid? I suggest that a smart shunt which " counts coulombs" going in/out is the better way to monitor battery charge/discharge due to the Lithium battery's much flatter voltage-discharge curve.

Absolutely Correct... On NL's instruction sheet it states for "two lead-acid batteries".... An LED monitor showcasing voltage alone isn't going to be very helpful with a LiFePO4 battery unfortunately as they maintain very flat voltage curves until depleted

 

[PDX_Keith]

There's no voltage sensing circuit in the world that will detect or display Li battery capacity with any meaningful levels of accuracy. Would have been better off using a smart LiFePO4 battery with built-in Bluetooth and shunt and simplify the install. I'm an EE by education and trade if you need any assistance.

 

[CRH]

There's no voltage sensing circuit in the world that will detect or display Li battery capacity with any meaningful levels of accuracy. Would have been better off using a smart LiFePO4 battery with built-in Bluetooth and shunt and simplify the install. I'm an EE by education and trade if you need any assistance.

The battery fitted does come with Bluetooth monitoring @IneosGrenadierTech kindly sent me a link for it

 

[PDX_Keith]

Is there an actual battery to battery charger with adjustable charge voltage or is it just a solenoid relay? The manufacturer website insinuated it's a relay controller which would be horrible on several fronts....

 

[CRH]

Is there an actual battery to battery charger with adjustable charge voltage or is it just a solenoid relay? The manufacturer website insinuated it's a relay controller which would be horrible on several fronts....

???? I'm clueless on all this, which is why I was asking IneosGrenadierTech for help.

 

[IneosGrenadierTech]

Out of all of the B2B lithium charging options on the market, what drove you to chose that National Luna?

It was all down to the customers research into it, he holds credit for the parts selected.

The batteries are managed using a Victron DC-DC charger, with bluetooth control and smart managing within the Ttian battery itself. The entire system is self managing with great capability

 

[PDX_Keith]

If you have a Victron DC-DC then what functions does the National Luna perform. I'm clearly confused now...

 

[Mike Morrison]

Victron offer a far smarter battery monitor than the old school National Luna

 

[IneosGrenadierTech]

The customer wanted an easily accessible monitor that can be seen without needing to visit an app on their phone for a rough idea of what life the Lithium has left when running consumers overnight. It is not necessary, but was something the customer opted to have. It has no effect on the battery system in any capacity.

 

[anand]

The customer wanted an easily accessible monitor that can be seen without needing to visit an app on their phone for a rough idea of what life the Lithium has left when running consumers overnight. It is not necessary, but was something the customer opted to have. It has no effect on the battery system in any capacity.

What everyone is saying is that a voltage based SoC monitor (like the National Luna) is completely irrelevant and won't show any useful data on a lithium set up as they have nearly flat voltage curves