Van life 12v System, newbie ?
- Thread starter Logan 979
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chrisski
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Really comes down to a power requirement. The battleborn battery will hold 1200 watt hours, of which 800 watt hours is useable.
My son's gaming laptop draws 150 watts, but you should budget for 250 watts because they are all not the same. I don't really know what your laptop uses, and the other equipment I have no clue. Plugging in a Kilawatt meter would get you good data.
Also charging wise, there's a link in my signature block for a solar calculator, but you may get as low as 400 wh charge from the panels in winter, and as high as 1000 wh in the summer. That is assumed the panels are flat on the roof and not obstructed by shade.
So it MAY work if you are careful with the power requirements.
My son's gaming laptop draws 150 watts, but you should budget for 250 watts because they are all not the same. I don't really know what your laptop uses, and the other equipment I have no clue. Plugging in a Kilawatt meter would get you good data.
Also charging wise, there's a link in my signature block for a solar calculator, but you may get as low as 400 wh charge from the panels in winter, and as high as 1000 wh in the summer. That is assumed the panels are flat on the roof and not obstructed by shade.
So it MAY work if you are careful with the power requirements.
Grounding Made simpler - Part 1: AC/houshold grounding
To get the paper, click on the orange button at the top of the screen. The subject of grounding is a complex, multifaceted subject, that is often treated as an after-thought but needs to be considered from the beginning of the design and build...
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There are also parts 2, 3, and 4.
chrisski
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Overnight for a item that is on all the time like a computer, or just when the item is used like a hotplate.
The two things to look for on a kilawatt meter are peak wattage, which is usually when something turns on (the kilawatt meter may not have it) and also the total watt hours per day. I want to know the max watt hours I use, so for example if its a dehumidifier, best to run on a humid day to get a good reading for total kilawatt hours used, and a 500 watt space heater would best be measured in the winter.
Of course you can’t wait until winter to measure the space heater or for Arizona, the humid days are quite random, so best guesses based off the measurements helps.
The kilawatt meter will get you really good planning data, but still may need some adjustments after the system is up and running for months.
Thank youGrounding Made simpler - Part 1: AC/houshold grounding
To get the paper, click on the orange button at the top of the screen. The subject of grounding is a complex, multifaceted subject, that is often treated as an after-thought but needs to be considered from the beginning of the design and build...
There are also parts 2, 3, and 4.
Why only 67%? I see no problem using 80% regularly, 90% on occasion.
I suggest doing a full energy audit so you know for sure what you need.
Also keep in mind that with a van you can charge while driving.
System Energy Audit and Sizing Spread Sheet
To get the spreadsheet, click on the orange button at the top of this page. This sheet is intended to help you plan your system. Fill it out down to the last decimal place, look at the results..... and then make your best guess;) Notes...
diysolarforum.com
off grid, this battery would be used with the Van Life kit on the Will Prowse DIY Solar website. To partially power up a "artist studio" not planning on any major power draws. It should take about a week to check my usage with the kilowatt meter. Thank you for you feedback.Why only 67%? I see no problem using 80% regularly, 90% on occasion.
I suggest doing a full energy audit so you know for sure what you need.
Also keep in mind that with a van you can charge while driving.
System Energy Audit and Sizing Spread Sheet
To get the spreadsheet, click on the orange button at the top of this page. This sheet is intended to help you plan your system. Fill it out down to the last decimal place, look at the results..... and then make your best guess;) Notes...
chrisski
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You could go to 1000-1100 kWh if you want. My real energy needs are not that easy to predict, so I leave a little extra for the days I need it.
here are the stats
123.6 volts
.15 amps
13.7 watts
60 HZ
.42KWH
122.5 volts
.09 amps
1.2 watts
60. HZ
0.12 KWH
these were various digital musical instruments.
1st readings were lights ,laptop computer, battery charger, phone charger.
all this added up x 2 should be adequate for my needs.
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