diy solar

diy solar

Recent content by Warpspeed

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    Heater element matched to solar panel output = diode string

    Typical commercial MPPT charge controllers recharging a battery, will seek and hold the peak power voltage during bulk recharging of the battery. Once the controller goes into absorb or float mode, loading on the solar panels is throttled back, and panel voltage is allowed to rise up towards...
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    Heater element matched to solar panel output = diode string

    That is the simplest and most efficient way to do it. Connect a relatively large capacitor across the solar voltage source (thousands to tens of thousands of uF recommended). That will be charged continuously by current from the solar panels. Allow the combined voltage to rise above the rated...
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    Potting compound - way to go, thoughts/suggestions?

    If the three cells are charged in parallel, and discharged in series, the cells should pretty much balance during charging. Thinking about it, you could just wire the three cells directly to a six pin socket. The lamp then has appropriate pins in the plug bridged for series connection. The...
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    Potting compound - way to go, thoughts/suggestions?

    Ideas can be interesting things. Even something impractical and crazy may trigger someone else into thinking along quite new and different lines. Group discussions among people with different backgrounds and experience can be very productive. Agree, an incompressible fluid, or fight pressure...
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    Potting compound - way to go, thoughts/suggestions?

    Probably totally impractical, but it should be possible to fit a very small gas bottle and regulator referenced to outside water pressure. That could theoretically keep the inside pressure just slightly above outside pressure by some small amount, regardless of depth ? It should be o/k on the...
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    Potting compound - way to go, thoughts/suggestions?

    Silicone products have many uses.
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    Anderson amperage ratings seem off

    If you are into serious current, how about considering twist lock welding plugs ? These have advantages and disadvantages, but may be worth a look. These can be easily colour coded with heat shrink...
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    Potting compound - way to go, thoughts/suggestions?

    Some of this quick setting (add part A to part B stuff) often releases a lot of exothermic heat while curing. That might be fine for your fiberglass whatever..... But it can cause problems for potting electrical components that contain thermoplastics. Its very likely not an issue for...
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    Potting compound - way to go, thoughts/suggestions?

    Ordinary "engine grease" breaks down in salt water over time. But you can buy special marine wheel bearing grease for boat trailers which routinely back into salt water. It probably does not cost any more than general purpose grease.
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    Potting compound - way to go, thoughts/suggestions?

    Ordinary "engine grease" breaks down in salt water over time. But you can buy special marine wheel bearing grease for boat trailers which routinely back into salt water. It probably does not cost any more than general purpose grease.
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    Potting compound - way to go, thoughts/suggestions?

    I assumed he was after big amp hours at low voltage for a lamp, and rectangular LiFePO4 cells. But I may be dead wrong there.
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    Potting compound - way to go, thoughts/suggestions?

    It might be interesting to know at what pressure the bursting discs on LiFePO4 cells "let go". Its probably quite high. Whatever pressure the cell cases can stand from within, its likely they may withstand similar pressures from without ? But I agree with Hedges. Some actual hydrostatic...
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    Potting compound - way to go, thoughts/suggestions?

    The stuff I have seen is more like a soft jelly and easier to remove. The usual silicone roof and bathroom type sealers are more rubber like and harder. But you are likely quite right, its probably some kind of specially formulated goo in the very broad silicone family.
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    Ground Mount Array Distance Help

    Unless you re looking straight out over the ocean, its very likely that nearby objects will limit the usable minimum sun elevation angle besides just the row of panels in front. But yes, thirty feet apart is not unreasonable. You might do better elevating the rear panels a few feet higher.
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    Potting compound - way to go, thoughts/suggestions?

    I have from time to time been asked to repair electronic equipment used in the deep mining industry. Deep mines are often very wet places, and subject to complete flooding sometimes for extended periods. Electronic equipment must be very rugged and also be made totally waterproof when fully...
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