I added the B80 for extra capacity to my EB3A, which I use as a DC UPS for my router and cable modem. EB3A stays plugged in to 120V AC wall power 24x7. I have the B80 connected using the aviation plug to the EB3A PV input, and the B80 is in powerbank mode. Seems to be working. For charging, I figured I could connect the EB3A 12v cigarette output to the B80 PV input. With it connected like this, the B80 does appear to show its charging, but oddly the power shown on the App for the EB3A DC output seems to drop when I connect the 12v to the B80. Typically my load is right at 40W, when I plug in the B80 I would expect the DC load to increase as its charging, but it actually decreases to about 35W. Weird no? Plus, I have a suspicion the B80 is not actually charging as the LED bars seem to be getting lower.
Is this a crazy configuration that just isn’t supposed to work? or what am I missing? thx.
Could the issue be that the cigarette output of the EB3A is really only around 12V and the B80 PV MPPT input really needs more like 18-24v to properly charge itself?
The B80 DC input is 12-28V at 8A max or up to 200W. The only power station it is designed to charge from is the AC60.
Feeding it from a 12V cig socket might get you around 80W and from one power station to another there is always an efficiency loss when converting voltage.
You better option is to get the AC 200W power brick to recharge the B80 from grid power or the EB3A.
Think of the B80 as a power station as it does have DC output, but not AC.
You setup during a grid outage in UPS mode will be extended with the B80. When this happens and the grid eventually returns, your issue is recharging the B80. As the grid is now back up it seems logical to use it via the 200W AC adaptor listed as an optional extra.
Hi @mtnbrit, Regarding this issue, please note that when connecting the EB3A to the B80, you will need to purchase an Aviation to DC7909 cable. With this cable, the B80 can function in power bank mode to supply power to the EB3A.
We’re not sure which region you’re in, so we’ve attached a product screenshot and link from the UK site for your reference.
We agree with @Mandp’s opinion—using the car cigarette lighter port to power the unit will result in significant energy loss, which is highly inefficient. We do not recommend using it this way.
Thanks yes I do have the aviation cable and the extended run time is working fine, the question was regarding charging the B80 from the EB3A. I have also concluded that a 24V 8A power brick charging the B80 via the PV port is the way to go. I may even drop the grid connection to the EB3A and just have the B80 power it, being charged by the brick. Any issues doing this?
@BLUETTI_CARE I read @mtnbrit original question as using the EB3A cig socket 12V output to be used to charge the B80, not the vehicle cig socket. Either way a cig socket at 12V is not ideal and in my opinion a last resort when no other option is available.
However, it appears he/she will use the 200W Ac power brick, problem solved, lol
Hi @mtnbrit, Thank you for getting back to us so quickly.
Thank you for your analysis and testing. Yes, the B80 can be charged via an adapter, car charger, or a solar panel with an open circuit voltage of 12-28V. This works without any issues.
Thanks to @Mandp for the explanation and reminder. Yes, we misunderstood. We’re glad to hear that the issue has been resolved.
Either way a cig socket at 12V is not ideal and in my opinion a last resort when no other option is available.