Recent content by Chris42404

Here’s another thought on a similar vein. What about having a system that monitors the output power of a charge controller and actively adds on more panels via relays if there is spare output capacity available. Then if the output of the controller is pegged, drop out panels to keep the charge...

I’m doing a very similar thing. Harvesting tons of laptop and drill batteries. Built 5x 7s20p packs, balanced and spec’d at 43.5Ah per pack, for just over 200Ah for the whole system. Emergency backup power in my house to keep the furnace and fridge running when the power goes out

I would definitely scrap the pinholes cells. Some of them will actually leak some kind of (electrolyte?) fluid. Most likely, your time is too long. I also wouldn’t grind on the cells. Your best bet is to peel the old contacts off and snip the old welds with some tiny side cutters. That way the...

Makes good sense. I’ve personally not been a big fan of Victron controllers because they seemed to under size their battery cable connection points. I’ve seen guys have a lot of problems with them overheating. May just because nobody torque specs the lugs, but better safe than sorry IMHO. I’ve...

I didn’t see your post until after I said the same thing. The Easy Start controllers are very handy items. I’ve played with several of them myself and they have never skipped a beat for me. A lathe as opposed to a compressor is kind of off of an off label application, but I bet it would work

In terms of a VFD for that size of motor, you might be able to look at a MicroAir soft start controller. They are typically used for roof AC units in motorhomes, but they are fantastic for mitigating the inrush current when the AC’s compressor fires. I’ve played with these several times and they...

What are your guys’ thoughts on overpaneling or “overclocking” a good quality MPPT controller? I typically work with Outback, Midnite and Magnum MPPT controllers and have often thought: would slightly overloading a controller with more solar wattage help ensure that the controller can constantly...