So, as a signal of how you can solve things differently I create this thread. I see everybody keep adding batteries to there rigs. 2 batteries for starting (even if you have only 12v) and then two extra batteries for the equipment (fridge and stuff). But then, yes, the batteries need to be bigger for the coffeemachine, hairdryer etc etc. My approach is a bit different. And it is also to share experiences.
We drove our Toyota Hiace 4x4 campervan from Europe to Japan via Central Asia and Mongolia. Obviously we have a fridge and interior lights and a fan. Our fridge is one with a normal door (all the cold air falls out) and even has a freezer.
The power system consists of the following:
Then I configured the Victron to shut off the load exit (where our fridge and stuff connected to) at around 11.8 Volt.
Of course, as many people know, a voltage level is not the same as State of Charge, but at least it gave an indication. My main goal is of course to have the auxillery stuff work on the battery and solar panel, but not drain it too much as it still need to start the vehicle. I did some tests with outside temperatures of just around freezing temperature and that worked well. I even once measured a State of Charge of only 20% and it still started my cold diesel, although with a bit less oomph.
This of course limiting the capacity of the battery you can actually use. But, I have a big 175W solar panel that always manages to get us throughout the day. So, I only have to get through the night. And for that, the limited capacity was almost always enough.
And when I write almost always, there was one occassion when it did not work perfectly.
When it was 40+ degrees Celcius, seriously hot in Uzbekistan. No problem, sun enough you would think. Yes. But it did not cool down in the night AT ALL! Of course, you have this in more places and my system can cope with that.
But there, I think it was still 35+ degrees Celcius in the night, unbelievable. So the fridge is still continuously running during the night. And that is also the time when we run the fan, drawing more power during the night. So then it should down somewhere in the night. Fridge was still quite cool though, and of course the car still started easily.
The advantages of my system in my opinion are:
And then there are people who do much more stuff in the evening, like photo or movie editing on laptops on 230v and stuff. They may need more power. But most people just want to run their fridge, some interior lights and charge the phone or camera.
We drove our Toyota Hiace 4x4 campervan from Europe to Japan via Central Asia and Mongolia. Obviously we have a fridge and interior lights and a fan. Our fridge is one with a normal door (all the cold air falls out) and even has a freezer.
The power system consists of the following:
- Optima Yellow Top 75Ah (for starting and deep cycling)
- Victron Bluesolar 75V/15A with bluetooth
- Big solar panel of 175W and 40V peak (40Volt is no problem for the Victron)
This solar panel was a used one they normally put on houses, I managed to buy it for only 20 Euro
Then I configured the Victron to shut off the load exit (where our fridge and stuff connected to) at around 11.8 Volt.
Of course, as many people know, a voltage level is not the same as State of Charge, but at least it gave an indication. My main goal is of course to have the auxillery stuff work on the battery and solar panel, but not drain it too much as it still need to start the vehicle. I did some tests with outside temperatures of just around freezing temperature and that worked well. I even once measured a State of Charge of only 20% and it still started my cold diesel, although with a bit less oomph.
This of course limiting the capacity of the battery you can actually use. But, I have a big 175W solar panel that always manages to get us throughout the day. So, I only have to get through the night. And for that, the limited capacity was almost always enough.
And when I write almost always, there was one occassion when it did not work perfectly.
When it was 40+ degrees Celcius, seriously hot in Uzbekistan. No problem, sun enough you would think. Yes. But it did not cool down in the night AT ALL! Of course, you have this in more places and my system can cope with that.
But there, I think it was still 35+ degrees Celcius in the night, unbelievable. So the fridge is still continuously running during the night. And that is also the time when we run the fan, drawing more power during the night. So then it should down somewhere in the night. Fridge was still quite cool though, and of course the car still started easily.
The advantages of my system in my opinion are:
- Saving costs for extra batteries
- Saving weight and space for extra batteries (most important I think)
- Saving cost for big cabling as well charging solution between dual battery setup (diode, relais or charger)
- Much simpler to install
- The Victron system has a seperate thread here, but it allows connection with bluetooth and it allows to buy big solar panels for houses, which are much cheaper. Especially an old used panel by itself is not very tradable because you can barely apply it.
And then there are people who do much more stuff in the evening, like photo or movie editing on laptops on 230v and stuff. They may need more power. But most people just want to run their fridge, some interior lights and charge the phone or camera.
) or a lithium pack could start my car. Also with more cranks then normal. No endless cranks, that is for sure.
