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I have a unique usage, powering remote monitoring equipment in Canada. I've recently switched to using LiFePO4 batteries, which have been excellent so far; however, the winter is around the corner I need a solution for the cold weather.
I use a 150W solar panel and 2x 100 Ah LiFePO4 batteries. The batteries and charge controller stay in a locked box. The batteries do not have low-temperature protection, so I need to heat the batteries throughout the winter (keep them above 0C), but I also need a low-temperature disconnect for charging, in case the batteries ever go dead, the heat pad won't turn on and the charge controller will continue charging the batteries.
I've searched for a charge controller designed for this but haven't found anything with a low-temperature disconnect for charging. I've set up this "Inkbird Temperature Controller ITC-1000F 12V Digital Thermostat Heating Cooling Dual Relays Sensor" in between my charge controller and batteries and attached the temperature sensor to the side of one battery. When the temperature drops below 5 degrees C, the switch will prevent charging from the charge controller. I could use a heat pad connected to the heating relay but I'm using this instead "Facon 7 1/4"x25" RV Water Holding Tank Heater Pad, 12Volts DC Steps Heater Pad, for RV Motorhome Camper Trailer Boat with Automatic Thermostat Control, Up to 50 Gallons Tank" which will turn on at 45 F (7C) and off at 68 F (20C).
My biggest concern is when the relay switch is open and power from the positive wire from the charge controller just ends at the relay, the ground is still connected to the batteries, but could this fry my charge controller or the temperature relay switch?
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I use a 150W solar panel and 2x 100 Ah LiFePO4 batteries. The batteries and charge controller stay in a locked box. The batteries do not have low-temperature protection, so I need to heat the batteries throughout the winter (keep them above 0C), but I also need a low-temperature disconnect for charging, in case the batteries ever go dead, the heat pad won't turn on and the charge controller will continue charging the batteries.
I've searched for a charge controller designed for this but haven't found anything with a low-temperature disconnect for charging. I've set up this "Inkbird Temperature Controller ITC-1000F 12V Digital Thermostat Heating Cooling Dual Relays Sensor" in between my charge controller and batteries and attached the temperature sensor to the side of one battery. When the temperature drops below 5 degrees C, the switch will prevent charging from the charge controller. I could use a heat pad connected to the heating relay but I'm using this instead "Facon 7 1/4"x25" RV Water Holding Tank Heater Pad, 12Volts DC Steps Heater Pad, for RV Motorhome Camper Trailer Boat with Automatic Thermostat Control, Up to 50 Gallons Tank" which will turn on at 45 F (7C) and off at 68 F (20C).
My biggest concern is when the relay switch is open and power from the positive wire from the charge controller just ends at the relay, the ground is still connected to the batteries, but could this fry my charge controller or the temperature relay switch?
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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