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electrical:solar:shallow_cycling [2020/11/30 18:27] frater_secessus [how it works] |
electrical:solar:shallow_cycling [2023/04/08 13:18] frater_secessus [components] |
Note: this information should be regarded as experimental. It is [[https://boondockplan.wordpress.com/tag/shallow-cycling/|being tested]] by secessus. | Note: this information should be regarded as experimental. It is [[https://boondockplan.wordpress.com/tag/shallow-cycling/|being tested]] by secessus. Beginners may want to start with a [[electrical:solar:gentle_intro|gentle intro to solar]]. |
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| [[opinion:frater_secessus:car_micropower|Here]] is a trimmed-down version of this page. |
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====== microsolar without deep-cycle batteries ====== | ====== microsolar without deep-cycle batteries ====== |
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This article describes a small, cheap, simple, space-efficient solar configuration that may be of use to cardwellers or minimalist vandwellers. | This article describes a small, cheap, simple, space-efficient solar configuration that may be of use to car-dwellers or minimalist vandwellers. |
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Benefits: | Benefits: |
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* provides 12v power during daylight | * extremely inexpensive |
| * provides 12v power and USB power during daylight |
* will never deplete the starter battery so you get stranded | * will never deplete the starter battery so you get stranded |
* actively maintains the starter battery | * actively maintains the starter battery |
| * taking power from the controller uses less power than using the car's ACCessory position, since other car electronics are not being energized. |
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Instead of deep-cycling like someone might in an RV, the idea here is the starter battery can be used but never dragged below 100% state of charge)). | Instead of deep-cycling like someone might in an RV, the idea here is the starter battery can be used but never dragged below 100% state of charge)). |
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| It does require a bit of discipline and forethought to run bigger loads during the daytime when excess power is available. |
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- a simple [[electrical:solar:charge_controller#shunt|shunt charge controller]] holds the starter battery at a medium Float voltage (13.2 - 13.8v, see notes [[electrical:solar:shallow_cycling#charging_voltages_and_starter_batteries|below]]) when charging, this is below the gassing point | - a simple [[electrical:solar:charge_controller#shunt|shunt charge controller]] holds the starter battery at a medium Float voltage (13.2 - 13.8v, see notes [[electrical:solar:shallow_cycling#charging_voltages_and_starter_batteries|below]]) when charging, this is below the gassing point |
- 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]]. Since the load is disconnected below 12.7v the battery cannot be run down by loads. | - power is taken from [[electrical:solar:charge_controller#using_load_output|the controller's LOAD output]]; this ensures the starter battery is never discharged below [[electrical:12v:lvd|the intended setpoint]]. Since the load is disconnected below 12.7v the battery cannot be run down by loads. |
- the controller's LOAD output disconnects when battery voltage falls to 100% ((LVD)) | - the controller's LOAD output disconnects when battery voltage falls to 100% ((LVD)) - no more power is provided |
- the controller's LOAD output //re//connects when charging and battery voltage has risen to >= ~13.0v((LVR)) | - the controller's LOAD output //re//connects when charging and battery voltage has risen to >= ~13.0v((LVR)) - power once again flows |
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* vehicle with starter battery (you already have this!) | * vehicle with starter battery (you already have this!) |
* simple [[http://amzn.to/2z8Sd8Y|10A controller **with configurable setpoints**]]. The controller should be mounted in a location easy for easy access if the built-in USB ports are going to be used. | * simple [[http://amzn.to/2z8Sd8Y|10A controller **with configurable setpoints**]]. The controller should be mounted in a location easy for easy access if the built-in USB ports are going to be used. |
* small solar panel; 100W polycrystalline [[https://amzn.to/2Vi37Xhlike this one]] would work well | * small solar panel; 100W polycrystalline [[https://amzn.to/2Vi37Xhlike this one]] would work well. Home Depot and others have sales on 100w panels for as low as $73. If you are using a PWM controller a low Vmp spec is preferable. With MPPT a higher Vmp is preferable. |
* connector of some kind if panel is mounted off-vehicle; cable gland if the panels are mounted on the vehicle and the wire is passed through the | * connector of some kind if panel is mounted off-vehicle; cable gland if the panels are mounted on the vehicle and the wire is passed through the |
* wiring from panel to controller and from controller to starter battery | * wiring from panel to controller and from controller to starter battery |
* [[http://amzn.to/2xHjBi7|usb/12v power outlet]]. An outlet with USB ports in it would allow the controller itself to be mounted discreetly and closer to the battery. | * [[http://amzn.to/2xHjBi7|usb/12v power outlet]] wired to the LOAD output of the controller. An outlet with USB ports in it would allow the controller itself to be mounted discreetly and closer to the battery. |
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==== a word about battery voltage and solar power ==== | ==== a word about battery voltage and solar power ==== |
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| ===== getting more power into the cabin ===== |
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| see [[electrical:12v:alternator#isolator_without_a_house_battery|this article]] |