mppt vs pwm
Hi, A nice little video comparing mppt vs pwm with the batteries in bulk mode. mppt vs pwm
Forum Discussion
12 of the batteries will actually be going in to side boxes of my truck (Ram 5500) and be charged primarily by the dual alternators. The other 12 will be in an enclosed trailer with four 136W 24VDC panels keeping them charged. There will be an interconnect between the camper on the truck to the trailer, but I have not decided on an AC or DC connection. The batteries in the truck will be a parallel 12VDC connection to the camper.
Going to a higher voltage battery bank in the trailer will raise equipment cost for inversion to AC or stepping down voltage to 12VDC for use within the camper. I understand there is greater loss at lower voltage with higher amperage plus the requirement to larger cables, but am looking for an economic solution. If I can parallel two 24VDC panels into the cheap 30A MPPT controller I referenced to feed a parallel 12VDC battery bank, I think this will be a good start. I have a 2KW continuous use MSW inverter on hand for load testing. Once this system is up, I can continue scouring the web for upgrades without having too much invested in the initial install. Naturally as I find deals on more capable units, I may reconfigure the battery pack (for example a true sine wave inverter that accepts a higher input voltage). The idea of multiple charging sources being able to be used for all the batteries may limit my ability to go with higher voltage bank and not increase my cost beyond my budget.
The goal is to be able to run high wattage AC items for a minimum of a half hour and to have AC available to low wattage items (TV, chargers, mobile hotspot) for a minimum of six hours.
Going to a higher voltage battery bank in the trailer will raise equipment cost for inversion to AC or stepping down voltage to 12VDC for use within the camper. I understand there is greater loss at lower voltage with higher amperage plus the requirement to larger cables, but am looking for an economic solution. If I can parallel two 24VDC panels into the cheap 30A MPPT controller I referenced to feed a parallel 12VDC battery bank, I think this will be a good start. I have a 2KW continuous use MSW inverter on hand for load testing. Once this system is up, I can continue scouring the web for upgrades without having too much invested in the initial install. Naturally as I find deals on more capable units, I may reconfigure the battery pack (for example a true sine wave inverter that accepts a higher input voltage). The idea of multiple charging sources being able to be used for all the batteries may limit my ability to go with higher voltage bank and not increase my cost beyond my budget.
The goal is to be able to run high wattage AC items for a minimum of a half hour and to have AC available to low wattage items (TV, chargers, mobile hotspot) for a minimum of six hours.
