FAQ
General information about our products
We will be happy to answer your questions on topics related to power supply. Please send us an email to: info@philippi-online.de
Frequently asked questions
What are the advantages of the LB series lithium batteries?
It has a stainless steel housing and is very compact and can be mounted in the rack. The BMS with complete monitoring is already integrated. Via the integrated CAN bus interface, the battery can be reliably monitored via our monitors. The LB series batteries can communicate with chargers from philippi, Studer and Mastervolt, resulting in extremely stable and fail-safe systems for large battery banks.
Can I use existing tank probes on philippi tank monitors?
Yes, all transmitters commonly used in the marine and vehicle sector can be connected.
Which battery monitor is suitable for my system?
For a classic system with a starter and a consumer bank, we recommend the BLS set or with a larger screen the monitor BLM with more functions and NMEA interface.
If an additional tank monitoring is desired, the monitor BTM 2 also with NMEA interface.
If the system shall be expanded in the future with additional functions or components from other manufacturers should be integrated into a philippi system (One display for all devices), we recommend the system monitors PSL or PSM 3.
When do I need a galvanic Isolator?
For a plastic yacht with shore connection to prevent galvanic corrosion when the shore connection is plugged in. The sacrificial anodes within the drive system (propeller, shaft, saildrive) are still needed because of the different metals of the drive.
When do you need a charge booster?
Basically for all supply batteries in lithium technology that are also charged by the engine via the alternator.
In the case of poorly regulated alternators or long cable runs for all battery types. Charge boosters can also be used to efficiently charge a battery bank for anchors or bow thrusters via the service battery bank. This can be used to compensate for the voltage drop that occurs when charging on the charging line (often long and thick charging line required). It also allows different battery types (lead acid, lithium) to be charged with one alternator.
Where do I connect my wind generator or solar regulator to charge my batteries?
Solar regulators and wind generators are connected directly to the battery bank to be charged (always remember to fuse the charging line close to the battery terminal!).
In most cases they can be combined with all other charging sources on board (charging with multiple charging sources).
Sometimes problems can occur when charging simultaneously with the alternator. The problems can be solved by switching off the wind or solar regulator while the engine is running
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
When is it worthwhile to convert the existing alternator to a Balmar alternator with high-performance regulator?
Basically, whenever I am not satisfied with performance of the existing alternator.
Examples:
- Lima with classic V-belt makes strong rubber abrasion during charging (V-belt overload)
- Lima brings only small charging power (especially with older engines very small alternators were installed, which do not bring more than 20A charging power at marching speed)
- Lima gets too hot during charging (alternator is overloaded by a large battery bank or lithium battery, which can lead to the destruction of the existing alternator)
- I need large charging currents > 50A
- I want an almost maintenance-free fail-safe charging system for my trips, where I do not want to depend on shore power.
- I need an adapted charging characteristic for my batteries (example lithium battery)
- I want to protect my service batteries from overcharging and overvoltage during long motor trips.
Should all my batteries on board be lithium batteries?
No. Most of the time you just want to take advantage of lithium for the service battery. As a replacement for starter and bow thruster batteries you need special high current lithium battery systems, which usually do not have an internal electronic main switch.
It should also be noted that lithium batteries have a much lower internal resistance and a higher voltage under load, which results in a significantly higher load current to the bow thruster or starter. This can cause the starter or thruster to be overloaded and damaged.
Can I also order Philippi shuttering panels individually with different fuse protection?
Yes, this is possible. For this purpose, the required fuse size per circuit must be specified when ordering the switch panel.
How do I connect the circuits of my switch panel with my consumers on board?
For this purpose, philippi offers the distribution rail RKL for consumers on board in different sizes. With this, an optimal distribution can be built.
Do I have to fuse my control panel additionally?
Yes, a main fuse must be integrated in the supply line to the control panel near the battery in front of each control panel.
Do I need a line fuse if I want to switch with your pressure switches/pushbuttons?
Yes, the circuits must be fused externally. Here our fuse blocks or our switch modules CMR are suitable.