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electrical:12v:alt_and_solar [2023/07/31 14:05] frater_secessus |
electrical:12v:alt_and_solar [2024/03/31 17:03] frater_secessus [Augmented solar charging] |
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[[lifestyle:words_of_wisdom|Words of wisdom]]: "Bulk charging requires //current//. Absorption requires //relatively high voltage// and //time at that voltage//." - secessus | > Solar and DC-DC alternator charging are going to be the best practices for maintaining charge in one's battery bank. It only requires a little math, a little discipline to stick with the math, and the right expectations about solar intake. -- CMDR_Schrodinger((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/15z8eh6/energy_management_during_trips/jxfv03f/)) |
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====== Augmented solar charging ====== | ====== Augmented solar charging ====== |
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Alternator + solar charging has considerable benefits over [[electrical:12v:alternator|alternator charging alone]], and over [[electrical:solar|solar alone]]. The alternator can help a small solar install punch well above its weight, [[opinion:frater_secessus:panelsizesforinsolation|acting like a much bigger install in areas of poor insolation]].((especially with PWM)) Solar can hold the bank at a higher state of charge, thereby reducing current demands on the alternator and allowing the use of smaller [[electrical:12v:b2b|DC-DC chargers]]. | Alternator + solar charging has considerable benefits over [[electrical:12v:alternator|alternator charging alone]], and over [[electrical:solar|solar alone]]. The alternator can help a small solar install punch well above its weight, [[opinion:frater_secessus:panelsizesforinsolation|acting like a much bigger install in areas of poor insolation]].((especially with PWM)) The alternator can help meet [[electrical:12v:charging#charging_current|lead bank minimum charging current requirements]]. Solar can hold the bank at a higher state of charge, thereby reducing current demands on the alternator and allowing the use of smaller [[electrical:12v:b2b|DC-DC chargers]]. |
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Note that adding alternator charging to the mix does not necessarily require a fancy, expensive isolator; in some ways [[electrical:12v:alternator#constant-duty_solenoid|the simple solenoid]] provides best bang-for-buck with the fewest drawbacks.((see the Gotchas section)) | Note that adding alternator charging to the mix does not necessarily require a fancy, expensive isolator; in some ways [[electrical:12v:alternator#constant-duty_solenoid|the simple solenoid]] provides best bang-for-buck with the fewest drawbacks.((see the Gotchas section)) |
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- the Li voltage curve is very flat in the middle, so the voltage delta will be stable through the "middle 80%" | - the Li voltage curve is very flat in the middle, so the voltage delta will be stable through the "middle 80%" |
- for average users, Li will not have an Absorption stage in the lead-chemistry sense.((advanced users may find [[electrical:12v:electrical:12v:drop-in_lifepo4#mythlithium_doesn_t_need_absorption|exceptions]] to this general statement)) | - for average users, Li will not have an Absorption stage in the lead-chemistry sense.((advanced users may find [[electrical:12v:drop-in_lifepo4#mythlithium_doesn_t_need_absorption|exceptions]] to this general statement)) |
- Lithium is often charged with DC-DC, which charges at the ~same voltage as solar | - Lithium is often charged with DC-DC, which charges at the ~same voltage as solar |
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