The KickAss DCDC Charger with MPPT Solar Controller is a versatile charging solution designed for auxiliary batteries in vehicles, offering both DCDC charging from the alternator and solar charging via an integrated MPPT controller. It is compatible with various 12V battery types, including GEL, AGM, WET, CALCIUM, and Lithium LiFePO4.
Function Description:
The primary function of this device is to ensure the optimal charging and maintenance of an auxiliary battery, preventing it from draining the vehicle's start battery. It achieves this through several key features:
- Multi-Battery Type Compatibility: The charger can be configured to charge GEL, AGM, WET, CALCIUM, or Lithium LiFePO4 batteries, allowing for flexibility in auxiliary battery choice.
- Start Battery Protection: Built-in voltage sensing automatically connects the start battery to charge the auxiliary battery when the vehicle is running and disconnects them when the vehicle is off, safeguarding the start battery from discharge.
- Optimal Auxiliary Battery Charging: Modern vehicles often lack the correct voltages and charge control for fully charging auxiliary batteries. This DCDC charger boosts the charge voltage to an optimal level and employs a multi-stage charge algorithm (BULK, ABSORPTION, FLOAT) to ensure the auxiliary battery is safely and completely charged.
- Integrated MPPT Solar Controller: When the vehicle's alternator is not actively charging, the built-in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar controller takes over, maximizing the charge obtained from connected solar panels. This ensures continuous charging even when stationary.
- Solar Priority Mode: Users can set the charger to prioritize solar input. In this mode, the charger assesses the battery's state of charge and the available solar input to determine if solar can effectively provide enough charge, or if the alternator should be used as the primary input source.
- Lithium Battery Recovery Function: For lithium batteries with a Battery Management System (BMS) that may enter a "sleep" mode due to over-discharge, the charger includes a recovery function. This allows the device to attempt to reactivate the battery and initiate a regular three-stage charging sequence once a valid input voltage is detected.
Important Technical Specifications:
The KickAss DCDC Charger is available in two models: KADCDC20A-AND and KADCDC40A-AND, with varying current and power capabilities.
- Input Voltage Range: 5-32V DC (Solar Input: 10-32V DC, Alternator Input: 9-32V DC)
- Maximum Input Current: 27A (KADCDC20A-AND), 47A (KADCDC40A-AND)
- Maximum Continuous Charging Current: 20A (KADCDC20A-AND), 40A (KADCDC40A-AND)
- Maximum Output Power: 300W (KADCDC20A-AND), 500W (KADCDC40A-AND)
- Fuse Size: 40A (KADCDC20A-AND), 60A (KADCDC40A-AND)
- No Load Current Draw: <15 mA
- Efficiency: Approx. 93% when full load
- Ambient Operating Temperature: -20 °C to +80 °C
- Dimensions:
- KADCDC20A-AND: 15412044mm
- KADCDC40A-AND: 19212044mm
- Weights: 870g (KADCDC20A-AND), 950g (KADCDC40A-AND)
- IP Rating: IP66
- Certifications: PROP65, CE, FC
- Battery Capacity Guide:
- Lead Acid (WET,GEL,AGM,CAL): 80-200Ah (KADCDC20A-AND), 200-500Ah (KADCDC40A-AND)
- LiFePO4: 50-120Ah (KADCDC20A-AND), 120-500Ah (KADCDC40A-AND)
- Absorption Voltage: Varies by battery type (e.g., GEL 14.1V, LiFePO4 14.5V)
- Float Voltage: Varies by battery type (e.g., GEL 13.5V, LiFePO4 13.6V)
- Minimum Auxiliary Battery Voltage: 9V (for most types), 0V (for LiFePO4)
- Integrated Isolator Control (Cut-in/Cut-out Voltage): Features a 30-second delay.
- 12V System (Ignition override OFF): Cut In 13.2V, Cut Out 12.6V
- 12V System (Ignition override ON): Cut In 12.2V, Cut Out 10.5V
- 24V System (Ignition override OFF): Cut In 26.4V, Cut Out 25.2V
- 24V System (Ignition override ON): Cut In 24.4V, Cut Out 21.0V
Usage Features:
- User-Friendly Interface: The device features LEDs to indicate the active input source (Alternator, Solar), selected battery type (WET, GEL, AGM, CAL, LiFePO4), charging stage (BULK, ABSORPTION, FLOAT), and any faults.
- Battery Type Selection: Users can easily select the auxiliary battery type by pressing and holding the "Mode" button. The selected type is saved as the default.
- Solar Priority Button: A dedicated button allows users to toggle the solar priority mode, enabling the charger to assess and potentially prioritize solar input over alternator input.
- Temperature Compensation: An included temperature sensor measures battery temperature and adjusts the charging current to prevent overcharging, enhancing battery lifespan.
- Protective Features:
- Short Circuit Protection: The charger will not activate unless batteries are connected correctly.
- Reverse Polarity Protection: Prevents damage if positive and negative connections are reversed, indicated by a fault.
- Over Voltage Protection: Shuts down the unit if input or output voltages are too high.
- Over Temperature Protection: Reduces output current if the unit senses overheating.
Maintenance Features:
- Fault Codes: The device provides clear fault indications via a flashing fault LED and specific battery type LEDs, allowing for easy diagnosis of issues such as over-voltage at alternator/solar input or output, and over-temperature.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting table to assist users in identifying and resolving common installation issues or unexpected system behavior, covering scenarios like no voltage detected, low voltage at inputs, and system wiring checks.
- Wiring Size Guidance: Detailed cable sizing recommendations are provided to ensure sound electrical connections and optimal performance, including a table for different cable lengths and corresponding wire cross-sections.
- Fuse Recommendations: It is strongly recommended to install 50-75 amp fuses on both the input and output sides of the charger to protect cables from short circuits.
- Ventilation Importance: Emphasizes the need for good ventilation around the battery and charger to dissipate charging gases and ensure maximum performance.
- Mounting Guidelines: Advises mounting the charger as close as possible to the auxiliary battery and away from heat sources like turbos and exhaust pipes to optimize performance.
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