Lithium Battery Bank and the Progressive Dynamics Mighty Mini PD4045KA Converter/Smart Charger

Updated 03/04/2022 | Published 03/03/2022

Question:

I currently have a PD 4045KA in my Jayco Whitehawk, I am upgrading to two 100ah lithium batteries and am told I need a lithium compatible converter. I have read that the PD 4045 LI csv is the correct replacement. My question is, If I am planning on adding 400v of solar panels and possibly 2 additional lithium batteries, would the 60amp be a better choice than the 35amp replacement converter?

asked by: Robert G

Helpful Expert Reply:

You state "I currently have a PD 4045KA in my Jayco Whitehawk...". If you currently have the Progressive Dynamics Mighty Mini AC/DC Panel and Converter/Smart Charger, # PD4045KA you are okay for changing to a lithium type chemistry battery bank. I see no reason to change from what you have.

The Mighty Mini has a lithium charge profile mode you will simply need to change the settings if you currently are setup for lead acid. Please see the linked manual below.

For further explanation on why, it is because the # PD4045KA is a 45 amp charger, this will take a completely depleted 100 AH battery to a full state-of-charge in approximately 3 hours. This begins with what is frequently referred to as a bulk or boost charge. This type of charge is a constant current charge simply meaning it allows the full current of the charger to flow into the battery until the power supply reaches its pre-set voltage. This stage takes a little more than 2 hours for a depleted 100 AH battery. At this point the current will then taper down to a minimum value once that voltage level is reached. This stage is commonly referred to as a float charge/constant voltage charge and will finish bringing the battery to a full state-of-charge. For a 100 AH battery this entire process will only take about 3 hours when connected to shore power. If you have a 200 AH battery bank, your currently installed charger, when properly set to Lithium Chemistry, will still top off the battery bank in about 5 hours or possibly less.

If you will be adding 400 Watts of solar panels to your RV, those will be controlled from their own controller. The Progressive Dynamics Mighty Mini AC/DC Panel and Converter/Smart Charger, # PD4045KA does not comes in to play with solar. Each are a different way of providing a power source to charge the same battery bank. But they operate independently of each other.