Possible split charge relay problem

[Hillclimber]

Just come across an interesting electrical issue on my 10 series Alphie. It's fitted with a solar panel on the roof and there is a Portable Power Technology split charge relay between the main and leisure batteries. The solar panel is off according to the 3-way switch on the auxiliary panel at the rear.

This morning I heard a regular clicking noise coming from the front of the Alphie and found it was from the relay. Presumably it is sensing a full charge in one battery and switching to the other. Sensing that is also fully charged, it switches back, ad infinitum.

Not heard it before, so wondering if I have a fault, and also will this switching slowly discharge one or both of the batteries until the next time it is driven.

[Rojie]

3 hours ago, Hillclimber said:

Just come across an interesting electrical issue on my 10 series Alphie. It's fitted with a solar panel on the roof and there is a Portable Power Technology split charge relay between the main and leisure batteries. The solar panel is off according to the 3-way switch on the auxiliary panel at the rear.

This morning I heard a regular clicking noise coming from the front of the Alphie and found it was from the relay. Presumably it is sensing a full charge in one battery and switching to the other. Sensing that is also fully charged, it switches back, ad infinitum.

Not heard it before, so wondering if I have a fault, and also will this switching slowly discharge one or both of the batteries until the next time it is driven.

 

Have you tried disconnecting the leisure battery, and/or the solar feed ?

[Hillclimber]

11 hours ago, Rojie said:

 

Have you tried disconnecting the leisure battery, and/or the solar feed ?

As the leisure battery is fitted under the passenger seat, access is not a quick 5 minute job! What I have done is to remove the lead from the +ve post on the starter battery that went to the relay. That has stopped the relay flip-flopping while I further research what the problem may be. Thankfully I have no plans for using the Alphie for the remainder of this month, so will have time to get this sorted.

[Nigel Heyward]

Please let the forum know how you resolve the issue Hillclimber.

[Hillclimber]

36 minutes ago, Nigel Heyward said:

Please let the forum know how you resolve the issue Hillclimber.

Having spoken with a very helpful engineer at Portable Power, the conclusion was that the vehicle battery had discharged enough, through not being used, but not to the point that the engine wouldn't start. This was enough to trigger the relay into action. Engine start and run for 5 minutes and relay is silent. One thing to put on the list during winter is to either disconnect the +ve lead to the relay, and/or keep the vehicle battery on a trickle charge.

[Rojie]

4 minutes ago, Hillclimber said:

Having spoken with a very helpful engineer at Portable Power, the conclusion was that the vehicle battery had discharged enough, through not being used, but not to the point that the engine wouldn't start. This was enough to trigger the relay into action. Engine start and run for 5 minutes and relay is silent. One thing to put on the list during winter is to either disconnect the +ve lead to the relay, and/or keep the vehicle battery on a trickle charge.

 

As winter approaches, all (non-hybrid) Alphie owners need to ensure their starter batteries are in tip top condition and remain fully charged.

Jump leads are cheap enough; I always carry mine just in case.

[Nigel Heyward]

So just to be clear, you have a leisure battery and solar?, I have the exact same, doesn't your leisure battery excess power your main battery?.

[Hillclimber]

14 hours ago, Nigel Heyward said:

So just to be clear, you have a leisure battery and solar?, I have the exact same, doesn't your leisure battery excess power your main battery?.

Hi Nigel,

It doesn't help in these matters when you weren't told by the previous owner how they all work together! On my auxilliary control panel I have a 3-way switch. Car-Off-Aux. I had taken it that this was controlling where the solar charge was being directed, so normally have it in the off position, except when the van is being used and the fridge is on. In the off position the extra room lights and the water pump are also off. Apparently there is also a Victron controller somewhere, but not yet found, that could affect what is being charged. I have now been told that it would be best for the 3-way to be in the Aux position so that the leisure battery is being charged at all times. Just concerned about what overcharge cutout is in place if I do.

[Nigel Heyward]

Interesting, as that's how ours operates, the leisure battery is on constant charge via the solar, which in turn charges the main battery, which we never switch off, obviously you must have a slightly different system to ours. Good luck with solving the conundrum.