DC to DC Converters

DC to DC converters connect between 2 different battery banks and convert power between them. Many DC to DC converts are multi-voltage meaning they can convert one voltage to another (i.e. 12V to 24V). This allows you to power and charge a different voltage device or battery bank from another. An example would be a 36V trolling motor but the rest of the boat is 12V. You could connect a 12V to 36V DC to DC converter between the engine battery and trolling motor battery bank. When the engine is running the DC to DC converter will convert the 12V charge from the engine and charge the 36V trolling bank. Additionally, when the boat is back at the dock and the AC battery charger is charging 12V system the DC to DC converter will also charge the 36V bank. That makes the converter 2 devices in one and very versatile.

A new application has emerged for DC to DC converters which is mixed battery chemistry charging. This is critical for lithium batteries that are on the same vehicle/vessel as lead acid batteries. In this application you can use a DC to DC converter that is the same voltage (i.e. 12V/12V). You can connect a DC to DC converter between a 12V lead acid start battery and a 12V lithium house bank and appropriately charge the lithium bank without replacing alternators.