In he past, I have had a MM pfc-20, 30, 40, and 50. I only had one instance: the pfc-50 just stopped operating. I had contacted MM and I shipped it to them. However UPS (shipper) lost it (good thing I insured it for the full cost+ tax+shipping). With the money I got, I bought a different model MM pfc charger. I had no problems with MM pfc chargers other than that one instance.
I had six chargers in parallel in my S-10 Blazer EV conversion. Except for the MM pfc charger, all of them were isolated = no problems with the un-isolated charger. As long as there is only one un-isolated charger in a parallel configuration, there won't be an issue. I would have no compunction to get another one, as with a MM pfc charger, I am able to dial in what current it can draw: from level-1 to level-2, and it works off the crummiest outlets (lousy long wiring), to the largest 208 to 240VAC source. If your mind is set to not go un-isolated, then as posted, past evdl post have said Elcon chargers work well (I have not tried one, yet). There are several retailers, but here is their site so you can compare models http://www.elconchargers.com/products.html What charger you choose depends on what 'your' needs are. If you are willing to spend the money for a 6kW charger, and rewire to use it, then replacing your 2kW charger with a 6kW charger would work when charging off a public EVSE at work and home. You may have instances other than a 6kW EVSE at work that you would charge at (i.e. a friend's 5kW dryer outlet, or like me, want the flexibility to be able to charge off two level-1 outlets (each on their own 20A breaker). You could replace your 2kW charger with two chargers (2.5kW and 3kW), or add to your existing charger. I will assume your existing 2kW charger can also charge off a level-1 outlet. So, you could add a 4kW charger in parallel to your existing 2kW charger. When charging at work you would use both off the EVSE, or just use the 2kW when at home, or the 4kW charger when charging off the friend's 5kW dryer outlet. These off-the-shelf chargers are not like the chargers in a Production EV. A Production EV charger can be throttled back to match the EVSE (i.e.: the Focus' on-board charger can turn its self down to only draw what a friend's low cost 3kW home EVSE will provide. You have choices. Do your homework, and select what works for you :-) {brucedp.150m.com} - On Wed, Jun 26, 2013, at 04:34 PM, corbin dunn wrote: > On Jun 25, 2013, at 12:42 PM, Ben Jarrett <[email protected]> wrote: > > I'm considering using the new HPEV AC-76 and 144 Curtis controller in my > > Jeep. > > Has anyone on the list had a chance to play with this combo? One bummer is > > that > > my pack is currently at 160V nom (180V max) so I need to at least remove > > one cell - which > > will then affect my elcon charger (I don't want to rely on mini-bms to shut > > things off). > > > > On the charger note... > > > > I've been considering upgrading from my wimpy 2kW charger. I share a > > charger at work > > with other folks so a faster recharge time would be great. I could charge > > at home, but > > it's nice to get the free charge at work. Also, I'd love to recharge > > faster before > > it gets too hot in day. I'm thinking about using a Manzanita unit, but I'm > > concerned > > about it not being isolated. Also, I'd love to get something that is UL > > listed. Any > > thoughts on this? > > > I've had bad experience with Manzanita chargers. > > http://www.corbinstreehouse.com/blog/2012/09/plug-bug-pfc-30-charger-failed-again/ > http://www.corbinstreehouse.com/blog/2011/05/charger-not-charging/ > > Neither failure was my fault. > > I'd recommend the 10kw DIY charger. > > http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59210 > http://www.emotorwerks.com - -- http://www.fastmail.fm - IMAP accessible web-mail _______________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE: http://www.evdl.org/help/index.html#usub http://lists.evdl.org/listinfo.cgi/ev-evdl.org For EV drag racing discussion, please use NEDRA (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NEDRA)
