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rv:car [2021/05/20 15:24]
frater_secessus [harnessing alternator power] 		rv:car [2023/06/24 13:42] (current)
mahkato [resources] add video discussion
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   * DO **use the power of the alternator** whenever you are using the vehicle.  Even on small cars the alternator has the capacity to make enough power to put typical solar setups to shame.     * DO **use the power of the alternator** whenever you are using the vehicle.  Even on small cars the alternator has the capacity to make enough power to put typical solar setups to shame.  
   * on the other hand, **DON'T** idle the vehicle just to spin the alternator.   * on the other hand, **DON'T** idle the vehicle just to spin the alternator.
-  * DO leverage [[electrical:shore_power|shore power]] (wall power) whenever you can appropriately access it:  restaurants, libraries, coffee shopse, etc. +  * DO leverage [[electrical:shore_power|shore power]] (wall power) whenever you can appropriately access it:  restaurants, libraries, coffee shops, work, school, etc. 
  
 ==== harnessing alternator power ==== ==== harnessing alternator power ====
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 The most common way to access alternator power is through the [[electrical:12v:ports#the_cigarette_outlet|cigarette lighter]], sometimes called an accessory power port.   The most common way to access alternator power is through the [[electrical:12v:ports#the_cigarette_outlet|cigarette lighter]], sometimes called an accessory power port.  
  
-Cigarette lighters outlets are typically fused at 10A, so it's safest to assume you will only be able to pull **120w** total from them without popping a fuse. +Cigarette lighters outlets are typically fused at 10A, so it's safest to assume you will only be able to pull **120w** total from them without popping a fuse.  Pro tip:  check the fuse sizes for your car and carry extras, especially fuses for the ciggy port. 
  
  
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   * inverters have inefficiencies, up to about 20%, which will increase the load over what is indicated on your AC device's sticker. For these reasons I wouldn't try to run anything with a sticker wattage of more than ~100w.   * inverters have inefficiencies, up to about 20%, which will increase the load over what is indicated on your AC device's sticker. For these reasons I wouldn't try to run anything with a sticker wattage of more than ~100w.
   * small inverters are typically [[electrical:inverter#modified_sine_wave|modified sine wave]], which isn't approprate for all types of loads.  Small pure sine wave inverters do exist (example:  [[https://amzn.to/3hLI2kj|Bestek 300w PSW]], but take care not to exceed the port's capacity.   * small inverters are typically [[electrical:inverter#modified_sine_wave|modified sine wave]], which isn't approprate for all types of loads.  Small pure sine wave inverters do exist (example:  [[https://amzn.to/3hLI2kj|Bestek 300w PSW]], but take care not to exceed the port's capacity.
-  * inverters with cords that plug into the port put less mechanical strain on the port than [[https://amzn.to/3hLI2kj|units that plug directly in]].  If you own an all-in-one plugin you may want to use an [[https://amzn.to/3hGxQJT|extension/splitter]] to minimize stress on the ciggy port. +  * inverters with cords that plug into the port put less mechanical strain on the port than [[https://amzn.to/3hLI2kj|units that plug directly in]].  If you own an all-in-one plugin you may want to use an [[https://amzn.to/3hGxQJT|extension/splitter]] to minimize stress on the ciggy port. If the port is your only source of power you want to treat it gently. 
  
 === starter battery === === starter battery ===
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 Running wire (with appropriate fuse) from the engine compartment to the passenger compartment will allow you to run larger loads while driving.  Example:  [[food:cooking:excess_power#ac_inverter|cooking with excess power]] while on a road trip or long commute.  Running wire (with appropriate fuse) from the engine compartment to the passenger compartment will allow you to run larger loads while driving.  Example:  [[food:cooking:excess_power#ac_inverter|cooking with excess power]] while on a road trip or long commute. 
 +
  
  
 === USB ports === === USB ports ===
  
-Newer vehicles may also have USB ports.+Newer vehicles may also have USB ports for charging small devices like phones and tablets.  
 + 
 + 
 +==== solar power ==== 
 + 
 +Solar power has substantial benefits including: 
 + 
 +  * power when the vehicle is off 
 +  * silence 
 +  * ability to charge starter battery 
 + 
 +but takes physical space that is not always available in cars.   The [[electrical:solar:panels|panels]] themselves are rather large and require wiring to connect them wherever the power is to be routed. 
 + 
 +See:  [[electrical:solar:car|solar for cars]], [[electrical:solar:gentle_intro|gentle intro to solar]] 
 +==== shore power ==== 
 + 
 +> having shore power is the vandweller equivalent of winning the lottery - secessus 
 + 
 +[[electrical:shore_power|Shore power]] is wall power, places where you can plug in.  If you are "driveway surfing" or renting a campsite with a power pedestal you may have the option of running an [[https://amzn.to/3u5zLdu|outdoor-rated extension cord]] to your car.   
 +===== power storage ===== 
 + 
 +Storing excess power may be the most challenging aspect;  the starter battery holds power but that should be reserved for starting the vehicle.   
 + 
 + 
 +==== solar generators ==== 
 + 
 +[[lifestyle:faq_solar_generator|Solar generators]] are a simple although relatively-expensive solution to power storage in cars.   
 + 
 +They can be charged from the cigarette outlet or from solar panels, or from wall power while you are at work or in a place where outlet power is available. It may be counterintuitive, but depending on the device's specifications it may actually charge faster using a small inverter to run the wall charger than using the cigarette outlet cord.((it's less efficient to go 12vdc - 120vac - 12vdc but the alternator's huge power output makes the inefficiency a non-issue)) 
 + 
 +==== usb power bricks ==== 
 +[[https://amzn.to/3f7mI7j|{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71PYhWFaWEL._AC_UY218_.jpg?125}}]] 
 +People with limited power needs (charge phone, run personal fan) may do fine with a USB power brick (example:  [[https://amzn.to/3f7mI7j|Anker 20,000mAh portable charger]].  Charge from wall power when available or from USB adapter while the car is running.   
 + 
 +[[https://amzn.to/3vjgR48|Some units also have handwarmer functions]] which may be useful in cold weather.((secessus uses that one))  
 + 
 +Power ratings can be a bit confusing;  the 20,000mAh unit above is more plainly understood as 20A @ 5v.((USB voltage is 5v)).  While it may look like a marketing ploy, it is also a historical artifact from when lithium batteries were quite small and 150mAh was easier to parse than something like 0.0150Ah.   
 +==== jump packs ==== 
 + 
 +[[https://amzn.to/3u8o7P7|{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51BMOMd637L._AC_UY218_.jpg?125}}]] 
 + 
 +[[https://amzn.to/3u8o7P7|Jump packs]] are USB power packs on steroids.  They tend to have larger internal capacity and also the ability to produce 12v to help start dead car batteries.  The unit shown here also has a ~60w inverter built in for light loads. 
 +==== auxilliary batteries ==== 
 + 
 +Aux battery setups are typically used in [[electrical:12v:intro|larger power configurations]] like you might find in campervans. 
 + 
 + 
  
-==== power stations ====+===== Resources =====
  
 +  * **Video discussion:**
 +    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_o0snhETC0|Robert Witham #2]]
 +    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjCJ6ZDcgXY|Living in a car by choice or necessity]] - rwitham       
  
-==== USB power bricks ==== 
  
  
rv/car.1621538652.txt.gz · Last modified: 2021/05/20 15:24 by frater_secessus

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