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electrical:solar:shallow_cycling [2020/11/30 18:22]
frater_secessus [components]
electrical:solar:shallow_cycling [2023/04/08 13:41] (current)
frater_secessus [shallow-cycling]
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-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]]. 
 + 
 +[[opinion:frater_secessus:car_micropower|Here]] is a trimmed-down version of this page. 
  
 ====== microsolar without deep-cycle batteries ====== ====== microsolar without deep-cycle batteries ======
  
-This article describes a small, cheap, simple, space-efficient solar configuration that may be of use to cardwellers or minimalist vandwellers.  Benefits:+This article describes a small, cheap, simple, space-efficient solar configuration that may be of use to car-dwellers or minimalist vandwellers.  
  
-* provides 12v power during daylight +Benefits:
-* will never deplete the starter battery so you get stranded +
-* actively maintains the starter battery+
  
-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)).  +  * extremely inexpensive 
 +  * provides 12v power and USB power during daylight 
 +  * could run small [[electrical:inverter|inverter]] loads (<100w?), up to the ability of the panels to deliver.  Note:  inverters impose additional losses (typical 10-20%) which can be significant in microsolar setups.  Running loads from native DC power is usually preferable. 
 +  * will never deplete the starter battery so you get stranded 
 +  * 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. 
  
 +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)).  
  
 +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
-  - the controller's LOAD output disconnects (LVD) at 100% SoC (~12.7v) +  - 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 //re//connects (LVR) at ~13.0v) +  - the controller's LOAD output disconnects when battery voltage falls to 100% ((LVD))  - no more power is provided 
-  - 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. +  - the controller's LOAD output //re//connects when charging and battery voltage has risen to >= ~13.0v((LVR)) - power once again flows 
 +  
  
 ==== components ==== ==== components ====
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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, if desired.  An outlet with USB ports in it would allow the controller itself to be mounted discreetly and closer to the battery.
  
 ==== a word about battery voltage and solar power ==== ==== a word about battery voltage and solar power ====
  
-Simple solar charge controllers like these make different amounts of power depending on a bunch of factors.  One of them you can control is battery voltage. This is the max output of the 100w HQST at various battery voltages:+Simple solar charge controllers like these make different amounts of power depending [[electrical:solar:output|on a bunch of factors]].  One of them you can control is battery voltage. This is the max output of the 100w HQST at various battery voltages:
  
  
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 ===== shallow-cycling ===== ===== shallow-cycling =====
  
-//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** so you can add distilled water;  they will outgas a bit under heavy use.+//Shallow-cycling// is a more aggressive approach, allowing for more power in the daytime and some power for use after sundown.  It may also allow the use of inverter loads that have startup surges.  This approach is most **suitable for starter batteries with removable cell caps** so you can add distilled water;  they will outgas a bit under heavy use.
  
 The charging setpoint is set somewhat higher, ~14.2v.  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, ~14.2v.  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.
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 +===== getting more power into the cabin =====
  
  
 +see [[electrical:12v:alternator#isolator_without_a_house_battery|this article]]
electrical/solar/shallow_cycling.1606778576.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/11/30 18:22 by frater_secessus