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electrical:solar:synopsis_puzzle2 [2017/07/31 17:06]
frater_secessus [Synopsis: HandyBob's RV Battery Charging Puzzle 2]
electrical:solar:synopsis_puzzle2 [2017/08/03 22:10]
frater_secessus
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 +This page aims to distill the knowledge contained in HandyBob's [[https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/the-rv-battery-charging-puzzle-2/|RV battery charging puzzle 2]] page. 
  
 +Particularly useful and pithy statements are quoted directly under fair use.
  
-This page aims to distill the knowledge contained in HandyBob's [[https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/the-rv-battery-charging-puzzle-2/|RV battery charging puzzle 2]] page. 
- 
-Particularly useful and pithy statements are quoted directly. 
  
 ====== Synopsis: HandyBob's RV Battery Charging Puzzle ====== ====== Synopsis: HandyBob's RV Battery Charging Puzzle ======
Line 65: Line 64:
 ===== converters ===== ===== converters =====
  
-Most OEM [[electrical:converter|converters]] are bad, functioning like trickle chargers.  Even the smart ones charge at too low a voltage and commence float too early.  They may get confused by [[electrical:12v:multipoint_charging|multipoint charging]].+Most OEM [[electrical:converter|converters]] are bad, functioning like trickle chargers.  Even the smart ones charge at too low a voltage and commence float too early.  They may get confused by multipoint charging. 
 + 
 +===== generators ===== 
 + 
 +A generator with DC battery charging output is better than running the converter or auto charger on 110v. 
 + 
 + 
 +===== solar ===== 
 + 
 +Bob runs his RV off 345W of panel and 450AH of 6v deep cycle batteries. 
 + 
 +> "Adding solar panels to an under wired system is like putting a big motor in a little car with a tiny drive train & skinny tires.  You can’t use the power."  -- HandyBob 
 + 
 +When seeking advice: 
 +> "Don’t ask the guy with solar panels and a generator running behind his rig on a sunny day."  -- HandyBob 
 + 
 + 
 +"Professional" installers may not be any good.  
 + 
 + 
 +===== charge controllers ===== 
 + 
 +Get an oversized [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|3-stage charge controller]] with an equalization function. 
 + 
 +Bob prefers Morningstar. 
 + 
 +===== MPPT boost controllers ===== 
 + 
 +They work but the gains are found in specific scenarios like deeply discharged batteries.  The gains are more likely to be 5%-10% over PWM. 
 + 
 + 
 +===== wiring ===== 
 + 
 +"Big wire" is cheaper than panels for a similar gain in power. 
 + 
 +Wiring from panels to controller is important;  wiring from the controller to batteries is critical. 
 + 
 +Use stranded wire, the type (building, automotive, welding) is less important.  Use UV-shielded wire for external runs. 
 + 
 +> "big wire is there to limit voltage drop, not to carry amps." -- HandyBob 
 + 
 + 
 +===== inverters ===== 
 + 
 +Use a properly sized [[electrical:inverter|inverter]] for the job;  this may mean owning more than one inverter. 
 + 
 +MSW is fine unless you know you have something that needs PSW:  "residential refrigerators, washing machines, some air purifiers, some desk top computers and Craftsman brand battery chargers." 
 + 
 +"Soft start" inverters work work well. 
 + 
 +Many inverters have a high voltage disconnect (Vhvd) of 15v.  Temperature compensated charge controllers can hit 15v easily. 
 + 
 +===== installation considerations ===== 
 + 
 +Install the charge controller near the batteries. 
 + 
 +Locate solar panels so they are not shaded. 
 + 
 +===== fusing ===== 
 + 
 +Bob prefers fuses to automotive-style circuit breakers.
  
 +Avoid fuse holders with springs in them.
  
 +Fuse every positive wire within a few inches of the battery.
  
  
electrical/solar/synopsis_puzzle2.txt · Last modified: 2020/10/11 19:48 (external edit)