My first powerbox

[Ceberha]

I put my first portable system together almost two years ago using a 100Ah 12V Lifepo4 prismatic cell battery from Shenzhen Delong Energy, a Samlex PST-600 12v 600W pure sine inverter from Don Rowe, a Renogy Wanderer Li 30A 12V PWM charge controller (Max. PV Input Power: 400W), SAE Socket Port for solar input wires, and a Bayite DC 6.5-100V 0-100A Multimeter to track solar charging. I later added a AiLi Voltmeter Ammeter Current Meter 8-80V 0-100A to monitor battery levels. I mostly charge it using 2 or 3 100W panels and use it to power things in my workshop. It has been a fun learning experience. Thanks to all on this forum for sharing their experiences!

 

[svetz]

Looks great! Didn't see any ventilation? Does it get toasty while running or do you run it with the top up?

 

[Ceberha]

Looks great! Didn't see any ventilation? Does it get toasty while running or do you run it with the top up?

Just the 4 half inch holes at the top for now. I have an old computer fan I could add, but so far it has never run too hot. As you suggest, opening the top could also be a short term fix in a pinch.

 

[johnreyn]

I put my first portable system together almost two years ago using a 100Ah 12V Lifepo4 prismatic cell battery from Shenzhen Delong Energy, a Samlex PST-600 12v 600W pure sine inverter from Don Rowe, a Renogy Wanderer Li 30A 12V PWM charge controller (Max. PV Input Power: 400W), SAE Socket Port for solar input wires, and a Bayite DC 6.5-100V 0-100A Multimeter to track solar charging. I later added a AiLi Voltmeter Ammeter Current Meter 8-80V 0-100A to monitor battery levels. I mostly charge it using 2 or 3 100W panels and use it to power things in my workshop. It has been a fun learning experience. Thanks to all on this forum for sharing their experiences!

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How much did it cost to build this?

 

[Ceberha]

How much did it cost to build this?

It was about $400 for the battery, $200 for the inverter, and $150 for the rest of the stuff.

 

[johnreyn]

It was about $400 for the battery, $200 for the inverter, and $150 for the rest of the stuff.

Thanks for your reply. What is the power output?

 

[nwillitts]

Thanks for your reply. What is the power output?

says 600 watts@120 A/C.

 

[Hedges]

Just the 4 half inch holes at the top for now. I have an old computer fan I could add, but so far it has never run too hot. As you suggest, opening the top could also be a short term fix in a pinch.

A box with vent holes will exchange little air. Hot air recirculates inside.
Inverter looks like it releases heat from its case. Probably has a fan inside.

Maybe if you duct outside air to the fan inlet, that will give positive air exchange once it kicks on.

Battery may not appreciate being heated. A baffle/foam bulkhead to isolate it with passive vent holes might help.

 

[Ceberha]

says 600 watts@120 A/C.

Yes, I went with a relatively low wattage (but somewhat better quality) inverter.

 

[Ceberha]

A box with vent holes will exchange little air. Hot air recirculates inside.
Inverter looks like it releases heat from its case. Probably has a fan inside.

Maybe if you duct outside air to the fan inlet, that will give positive air exchange once it kicks on.

Battery may not appreciate being heated. A baffle/foam bulkhead to isolate it with passive vent holes might help.

I like that idea.

 

[nwillitts]

Yes, I went with a relatively low wattage (but somewhat better quality) inverter.

i run a 600 watt in my camper van,runs my entertainment system just fine.no wasted power and no noisy fan like the bigger ones i tested.
if i need more power i have my 24 volt 2000 watt system for that.
i don't like pushing anything over 1000 watts from 12 volts.

 

[Mike Jordan]

Well done

Where did you get the 120v outlet/usb combo in the lid?

 

[Ceberha]

Well done

Where did you get the 120v outlet/usb combo in the lid?

Amazon for $20. This is the upgraded version - the original is no longer available.

https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Cigarette-Splitter-CHGeek-Waterproof/dp/B07QR3C8N2/ref=dp_prsubs_1?pd_rd_i=B07QR3C8N2

 

[Ceberha]

says 600 watts@120 A/C.

Yes - I have been very happy with this Samlex 600 watt inverter. Runs cool and quite, and handles 500-600 watt loads without any problems (at least for the 20 to 60 minutes at a time I have pushed it at the limit to date)

 

[Ceberha]

Yes - I have been very happy with this Samlex 600 watt inverter. Runs cool and quite, and handles 500-600 watt loads without any problems (at least for the 20 to 60 minutes at a time I have pushed it at the limit to date)

Also a fairly low 0.4 - 0.5 amp resting power draw.