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opinion:frater_secessus:car_micropower

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opinion:frater_secessus:car_micropower [2021/08/26 13:14]
frater_secessus [configuring the controller] 		opinion:frater_secessus:car_micropower [2023/06/01 10:24]
frater_secessus
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 +Note: this is a streamlining of [[electrical:solar:shallow_cycling|the shallow cycling article]].
 +
 ====== Micropower for car-dwellers ====== ====== Micropower for car-dwellers ======
  
 People with minimal power needs (a few amps a night) may be able to get by using just a bit of charge off the vehicle's starter battery.  It can be done for about $25, or about $100 with 100w of solar if one shops around. People with minimal power needs (a few amps a night) may be able to get by using just a bit of charge off the vehicle's starter battery.  It can be done for about $25, or about $100 with 100w of solar if one shops around.
  
-Note: this is a streamlining of [[electrical:solar:shallow_cycling|the shallow cycling article]].+
  
  
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 [[https://amzn.to/3jczu6l|{{ https://img.mousetrap.net/misc/shunt20a.jpg?150}}]] [[https://amzn.to/3jczu6l|{{ https://img.mousetrap.net/misc/shunt20a.jpg?150}}]]
-The core of the system is an inexpensive single-stage [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|solar charge controller]].  No, solar is not required. +The core of the system is an inexpensive single-stage [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|solar charge controller]].((sometimes called a "shunt" controller))  No, solar is not required.  
 + 
 +The [[https://amzn.to/3jczu6l|20A example]] pictured here was ~$15 at the time of writing.  They are simple, generic devices sold under many names.  The 10A versions are closer to $10.  
  
 This kind of controller is used because: This kind of controller is used because:
  
   * it is cheap   * it is cheap
-  * it is very compact +  * it is compact for ease of mounting in small spaces 
-  * it can prevent overuse of the battery+  * it can prevent draining the battery
   * it has USB outlets   * it has USB outlets
   * it allow panels to be added if desired   * it allow panels to be added if desired
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 If this is not an option you may want to deploy portable panels which are stored when not in use.  Because of their light weight and storability (?) flex panels are often used as portables.  They tend to cost about 2x as much as framed panels, do not last as long, and can difficult to prop up in breezes. If this is not an option you may want to deploy portable panels which are stored when not in use.  Because of their light weight and storability (?) flex panels are often used as portables.  They tend to cost about 2x as much as framed panels, do not last as long, and can difficult to prop up in breezes.
 +
 +===== using alternator power =====
 +
 +You may want to install an isolator to [[electrical:12v:alternator#isolator_without_a_house_battery|pull more 12v power into the cabin]] while driving. This does //not// require an aux battery setup.  
 +
  
 ===== caveats ===== ===== caveats =====
opinion/frater_secessus/car_micropower.txt · Last modified: 2023/06/01 10:26 by frater_secessus

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