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opinion:frater_secessus:car_micropower [2021/08/26 13:19]
frater_secessus [the controller] 		opinion:frater_secessus:car_micropower [2023/06/01 10:26] (current)
frater_secessus [picking panels]
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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.   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.  
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   * the SOLAR terminals will be left empty if one has no panels.  If you have panels those wires plug in here.  A 20A controller has been selected so one could run up to 200w of 12v panels with this setup.     * the SOLAR terminals will be left empty if one has no panels.  If you have panels those wires plug in here.  A 20A controller has been selected so one could run up to 200w of 12v panels with this setup.  
   * the BATTERY terminals connect to whatever your battery is:  starter battery for single-battery systems, the aux battery for dual-battery systems   * the BATTERY terminals connect to whatever your battery is:  starter battery for single-battery systems, the aux battery for dual-battery systems
-  * the LOAD terminals are where you take your 12v power from.  This is critical because the controller can be configured to turn that circuit off at a predetermined voltage like 12.7v;  this is called a [[electrical:12v:lvd|Low Voltage Disconnect]] (LVD).  Your battery cannot be drained when used this way.+  * the LOAD terminals are where you take your 12v power from.  This is critical because the controller can be configured to turn that circuit off at a predetermined voltage like 12.7v;  this is called a [[electrical:12v:lvd|Low Voltage Disconnect]] (LVD).  //Your starter battery cannot be drained// when this feature is used properly. 
   * the USB output is also controlled by the LVD.   * the USB output is also controlled by the LVD.
  
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 This kind of controller will [[electrical:solar:shunt_tweaking|harvest more power]] when used with panels that have a [[electrical:solar:panels#specifications|lower Vmp / higher Imp rating]].  Luckily these are often found on lower-priced [[electrical:solar:panels#polycrystalline|polycrystalline]] panels.  Big box stores like Home Depot often have 100w panels for $80 or less. Watch for sales. Otherwise [[https://amzn.to/3jgs1TS|$100 for 100w shipped]] is common on sites like Amazon.  This kind of controller will [[electrical:solar:shunt_tweaking|harvest more power]] when used with panels that have a [[electrical:solar:panels#specifications|lower Vmp / higher Imp rating]].  Luckily these are often found on lower-priced [[electrical:solar:panels#polycrystalline|polycrystalline]] panels.  Big box stores like Home Depot often have 100w panels for $80 or less. Watch for sales. Otherwise [[https://amzn.to/3jgs1TS|$100 for 100w shipped]] is common on sites like Amazon. 
  
-If you have the ability to mount "framed"((mounted in hard aluminum frames)) [[electrical:solar:car|on your vehicle]] I encourage you to do it;  the panels will always be deployed and working with no effort from you.  +If you have the ability to mount "framed"((mounted in hard aluminum frames)) panels [[electrical:solar:car|on your vehicle]] I encourage you to do it;  the panels will always be deployed and working with no effort from you.   
 + 
 +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.  DO NOT FLEX THEM or walk on them no matter what they are called.   
 + 
 +===== 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.  
  
-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. 
  
 ===== caveats ===== ===== caveats =====
opinion/frater_secessus/car_micropower.1629998344.txt.gz · Last modified: 2021/08/26 13:19 by frater_secessus

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