48VDC Heater mats

[cdsolar]

Seems like we have both come to the same relative plan. Do you use your Pi to control everything, or is that in addition to a Venus GX device (like a Cerbo)?

I use a Raspberry Pi running VenusOS to monitor my inverter, charge controller and battery. The first two are Victron and the battery is EG4 LLv2 which can talk Victron Protocol. I am a Linux guy by trade so doing it this way instead of Cerbo gives me a bit more flexibility, but it is the same OS as a Cerbo.

I only run cameras, lights, and occasional use AC in a barn (with PtP WiFi back to house to watch animals) so my setup is small. If your handle indicates where you live, it is a lot colder there than here, so while I'll need the pads for around 2 months, you'll need them longer

 

[cdsolar]

Sunfunkits has pads, programmable thermometers/switches, that you can use in their battery kits or on your own...

Sun Fun Kits DIY Silicone Rubber Heating Pads for Prismatic Cells (270 - 304 AH) 12v Side-wall, 12V-14.8v compatible.

Sun Fun Kits DIY Silicone Rubber Heating Pads for Prismatic Cells (270 - 304 AH) 12v Side-wall, 12V-14.8v compatible.

www.sunfunkits.com

 

[rustythorn]

has anyone tried using a Bimetal Thermostat? i use one for my passive solar heater and it works great. skip all the electronics and vampric loads

 

[AlaskanNoob]

has anyone tried using a Bimetal Thermostat? i use one for my passive solar heater and it works great. skip all the electronics and vampric loads

View attachment 193311

Interesting. Do you set the temperature you want, and it then opens/closes when it gets 5C off that temp?

 

[rustythorn]

Interesting. Do you set the temperature you want, and it then opens/closes when it gets 5C off that temp?

these generally have a set temperature and a set threshold, you also need to make sure you get NC [normally closed] for colder than room temp and a NO [normally open] for warmer than room temp. that 5C NC will close around 0C and open when it is warmer than 5C, if you wanted the batteries to be warmer get a 10C or 15C

i'm fairly certain that is how the NC and NO work but i would double check in case my lexdysia is acting up.

 

[rustythorn]

another option if you plan to have continuous 120VAC in your setup is to use some premade items like this on at 35F off at 45F, however, there are various temp range options out there