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electrical:solar:shallow_cycling [2018/03/02 09:47] frater_secessus [how it works] |
electrical:solar:shallow_cycling [2020/01/14 15:49] frater_secessus [sample build] |
===== non-cycling ===== | ===== non-cycling ===== |
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//Non-cycling// is the use of solar power only when the battery is fully charged. | //Non-cycling// is the use of solar power only when the battery is fully charged. The starter battery is even more fully charged than in normal vehicles. |
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==== how it works ==== | ==== how it works ==== |
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- a simple [[electrical:solar:charge_controller#shunt_controller|shunt charge controller]] holds the battery at a mild Absorption voltage (14.0, - 14.2v) when charging, just below the significant gassing point | - a simple [[electrical:solar:charge_controller#shunt|shunt charge controller]] holds the battery at a mild Absorption voltage (14.0, - 14.2v) when charging, just below the significant gassing point |
- the controller's LOAD output disconnects (LVD) at 100% SoC (~12.7v) | - the controller's LOAD output disconnects (LVD) at 100% SoC (~12.7v) |
- the controller's LOAD output //re//connects (LVR) at ~13.0v); see discussion below | - the controller's LOAD output //re//connects (LVR) at ~13.0v); see discussion below |
- power is //only// taken from the controller's LOAD output;((or from a circuit control by a relay on the LOAD output)) this ensures the starter battery is never discharged below the intended setpoint | - power is //only// taken from the controller's LOAD output;((or from a circuit control by a relay on the LOAD output)) this ensures the starter battery is never discharged below [[electrical:12v:lvd|the intended setpoint]] |
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=== Low Voltage Reconnect (LVR) setpoint === | === Low Voltage Reconnect (LVR) setpoint === |
===== shallow-cycling ===== | ===== shallow-cycling ===== |
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//Shallow-cycling// is a more aggressive approach, allowing for a bit of power after sundown. It is most **suitable for starter batteries with removable cell caps**. | //Shallow-cycling// is a more aggressive approach, allowing for more power in the daytime and some power for use after sundown. It is most **suitable for starter batteries with removable cell caps**. |
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The charging setpoint is set somewhat higher, ~14.4v. This will result in minor outgassing and a bit more power (**76.18W** using the panel data above). [[electrical:12v:charging#watering_batteries|Battery watering]] is mandatory. | The charging setpoint is set somewhat higher, ~14.4v. This will result in minor outgassing and a bit more power (**76.18W** using the panel data above). [[electrical:12v:charging#watering_batteries|Battery watering]] is mandatory. |
Starter batteries are designed for about 15% depth of discharge((http://forum.solar-electric.com/discussion/comment/60412#Comment_60412)). We can set the Low Voltage Disconnect (//Vlvd//) to 12.5-12.6v as a floor. In a typical starter battery this could be 5Ah of power usable at night, enough to run an LED light for hours as well as run a small fan all night. All device charging should happen in daylight when power is relatively plentiful. | Starter batteries are designed for about 15% depth of discharge((http://forum.solar-electric.com/discussion/comment/60412#Comment_60412)). We can set the Low Voltage Disconnect (//Vlvd//) to 12.5-12.6v as a floor. In a typical starter battery this could be 5Ah of power usable at night, enough to run an LED light for hours as well as run a small fan all night. All device charging should happen in daylight when power is relatively plentiful. |
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If the starter battery (when it eventually dies a natural death) were replaced with [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery#chain_store_batteries|a 12v wally world marine battery]] one might be able to cycle to 25% DoD. This would mean an Vlvd of ~12.4v and 8-9Ah of power at night. | If the starter battery (when it eventually dies a natural death) were replaced with [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery#chain_store_batteries|the heaviest 12v wally world marine battery]] that would fit one might be able to cycle to 25% DoD. This would mean an Vlvd of ~12.4v and 8-9Ah of power at night. |
===== effect on starter battery ===== | ===== effect on starter battery ===== |
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| Anecdote: TreborEnglish runs his 75A flooded 12v wally world deep cycle to 87% SoC regularly and it has lasted 3 years as of this writing. He reports it requires 20-30ml of water/month.((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/enwq70/best_car_battery_for_van_life/fe670is/)) |
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| ===== sample build ===== |
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| * 100w poly((for least expensive and best performance with [[electrical:solar:shunt_tweaking|shunt]]/[[electrical:solar:pwm_tweaking|pwm [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|controllers]]]])) panel on the roof, either a rack-mounted framed panel or a flex panel adhered to the surface. |
| * [[https://amzn.to/2ToGWyX|cable gland]] for getting wires through roof |
| * panel wires runs down the vehicle A-pillar inside the passenger area -- can be on driver or passenger side depending on where starter battery is located |
| * wires run to a [[electrical:solar:shunt_tweaking|$10 shunt]] solar [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|charge controller]] |
| * controller's BATTERY wires run from the controller to the starter battery. |
| * controller's LOAD wires run to outlet, power bus, etc |
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