Charging current distribution

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philippi Charging Current Distributor MBI – Loss-Free Battery Isolation for Boats, Yachts & Vehicles

The Philippi MBI charging current distributor simultaneously distributes the alternator's charging current to several independent battery banks – without voltage loss, without mechanical switching contacts and without mutual interference between the batteries. If no charging occurs via the alternator, the batteries are electrically isolated, preventing mutual interference.

Brief explanation: The Philippi MBI charging current distributor is the direct replacement for the conventional battery isolation diode – with the crucial advantage that MOS-FET technology virtually eliminates voltage loss. All batteries are charged with full charging voltage and maximum current.

The Problem with Conventional Battery Isolation Diodes

To simultaneously charge several independent battery systems using a single alternator, an isolation solution is required. Classic battery isolation diodes reliably isolate the battery banks, but they have a decisive disadvantage: Conventional isolation diodes have a voltage drop of approximately 0.7 V–1.3 V, meaning that the connected batteries are not supplied with the full charging voltage. In practice, this means that the batteries are never fully charged, capacity decreases in the long term, and lifespan is shortened.

The Solution: MOS-FET Technology without Voltage Loss

The Philippi MBI charging current distributor is the evolution of the conventional battery isolation diode. Thanks to MOS-FET technology, there is a very low voltage drop during charging operation – this eliminates all the disadvantages of the voltage drop of approx. 0.7 V–1.3 V, and the batteries are charged with the required charging voltage and maximum current.

The loss-free charging current distributors can easily replace existing isolation diodes – this eliminates all the disadvantages caused by the voltage drop of conventional isolation diodes, and the batteries are charged with the required charging voltages and the maximum possible current.

Features and Benefits at a Glance

• Simultaneous charging of all connected batteries – empty batteries are charged preferentially
• Can be used for almost all charging sources: alternator, onboard charger, solar system (not for MPPT controllers) and wind generator
• Wear-free – no mechanical switching contacts
• Independent of battery size and battery type (GEL, lead-acid, AGM)
• Seawater-resistant aluminum housing, potential-free
• Control connection for non-self-exciting alternators available – alternator start-up is guaranteed even when using the charging current distributor
• Special versions available for non-self-exciting alternators or chargers with voltage detection

All Models at a Glance

The 3-output variants MBI 150-3 and MBI 200-3 have dimensions of L 153 × W 147 × H 95 mm.

MBI 150-2 – the compact 2-battery solution for the classic onboard electrical system with starter and service battery.

MBI 150-3 / MBI 200-3 – for onboard electrical systems with three independent battery banks, e.g., starter battery, service battery, and bow thruster battery or separate lithium supply bank.

Charging Current Distributor vs. Battery Isolation Diode – Direct Comparison

For Which Applications is the Philippi MBI Suitable?

• Sailing Yachts & Motorboats – simultaneous charging of starter and service battery via the alternator
• Motorhomes & Expedition Vehicles – keep vehicle battery and auxiliary battery separate, charge simultaneously
• Commercial Vehicles & Trucks – supply multiple battery banks via one alternator
• Onboard Electrical Systems with Lithium Batteries – full charging voltage is particularly critical for LiFePO4, as tight charging voltage tolerances apply
• Solar Systems – charging current distribution to multiple battery banks (not suitable for MPPT controllers)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Philippi MBI Charging Current Distributor

What is the difference between a charging current distributor and an isolation diode? A classic battery isolation diode creates a voltage drop of 0.7–1.3 V, meaning that the batteries are never fully supplied with the full charging voltage. The Philippi MBI uses MOS-FET technology with virtually no voltage drop – the batteries receive full charging voltage and maximum charging current.

Can the MBI be installed as a direct replacement for my existing isolation diode? Yes. The Philippi MBI charging current distributors are designed to directly replace existing isolation diodes without extensive modifications to the onboard installation.

Is the MBI suitable for lithium batteries? Yes. Especially with lithium batteries (LiFePO4), full charging voltage is crucial, as tight charging voltage tolerances apply. The virtually loss-free MBI ensures that the lithium battery is charged with the full alternator output voltage.

Which model do I need – MBI 150 or MBI 200? This depends on the nominal current of your alternator. For alternators up to 150 A, the MBI 150 is sufficient. For more powerful alternators up to 200 A, the MBI 200-3 is recommended. When in doubt, always choose the next higher level.

How many battery banks can I charge simultaneously? With the MBI 150-2, two battery banks; with the MBI 150-3 or MBI 200-3, up to three battery banks simultaneously – all via a single alternator input.

Is the MBI suitable for solar systems? The MBI is suitable for solar charging via conventional solar controllers. It is not suitable for MPPT solar controllers – in this case, a charge booster or a suitable isolation relay should be used.

Philippi Charging Current Distributor · MBI 150-2 · MBI 150-3 · MBI 200-3 · Battery Isolation Diode Replacement · MOS-FET Charging Current Distributor · Alternator Multiple Batteries · Battery Isolation Boat · Charging Current Distribution Yacht · Isolate Starter Service Battery · Loss-Free Charging Current Distributor · Philippi Electrical Systems