It is nice to interact with people that think and dream like me.
My wife thinks I am nuts when we talk about our dream retirement home and I say an energy efficient 1500 square foot home attached to a 10,000 sq. Ft. shop/garage.
But I bet you all understand!
(A place to work on all my projects...
I agree with Tulex. Some of the most interesting and informative posts have been ones that are off topic or at least topic adjacent from the original post.
I feel that what you have now is working and engaging. If it starts to get too regulated or restricted the forum will become less...
My UPS tracking numbers were created (label ceated) when Amy packaged them up and sent them to the ship.
They didn't have any other info until UPS got their hands on them in the Sates (looks like the ship docked in Long Beach).
My label was created on May 8th.
The boat was scheduled to arrive...
My cases all went together awesome. I did instal the class T fuse on inside of the case. I countersunk holes for flathead screws. My local Ace hardware even had black M6 screws. To me, it looks clean and no brackets were needed.
I had to use 90° lugs on the fuse holder to make it fit nice.
The...
In answering the title of the thread, it would not be linear at all.
The modeling for something like battery decay is almost always an exponential function as they are typically a percent loss per unit time.
these formulas tend to be something like battery capacity=initial capacity-a*b^t.
The...
I think if you don't enjoy it then buy a battery.
The built batteries are getting more cost effective with great warranties. Buy the time you do the research on building your own and then sourcing the materials, it isn't really cost effective if you would rather spend your time doing other...
Yes, the problem is it is too bright when you check the forum in the middle of the night, not that you are waking up in the middle of the night to check the forum! :p
Complete addicts.
I say this as I was thinking dark mode won't wake up my wife.
Of course, if you follow @sunshine_eggo there is...
I don't know who did the lobbying to require those "anti-spill" gas cans, but they aren't! They suck and always seem to make more of a mess than the good old fashioned spout with a vent on the top of the other side.
I agree with @Dooug.
For RVs, the sweet spot seems to be 24V. Many RVs have 3 battery systems (motor, house, and storage bank) two of which are almost guaranteed to be 12V. There seem to be so many more options for chargers and converters if you are just going back and forth from 12V & 24V...
You do know that the car company Fisker is not related or spelled the same as Fiskars the tool company.
Fisker is a poorly managed automotive company started by Danish automotive designer Henrik Fiskerthat in Southern California and could very well spend almost as much time in the courts as it...
With 1:1 net metering the reason to add batteries should depend on how reliable the electricity for the grid is. The issue with using the grid as the battery is that no matter how much solar you have if the grid goes down, you have no power.
If you want to power anything when the grid goes...
I think to blame the failure of Fisker on EVs is a mistake. Fisker has a long track record of poor management. How does a billion dollar valuation company lose orders and payment records?
Fiskar is going down because it was run in a way that would destroy any company. Its as simple as that.
I'm old enough to remember punch cards and being so excited to get an 80 column graphics card.
But all this talk of remembering back about building computers does remind me of the classic Monty Python skit about "back in our day" (which I am so guilty of).
Oh how times have changed. My kids...
You can get the 2 Amp version (JK-PB2A16S15P) at Shenzhen Luyuan on Alibaba for $86. They also have your JK-B2A24S15P for $78. Just remember the form factor for the two BMS that you asked about are very different. The PB-series is about twice as long as the B-series.
Shenzhen Luyuan on...
Woo hoo!
I my UPS tracking number says they will be delivered Wednesday!
Forty 304Ah cells, steel cases, and JK-BMS.
It will be so nice to have all this power in my RV!
That is still pretty nice!
I just ordered 4 of the 304A battery kits from Amy. Plus a 12v to switch my RV house battery over to lithium.
Now the hardest part is waiting! I feel like a 6 year old who knows their getting a new bike for their birthday.... but it's two months away. (Is it here...
Find out exactly the terms of any agreements you have with the power company or tax incentives before you do anything!
And be very careful messing with them. A lot of the deals made in the past are way better that anything you can get today.
Power companies are looking for any excuse to get...
You can just call Century Fuel Products and tell them what model you have and they will sell it to you over the phone.
There are also lots of fuel converters on Amazon.
I would do it on your big generator (if it is in good shape). It's the least portable and you will only be using it for...
Nevada law (278.0208) does not allow HOAs to restrict solar systems.
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/NRS-278.html#NRS278Sec0208
Also Nevada Assembly Bill 405 (passed in 2017) requires Utilities to allow customers to be able to install solar generation and energy storage. It also sets up net...
@PreppenWolf that is such a cool analogy! Thanks.
To me, the real masters are not the ones who who understand the complexities, but the ones who understand the complexities so well that they can put it in terms that the rest of us can have an idea of what's going on.
If you are going to pull new wires, say hello to your new best friend! (y)
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/wire-and-cable-pulling-lubricant/wire-pulling-foam-lubricant
Also use actual wire pull string. You do not want it to break 1/3 of the way! I always run 2 strings back or attach a...
I bet all the CenterPoint executives have backup systems at their homes.
A few years ago, an electrician was telling me about installing a whole house generator for a local electric company exec. He was laughing because the exec wanted to make sure that it was completely out of site.
I think this law pretty much neutered the HOAs on the issue. I have a buddy that lives in Vegas and he installed solar pretty much as soon as the law was passed. His HOA huffed and puffed but couldn't do anything about it. Now, I think almost all his neighbors have solar.
In reading the...
I have 24V cases from Luyuan and was able to fit T-class fuses on the inside of the case. I found black 6mm hex screws ar my local ACE hardware, so they are almost invisible from the outside of the case.
I'm with @50ShadesOfDirt on this one.
Basically build a UPS for your place. Instead of spending money on solar, spend money on battery capacity that will get you through to outages and then use the grid to charge the system.
This way the power is there from the moment you need it. Also...
You might want to make sure the HOA is following Texas Property code section 202.010 in how they are resricting you.
In replying to another thread I found a website that list the laws for each state's solar install rights. Many states have laws that prohibit restricting solar access and even in...
Yes, each battery should connect directly to its own set of terminals in the Power-in or whatever bus bars you use.
Yes, the power-in is just a bus bar. A really nice bus bar. The "stacking" nature of the positive and negative terminals make for a really clean install and conserves space. You...
You want to pull them all at once. Separate pulls can burn or wear through the sheathing of the cables inside the conduit.
If possible, I always use bigger conduit that I think I need. There is less fighting the pull. As you are digging a trench anyway, drop an extra second conduit above...
I have to stip and repaint our fence in the next few weks.
I laughed about you dealing with your dog. When we last painted the fence, our dog "helped". At some point I noticed trees, bushes, and even a my truck had tail height stipes of stain! Plus, there were tail height streakes on the...
In the AWG wire sizing system every 6 sizes is double the diameter and, more importantly, every 3 wire sizes is double the cross sectional area.
If you want to know why or a little history on it read below. ↓ (warning contains math)
The AWG numbering system is based on the number of draw dyes...
Apparently China just switched on a new solar farm with over 5,260,000 panels that will be a 3.5 gigawatt operation.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/worlds-largest-solar-plant-featuring-083000242.html
Go ahead and figure out solar charge controllers for that one! :p
I put my t-class fuses inside the battery case between the internal breaker and case terminal. I was told to put them as close to the battery as possible, so inside the box seemed to be as close as you can get!
Just remember there are two different sizes of fuses and thus fuse holders. Less than...
I really wouldn't use anything to store potable water that is not labeled as food safe and preferably know the chain of custody.
Especially if they are any kind of plastic. Most plastic has rough surfaces and can easily bond with chemicals. This bond can not be removed with regular cleaning...
"..shipped by airmail..."?
I did not need to know that was an option.
So I can chat with Amy late at night and get small light things delivered rather quickly? Not good for my addictive traits and poor after hours decision making!
@AC/DC if you just want to be able to (manually) switch everything on a single circuit from grid to generator/solar/battery that is fairly straight forward with a manual transfer switch.
It is done at the panel so there is no messing with the wiring in the walls other than possibly around your...
Crap! I really should stop watching this thread.
You all have already fueled my addictions enough with the solar batteries and enough blue going into my RV to make @sunshine_eggo feel like a proud papa smurf.
Now my wife caught me surfing the web looking at 3D printers, which I tried to change...
My bigger fear is when the automated cars all start networking.
Then there is a whole ethical debate of the machines deciding who lives and who dies in an accident situation.
I don't want my car sacrificing me to save a vehicle that seats more people. And then, those in know or with the...
I used to be a carpenter. As soon as someone cut themselves, the concern was "Don't bleed on the woodwork!"
I once had an apprentice that quit because I was more concerned with him bleeding on the work than the cut he had.
But I walked the talk. I cut the tip of my thumb off on a table saw...
@sunshine_eggo I had no idea how much a commitment it would be to follow you. The problem is, that you post so much useful stuff that I now can't unfollow you!
Well that sucks.
It seems no politician is above being bought out.
Just pass a simple one paragraph law giving the right for individuals to be able to do what they need to do, to use the item they bought.
Either honor a warranty or let me fix it. It should be as simple as that.
Gas turbines may not be efficient, but they sure sound cool!
Listen to a helecopter ramping up the engine, or even cooler, the M1 Abrams tank! I love that sound!
I have dreamed of having a Batmobile with a gas turbine engine for 50 years. (I know the Batmobile had a rocket engine, but that's...
I believe the 304A are just a hair larger than the 280A but not enough that everything still fit really nice.
The cell 4 to 5 busbar is bare copper and came with the heat shrink. I just followed what @Zwy did in his video: give them a little sanding with some 220 grit, then wiped them with...
After a certain age, no jiggling is required. The gas just comes out.
I'm only a few years away from sounding like an old putt-putt truck whenever I walk.
Welcome to the forum!
Your issue is pretty different than what I am building so you might get more traction if you start a new thread. Maybe something like "Help on European Victron Quattro in US."
Either way, what you really need is @sunshine_eggo to help you. He bleads Vicron Blue and is...
@Will Prowse are you up for a ridiculous challenge?
You should make a series of project videos to see if you can make a battery that actually looks like that!
Just because..
Yes, the under 200A T-class fuses are a little shorter than the 225A to 400A. I got caught on this trying to fit 200A fuses in >200A fuse holders. I was in a position that I needed to make it work so I was able to carefully grind out the openings on the fuses to make them fit. I am sure that is...
@gzuzmex your question is a good one that I would like to get some clarity on. Here is what I found when I was trying to figure out my system. I really hope one of the electrical gurus on the site like @timselectric can help verify, clarify, or correct me (please).
I think this is how it works...
I think the model s has been a pretty good and reliable car.
My parents have one of the very first model s ever made. They just replaced their battery pack last winter. The pack still had about 75% capasity. The car has about 250k miles and they still love it. Other than the loss battery...
You can get them from Amy Wan (Luyuan) on Alibaba (the only reason I registered on Alibaba). She is amazing. Search "Amy Wan" or "Luyuan" this site and I think you will find nothing but great reviews for over 4 years.
Here is her page for busbars (she has flexible, solid, and mesh in both...
@ArthurEld I am really sorry to hear about your cancer. I have enjoyed and learned a lot from your contributions on this forum.
I hope the you are able to beat the odds you were reading about. The good news is that each year you can stick with us, there are good chances for new developments...
I think one of the coolest cars ever built is the White Zombie. The White Zombie is a 1972 electrified Datsun owned by it's creator, John Wayland. Who has used it as a daily driver since about 2007.
I don't know the current stats because the car has been evolving for over 20 years. But, as of...
I can't speak for Docan, but in my experience Amy at Luyuan continously gives some of the best customer service ever. Including compared to any US company. Just be sure to use the chat to get that customer service and the correct shipping.
Oh, not even close. You can still see workbench surface!
Unless it has a enough depth of crap piled to have an archeological dig quality to it, it's not even in the running. ;)
I know. Go big or go home, right!?
A co-worker pointed out that is almost what his Nissan Leaf has.
The reason is that we like disbursed "camping" in the middle of no where. When you are out there, the sound of a generator really kills the vibe.
I want enough power to be able to go at least...
Be careful! This is one of the best forums I have seen or been on. I find it very open, informative, and supportive.
I find differing (but respectful) opinions to be a valuable tool for me to learn from.
While it is valuable to always try to improve, remember the motto "If it ain't broke...
That's why we got a class A and love it.
It pretty much eliminated the never ending "are we there yet?" and "how much longer?"
Packing two kids in and out of hotels is a pain and something always seems to get lost or forgotten. And we like the flexibility of random roaming and do a lot of...
@ArthurEld you are killing me!
First you let us know that Amy can ship by air, which has taken every bit of (pathetically weak) willpower I have not order something. Now you show that you got your stuff in a week!
Now I know my next glass of scotch is going to cost me several hundred dollars...
@RV8R it sounds like you are doing awesome with your system.
One thing that caught my attention is that you said you don't currently don't use your generators much for 6 months at a time. As you keep improving your system they will probably get used even less.
This could cause issues with gas...
Well waiting 45 minutes to drive if you didn't plan ahead would suck. I guess the people I know must leave their Teslas constantly heating.
I know their cars seem to be constantly cycling the fans or A/C in the summer because you can hear the system always cycling on and off.
My favorite...
This is worthless without context. If 90% of automated miles were done by Teslas, then they could be much safer than other brands.
Same thing with claiming automated driving is more dangerous that humans controlling the vehicle. What is the accident rate per mile?
Just throwing out numbers...
As The Great Eggo said there is no reason to have batteries in a grid tied system unless they are there as a backup when the grid is down. In a grid tied system, the grid is essentially your battery!
I would really question trusting any installer that tried to get you to buy batteries without...
That is awesome!
But I did not see that one coming! Where do you get a set of bones for a prehistoric Bison? Is there some really cool tinker crate for adults that I don't know about?
Even my local Victron dealer is not a big fan of the Lynx shunt.
In fact, they build a kit that does exactly what you all suggest with a smart shunt and a switch on a custom mounting plate.
https://artek.energy/products/jrd-lynx-shim-plate?variant=47813874352411
The plate is CNC'd so the wires...
@Bongerscc if all you want is to take some pre-charged batteries with you to power you CPAP, then just get a 12v DC charger for your AirSense 11 and a 12v socket that you can directly hook up to a spare battery. This will cost about $50 plus the battery and whatever you need to charge the...
So they are claiming that is a 48V 100Ah battery that weighs 1.8kg (4pounds)? That would be amazing considering a single EVE 3.2V 105Ah cell weighs more than that at 1.98kg (4.365 pounds)!
At best something is only about 6% of what they are claiming.
What kind of mobile system are you wanting to build?
If it is for an RV then 24V makes sense as it is a middle ground and fitting 48V batteries in RVs can be a challenge.
If your mobile system is a cart, then maybe the size and weight of the batteries won't be such an issue.
Thanks @paul65k
I am going with two of the Multiplus 1 24v 3000W. I think that will be plenty to run both A/C units (one on each inverter). The Multiplus are shorter so that can sit upright in one of my garage bays.
The Quattro would be awesome for more power and to have that generator...
I replaced my motorcycle battery with a lithium battery and had the similar awesome results. Now, I don't even trickle charge it over the winter. The bike can sit for 6 months and fire right up!
My biggest issue was that the battery was so small compared to stock that I had to put some...
The Columbia George (Oregon/Washington border) has some world class Apple orchards and it gets really cold and very windy.
I used to have a co-worker that had an apple orchard at the eastern base of Mount hood. It was bitter miserable in the winter. But they grew amazing apples. Their entire...
If you are going with lead batteries putting 6V in seies to get the desired voltage is better because in 6V deep cycle batteries the plates in the batteries are thicker. So they are more durable and will last longer.
Lithium is different because they need a BMS and you really want a BMS to be...
@Boughtnotbuilt have you considered forming a deeded utility co-op and then using that as the utility for a community solar program?
As part of the initial infrastructure development, you create a large central solar array and energy storage. Then run feeds as part of the master plat...
With cells getting bigger you can end up with 200 lb plus batteries. These are hard enough to handle in a shed and almost impossible in a mobile platform. But four 50lb batteries in series is a lot more manageable.
So the idea that the BMSs of smaller batteries in series could communicate and...
Such a tease, Steve!
I hope one will be for a 12V case. Building both your 24V cases and the Luyuan's 12V steel case, the 12V case feels so crude and jimmy rigged (no compression, no holes for ports, no mount for BMS).
I am ordering screens for the 12V cases and I will have to cut out the hole...
You can trust Amy Wan of Luyuan on Alibaba (https://szluyuan.en.alibaba.com/).
Great reviews and she was awesome for me with great communication. She has had a great reputation on this site for a number of years. I don't think I could find a negative review in her. Amy at Luyuan is the only...
Maybe they did bond it underground. I know there was no connection in the house. I just remember it was a really expensive add-on that I didn't think we needed in Oregon.
Unfortunately the framer talked to the clients and freaked them out.
There was a lot of very expensive cable going from a...
Thanks for clarifying Papa Smurf!
I just picked up all the blue I need to put a dual 24V multiplus 3000W system in my RV and it includes a cerbo GX MK2 and a touch 70.
Thanks.
It looks like I will have to experiment a bit. I wouldn't think that I would want anything in the battery box getting over 100°F.
The 3A is the output from the BMS port. With a 24V BMS 72W makes sense as (24V)(3A)=72W. So then does that mean as long as I keep the sum of the all the...
That's why you should just call them. That is all I do. I am pretty sure I have been using their products since before most companies had websites.
Actually, I have only used their website to look up the number (Century Fuel Products 734-728-0300). They are a 9 to 5 EST company.
I am pretty...
I will do. Thanks for all the help you provide! I doubt I would be installing my system without all the support and guidance from forum members like you. I hope you will be around this coming week as I install all this blue stuff. 🙂 🙏
Just when we get all this figured out, current LFP will be replaced by solid state batteries.
Solid state batteries have an energy density that is at least a magnitude greater energy density than current lithium batteries. They are also supposed to be more fire resistant and be able to charge...
Be careful with the Victron MultiPlus & Quatro 2x120V inverters.
Most RV and portable residential 120/240 generators are actually two 120V outputs in phase (like is supplied from an Onan or old Generac RV generator or the 14-50 outlet on a residential portable generator).
I issue is that I...