Roadtrek introduces the RS E-TREK
NEW MODEL INTRODUCED BY ROADTREK, THE RS E-TREK Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc is pleased to announce a new model, the RS E-Trek. This new model, built on the renowned Mercedes Sprinter chassis, incorpor...
Forum Discussion
MickD wrote:
This is all very interesting. McZippie, when you are calculating usage time are you including the DMFC input?
Mick
Here's a LINK for a great energy calculator that has inputs for solar panels, battery bank AHs, fuel-cells and load.
I plugged in the following values to the energy calculator:
2000 watt A/C running for 18 hours.
600 AH battery bank.
200 watt solar panel at peak power.
90 watt fuel cell.
Results:
0.2 days until batteries need recharging.
Again it's just darn out silly, to claim that roof top solar panels with the help of a wimpy fuel cell and a huge battery bank is going to power an air conditioner for 18 hours on a hot summer day.
IMHO 20% of the day or 5 hours that was calculated isn't realistic, at best may get a few hours before battery bank needs recharging.
And nothing wrong with that, after a hour or so of running the A/C on batteries and with very little help from solar, start up the V6 diesel engine with it's high output alternator, while cooling the Rig with the engine A/C compressor, recharge appox 300 amps (50% DOC) into the AGM battery bank in an hour or so.
Repeat cycle as needed, while considering which is a Greener way to keep cool on a hot summer day, running the V6 engine 1/2 of the day or running a small generator all day?
