Amperage Draw Shuts off Generators

[live4fun]

Okay, i have to slow down and visualize what you’re saying. In the meantime, I charged the LiFePO batteries on my 20a. GFCI protected outlet. Here are the results:
Duration(min) SOC V Amps W
0 83% 13.1 -.16
1 83% 14.2v 26.4 376
2 83% 14.2v 24.5 350
4 83% 14.3v 22.8 326
6 84% 14.3v 22.4 322
9 84% 14.3v 21.4 306
120 99% 14.4v 10.3 149

So I find it interesting that circuit breaker didn’t trip nor did the GFCI which can be sensitive on this 120v circuit over 20a? I’m trying to determine what my next step should be to remedy this issue. Do i need to be charging only on 30amp 120v? Is there a way to regulate the input current at all? I did change the Wildkat dip switch from AGM to Li based on Best Converters recommendations and didn’t see any improvement in the input amperage side but I didn’t have the BMS working at the time but I know the AGM switch also shut down my generators? I appreciate the discussion but are trying to extrapolate the nuggets of information that will help me fix the situation. I am grateful for the information. Thanks

[rickst29]

Originally Posted by live4fun

Okay, i have to slow down and visualize what you’re saying. In the meantime, I charged the LiFePO batteries on my 20a. GFCI protected outlet. Here are the results:
Duration(min) SOC V Amps W
0 83% 13.1 -.16
1 83% 14.2v 26.4 376
2 83% 14.2v 24.5 350
4 83% 14.3v 22.8 326
6 84% 14.3v 22.4 322
9 84% 14.3v 21.4 306
120 99% 14.4v 10.3 149

So I find it interesting that circuit breaker didn’t trip nor did the GFCI which can be sensitive on this 120v circuit over 20a? I’m trying to determine what my next step should be to remedy this issue. Do i need to be charging only on 30amp 120v? Is there a way to regulate the input current at all? I did change the Wildkat dip switch from AGM to Li based on Best Converters recommendations and didn’t see any improvement in the input amperage side but I didn’t have the BMS working at the time but I know the AGM switch also shut down my generators? I appreciate the discussion but are trying to extrapolate the nuggets of information that will help me fix the situation. I am grateful for the information. Thanks

Per above, DO NOT run the WildKat in "Lithium" mode unless you want it to run all the way up to14.6 volts (14.4 in newer models), quitting only when the BMS terminates charging.

The "GEL" setting imposes a lower maximum, charging voltage of 14.0 volts, which will provide less voltage differential at the battery terminals. Pushed less hard, they will absorb power more slowly. The "GEL" setting has an undesirable side effect of also reducing the float voltage and "boost return" voltage setting, you will probably need to use the pedant in order push the pack voltage high enough to equalize the cells. If the "GEL" setting caused your generator to quit, it was because the 120-VAC load on the generator vanished - AND your generator is set to shutdown at low load. The generator knows nothing about the battery charge process, it only sees draw from the Converter and othe r120-VAC appliances.

You don't want to stay at 99% SOC during storage anyway, and your solar can top it off during trips. When solar isn't available and you need to use a generator, can can either use the Wizard mode switch to "force" bulk charging, or you can let it let it terminate "bulk charging" at lower voltage (50-70% SOC) and then let solar top it off.

[rickst29]

then you will need to replace the WildKat with a lower-powered Converter, and you might want to use a programmable Victron for that job. IIRC, the cheaper Victron "smart" converters go up to either 30 or 35A maximum, and the efficiency is also higher (reducing 120-VAC input requirements). They don't need fans, but don't exactly fit the WFCO base box either. I sent a PM with my phone number, please call for details about your replacement options.