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--- electrical:12v:alt_and_solar [2023/06/29 11:08]
frater_secessus [optimal alternator contribution]
+++ electrical:12v:alt_and_solar [2024/03/31 17:03]
frater_secessus [Augmented solar charging]
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-Note:  although this page was written with alternator-augmented solar charging in mind, the general principles also apply to solar+[[electrical:shore_power|shore power charging]] and solar+[[electrical:generator|generator]] charging.
+Note:  although this page was written with alternator-augmented solar charging in mind, the general principles also apply to solar+[[electrical:shore_power|shore power charging]] and solar+[[electrical:generator|generator]] charging. Also see [[electrical:12v:power_mix|Deciding on a Power Mix]].
+> Solar and DC-DC alternator charging are going to be the best practices for maintaining charge in one's battery bank. It only requires a little math, a little discipline to stick with the math, and the right expectations about solar intake.  -- CMDR_Schrodinger((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/15z8eh6/energy_management_during_trips/jxfv03f/))
-[[lifestyle:words_of_wisdom|Words of wisdom]]: "Bulk charging requires //current//. Absorption requires //relatively high voltage// and //time at that voltage//." - secessus
 ====== Augmented solar charging ======
-Alternator + solar charging has considerable benefits over [[electrical:12v:alternator|alternator charging alone]], and over [[electrical:solar|solar alone]].  The alternator can help a small solar install punch well above its weight, [[opinion:frater_secessus:panelsizesforinsolation|acting like a much bigger install in areas of poor insolation]].((especially with PWM))  Solar can hold the bank at a higher state of charge, thereby reducing current demands on the alternator and allowing the use of smaller [[electrical:12v:b2b|DC-DC chargers]].
+Alternator + solar charging has considerable benefits over [[electrical:12v:alternator|alternator charging alone]], and over [[electrical:solar|solar alone]].  The alternator can help a small solar install punch well above its weight, [[opinion:frater_secessus:panelsizesforinsolation|acting like a much bigger install in areas of poor insolation]].((especially with PWM))  The alternator can help meet [[electrical:12v:charging#charging_current|lead bank minimum charging current requirements]].  Solar can hold the bank at a higher state of charge, thereby reducing current demands on the alternator and allowing the use of smaller [[electrical:12v:b2b|DC-DC chargers]].
 Note that adding alternator charging to the mix does not necessarily require a fancy, expensive isolator;  in some ways [[electrical:12v:alternator#constant-duty_solenoid|the simple solenoid]] provides best bang-for-buck with the fewest drawbacks.((see the Gotchas section))
@@ Line 89: / Line 91: @@
   - the Li voltage curve is very flat in the middle, so the voltage delta will be stable through the "middle 80%"
-  - for average users, Li will not have an Absorption stage in the lead-chemistry sense.((advanced users may find [[electrical:12v:electrical:12v:drop-in_lifepo4#mythlithium_doesn_t_need_absorption|exceptions]] to this general statement))
+  - for average users, Li will not have an Absorption stage in the lead-chemistry sense.((advanced users may find [[electrical:12v:drop-in_lifepo4#mythlithium_doesn_t_need_absorption|exceptions]] to this general statement))
   - Lithium is often charged with DC-DC, which charges at the ~same voltage as solar

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