Notice. New forum software under development. It's going to miss a few functions and look a bit ugly for a while, but I'm working on it full time now as the old forum was too unstable. Couple days, all good. If you notice any issues, please contact me.
ryanm Senior Member Joined: 25/09/2015 Location: AustraliaPosts: 203
Posted: 05:52am 26 Mar 2018
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Hi Guys,
I'm making a diy solar setup at my house mostly because of grid unreliability, slightly because I like to tinker (no relation). There's a few buildings on the same meter so I'm still going to have grid available to me if I need it.
I've recently come by a free used POE switch which has a 53V 14A output circuit. (13.25 per 12v battery on my planned OzInverter). I was thinking about using this when required overnight to prevent the batteries from discharging too deeply, then they would get a proper top up charge with a solar MPPT charger during the day.
Just though I'd float the idea before spending too much time on it. Anybody see a reason it wouldn't work?
oztules Guru Joined: 26/07/2007 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1686
Posted: 07:41am 26 Mar 2018
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Yes it will work... but you will probably use too much night power than you need ( battery size will count in this calculation.)
Preferably i would use a few of the 48v led drivers on ebay fpr $41 or so. This way you can control the voltage set point to tenths of a volt. I would set it for somewhere around the 49-50v mark..... something like this:
This will give you 20 amps ( 1kw) at your desired voltage ( you choose what works for you... or use more etc. ).
You can buy smaller units if you so wish, so you can switch them separately in , depending on the weather
...oztules
Edited by oztules 2018-03-27Village idiot...or... just another hack out of his depth
ryanm Senior Member Joined: 25/09/2015 Location: AustraliaPosts: 203
Posted: 08:27am 26 Mar 2018
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Thanks for the reply oztules.
Just realised I didn't mention I'd control it with an MCU and only switch on if the batteries were getting down. Most nights I'd aim to just have my fridge and maybe a fan going. Hoping I can offset a fair bit of that with wind.
Current working theory is turn the house into an ice-box from noon till dusk then open the windows when the breeze outside is cool. On the really hot nights I think the output from the power supply should match up fairly well with the electrical demand of a 3.5kW split. Putting in a smallish SLA setup since I have grid backup with the reasoning that in a few years when they're getting tired lithium will really be in it's stride.
I've got a few box A/Cs lying around and a harebrained scheme to make an ice thermal storage cooler, but I'm going to have to kick this food and shelter addiction before I have enough spare time to look into that...