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electrical:converter [2017/10/19 12:43] frater_secessus [DIY converters] |
electrical:converter [2023/10/16 12:21] frater_secessus [choosing a converter] |
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====== Converters ====== | ====== Converters ====== | ||
- | + | [[https:// | |
- | A converter | + | A converter |
- charge the [[electrical: | - charge the [[electrical: | ||
- | - provide 12v to power house loads | + | - provide 12v to power [[electrical: |
- | - sometimes acts as a passthrough for 110v | + | |
For turning 12v into 110v see [[electrical: | For turning 12v into 110v see [[electrical: | ||
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===== charging the house battery ===== | ===== charging the house battery ===== | ||
- | OEM converters are notoriously cheap and dumb (lacking [[electrical: | + | OEM converters are notoriously cheap and dumb((single-stage)) |
+ | |||
+ | Note: if you have sufficient solar to complete Absorption then a " | ||
+ | |||
+ | Some single-stage converters allow the user to configure the float voltage, typically somewhere between 13.2v - 13.8v. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== choosing a converter ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | If money is no object you can buy a multistage (" | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [[electrical: | ||
+ | * 0.2C for FLA | ||
+ | * 0.4C is not LiFeP)4' | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | === cost === | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The higher the rating and the more features the more expensive the shore power charger. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === limits of 15A shore power === | ||
+ | |||
+ | 13A off a 15A shore power plug, or 1,560w is a safe limit for continuous power use. Assuming 10% conversion losses this would give us a **theoretical max of around 100A of converter charging** (14.4Vabs x 100A).((shore power amps are at 120vac, converter ratings are at their nominal DC voltage)) | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | === minimum | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Lead chemistries require a minimum charge rate to stay healthy. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * 0.2C for AGM | ||
+ | * 0.1C for Flooded Lead Acid | ||
+ | * [LiFePO4 has no minimum current spec] | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | === charging time available === | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | If you have solar and will be on shore power for more than one day then a simple converter that charges at the batteries' | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you do not have solar or will be on shore power for only one overnight then we need a three-stage (" | ||
===== aftermarket converters ===== | ===== aftermarket converters ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Aftermarket converters tend to be higher quality than OEM, but some are still " | ||
+ | |||
Three converter makers are generally respected on the CRVL forum. | Three converter makers are generally respected on the CRVL forum. | ||
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* [[http:// | * [[http:// | ||
* [[http:// | * [[http:// | ||
- | * [[http:// | + | * [[http:// |
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SternWake says he leans toward Progressive Dynamics //"for the ability to choose stages, holding 14.4 for 4 hours at the press of a button"// | SternWake says he leans toward Progressive Dynamics //"for the ability to choose stages, holding 14.4 for 4 hours at the press of a button"// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== shore power chargers ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | When bulk charging is handled by other means a [[https:// | ||
===== DIY " | ===== DIY " | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== DIY dumb converters ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | " | ||
+ | |||
+ | If loads are run off the converter in the daytime the converter will just be supporting the solar yield and can be rather small. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== DIY smart converters ==== | ||
It is possible to build a [[https:// | It is possible to build a [[https:// | ||
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* secondary use of charge controller as a spare if needed | * secondary use of charge controller as a spare if needed | ||
- | If you do not need smart charging an adjustable voltage | + | Further reading: |
+ | |||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | * Owner of Midnite Solar [[https:// |