Skoolie solar install thread

[timselectric]

This is the one I am using.
TWTADE/JQX-62F-2Z Coil Voltage AC 220V 80A DPDT Electronmagnetic Relay,High Power Relay (AC 220V) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098DRZYJS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_i_4PA9AVAWFKFS89GPFPGB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Aakelley]

Awesome - thank you. The 110v version I assume?

 

[timselectric]

I'm using the 240 version. But, I have the 120v one also. It's just a different coil inserted. Same build quality. It's a nice relay. Solid sounding position transfer. Then, quiet as a church mouse.

 

[timselectric]

Side note
Don't over torque the coil terminals. They are on a semi floating mount. (These terminals are part of the coil kit) Could break, if forced. They should be only snugged, as they don't carry any current.

 

[Aakelley]

Rack attack today! There’s another post over in vehicle systems about the rack build, but though I’d come back here and post a few pics of the install. Finishing up the wiring tomorrow and then it’s commissioning time!

 

[Aakelley]

Have some more hardware to install too. Miscounted the # of bolts i need somehow.

 

[DerpsyDoodler]

Have some more hardware to install too. Miscounted the # of bolts i need somehow.

Nice job! Do you plan on putting some kind of wind baffles or deflectors around it? That seems like a lot of open space for drafts to have a potentially damaging effect.

 

[Aakelley]

Maybe. There’s a huge rooftop AC right in front of it that will break up most laminar flow from that direct. Then the only concern is side winds. I typically pull over and wait it out if it’s moving the bus.

Taking it 250 miles this week as a shakedown cruise. Will stop every 50 miles or so for an inspection. If it passes that - nothing loose, builging, cracked, I’ll probably leave it as it.

Also when I get back, my friend at work is going to run a CFD simulation on it. I’ll test different side winds and see what the forces look like.

 

[DerpsyDoodler]

Maybe. There’s a huge rooftop AC right in front of it that will break up most laminar flow from that direct. Then the only concern is side winds. I typically pull over and wait it out if it’s moving the bus.

Taking it 250 miles this week as a shakedown cruise. Will stop every 50 miles or so for an inspection. If it passes that - nothing loose, builging, cracked, I’ll probably leave it as it.

Also when I get back, my friend at work is going to run a CFD simulation on it. I’ll test different side winds and see what the forces look like.

Oh nice. I had to look both terms up (laminar air flow and CFD). Its good that you’re able to be thorough. I’m curious to learn the results of the CFD. Any idea what data he’ll feed it? Just object dimensions or can he give it assembly details like (for example) metal type/fastener type etc?

 

[Aakelley]

Oh nice. I had to look both terms up (laminar air flow and CFD). Its good that you’re able to be thorough. I’m curious to learn the results of the CFD. Any idea what data he’ll feed it? Just object dimensions or can he give it assembly details like (for example) metal type/fastener type etc?

It’ll be a full 3d model of the bus and the panels with different front and side wind speeds. Since it’s a freebie, I’m not sure if we’ll get all the detail in there, but should be good enough to know if I’ve got issues. I’ll post the results here when I get them.

 

[Aakelley]

Finished the hardware installed and wiring today (did I mention I really HATE drilling holes in my bus!). Flipped the disconnect back on and it all works. Went to about 700 watts on a pretty cloudy day.

Have 3 nurserts I’m going to have to replace, but took it for a test drive and nothing moved so calling it good for the test trip this week.

 

[littleharbor2]

If it were me I'd enclose the 3-1 MC-4 connections. Something like a 6x6 Plastic weatherproof junction box would work.
Nice looking install overall.

 

[timselectric]

Looking great

 

[Aakelley]

If it were me I'd enclose the 3-1 MC-4 connections. Something like a 6x6 Plastic weatherproof junction box would work.
Nice looking install overall.

Yep - thought of that after I zip tied them. On the list for when I get back from this trip

 

[Aakelley]

Testing out the ground array. Getting around 2kw with no aiming and some clouds.

 

[Nickatnyt]

Having drove a full-size school bus professionally for 4 years, I am curious about the other aspects of your skoolie project (as well as the solar bits for sure). Do you have any photos or info elsewhere on the interwebs about your skoolie project (inside, engine, systems, etc)?

Thanks!!

 

[Aakelley]

Having drove a full-size school bus professionally for 4 years, I am curious about the other aspects of your skoolie project (as well as the solar bits for sure). Do you have any photos or info elsewhere on the interwebs about your skoolie project (inside, engine, systems, etc)?

Thanks!!

I’m sure there are somewhere on Reddit, but I’m too lazy to go find them. Its a 1999 bluebird with the 5.9 Cummins (24 valve ISB) and an AT545 transmission. It tops out around 65 mph but does get around 10 mpg.

 

[Aakelley]

Had the bus out twice since the install and so far so good. Have been at Hatteras for nearly a week now, running both ACs (have a 13.5 dometic rooftop and added a little Hisense 8k window unit in the back) whenever we want (2-4 hours a day) and the little unit in the back all night and haven’t used but maybe 10 gallons of gas through the predator 3500. If we only needed sleeping AC (or had brought the 4 panel ground array) I think we could be solar only for the week.

 

[timselectric]

Awesome job.