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electrical:solar:nonessential [2020/07/08 13:13] frater_secessus [diversion controller] |
electrical:solar:nonessential [2020/07/08 14:59] frater_secessus [LVD + timer] |
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===== timing opportunity loads ===== | ===== timing opportunity loads ===== | ||
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+ | The trickiest part of running opportunity loads is running them at the right time so battery charging is not affected. | ||
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+ | ==== manual model ==== | ||
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You can start the loads **manually** (ie, start using the power when you have extra). | You can start the loads **manually** (ie, start using the power when you have extra). | ||
- | The most precise way to do it **automatically** is to use a charge controller that turns on the LOAD output only when the batteries are in Float stage. Charge controllers with this feature tend to be expensive, and tend to run in either solar or dump load mode. | + | ==== charge controller ==== |
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+ | The most precise way to do it **automatically** is to use a charge controller that can act as a diversion controller. Charge controllers with this feature tend to be expensive, and tend to run in either solar **or** dump load mode. This may be preferable with lithium or other chemistries that do not require multistage charging. | ||
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+ | Read the documentation and ask their techs questions before taking this $$$ approach. | ||
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+ | Related: | ||
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+ | * you can also build a Pi or similar that talks to the controller over its communication port/ | ||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
- | You can also build a Pi or similar that talks to the controller over its communication port/ | ||
==== diversion controller ==== | ==== diversion controller ==== | ||
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In this approach the LVD is set just below Vfloat as above, but activation of the loads is delayed by some amount of time. Observation of the system during charging will suggest how long it normally takes takes charging amperage to drop off (ie, when the system has surplus current). | In this approach the LVD is set just below Vfloat as above, but activation of the loads is delayed by some amount of time. Observation of the system during charging will suggest how long it normally takes takes charging amperage to drop off (ie, when the system has surplus current). | ||
- | Suggested delay for conservative opportunity loading == the time from [passing Vlvr setpoint during Bulk] to [completed charging].((settling to Float)). | + | Suggested delay for conservative opportunity loading == the time from [passing Vlvr setpoint during Bulk] to [completed charging].((settling to Float)). |
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==== LVD + timer - eternal Absorption ==== | ==== LVD + timer - eternal Absorption ==== | ||
- | This setup avoids timer juggling/ | + | This setup avoids timer juggling/ |
- [[electrical: | - [[electrical: | ||
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- set the LVD to just under Vabs, set the timer to the Absorption duration | - set the LVD to just under Vabs, set the timer to the Absorption duration | ||
+ | Similar to the above, this setup looks like: [LVD or controller LOAD output] –> timer –> relay –> load | ||
===== uses for opportunity loads ===== | ===== uses for opportunity loads ===== | ||
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+ | For best results the opportunity load should be sized to the excess power. | ||
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* heating water | * heating water | ||
* [[hvac: | * [[hvac: |