Solar Powered RV

Oops duplicate post!

mena661 wrote:
Where are you guys getting this Class B MH from? The OP never mentioned his rig (or anything else for that matter lol).

As if that matters...new here, are you? ;)

Hi,

Their 13500 btu unit draws 1200 watts (600 watts 50% duty cycle), so it appears to me the savings are only on the inverter losses.

pnichols wrote:


Better still, since we're talking real money, get rid of that 120 volt RV air conditioner and replace it with one of these air conditioners, team it up with the lithium batteries, and eliminate the inefficiency of an inverter:

http://www.dcairco.com/

Mena:

The Class B information came from an early replier claiming a Class B manufacturer had an electric option model that could run the air-conditioner for 8 hours, and recharge the battery-bank in 20 minutes.

That's where I came in asking for a link to check his claim.

Mark B.

MNtundraRet wrote:
I forgot the one other problem. This is all to fit in the size and weight limit of a Class B motor-home.

Where are you guys getting this Class B MH from? The OP never mentioned his rig (or anything else for that matter lol).

pnichols wrote:
Those articles above on the early use of lithium ion batteries in an RV are a bit dated.

Here's probably about the best way at this time to easily get going with a lithium battery bank in your RV:

http://www.lithiumion-batteries.com/index.php

Better still, since we're talking real money, get rid of that 120 volt RV air conditioner and replace it with one of these air conditioners, team it up with the lithium batteries, and eliminate the inefficiency of an inverter:

http://www.dcairco.com/

I'll add the following:

http://www.lithionicsbattery.com/

http://www.cruisencomfortusa.com/

Almot wrote:

The bottom line is, OP - forget about A/C. At the very best you would be able to run it (with solar) for a couple of hours.

I'd probably size the array for 2 hrs also. If you used DC A/C units, then you could probably increase that time to 4 hrs or more.

Smaller A/C that draws 45A at 120V, is still 50-55A from the battery, considering inverter losses. While it is possible to run that much current direct from solar, direct connection is not going to work to cool down a bedroom in the night - obviously. There is no sun in the night. With Peukert effect this means 500 AH or more, overnight, from the battery bank. Which means - you must have at least 1000 Ah bank.

Another problem is - how big a MH should it be, to accommodate a panel big enough to put 500 AH into a battery in daytime, plus another 500 AH to run the A/C in daytime, plus another 100 AH for all other items. Total 1,100 AH daily over 24 hours - so the panel must collect 1,100 AH over 5 or 6 hours of full sun. This is roughly 5,000W array. About 7ft wide and 50ft long, ouch....

The bottom line is, OP - forget about A/C. At the very best you would be able to run it (with solar) for a couple of hours.

Those articles above on the early use of lithium ion batteries in an RV are a bit dated.

Here's probably about the best way at this time to easily get going with a lithium battery bank in your RV:

http://www.lithiumion-batteries.com/index.php

Eight (8) of these plus a good pure sine wave inverter should handle battery powered air conditioning just fine - but boy, would that be expensive cool air:

http://www.lithiumion-batteries.com/products/12v-300ah-lithium-ion-battery/12v-300ah-lithium-ion-battery.php

Better still, since we're talking real money, get rid of that 120 volt RV air conditioner and replace it with one of these air conditioners, team it up with the lithium batteries, and eliminate the inefficiency of an inverter:

http://www.dcairco.com/

http://www.technomadia.com/category/life-on-the-road/technology/lithium-ion/

AC, sure, just bring your wallet!!!

I've enjoyed following the research, install, and real world usage. Cherie & Chris have an always interesting site of info.

On top of this, the promise of nano technology is kicking into the evolution of battery technology. Faster charge, lighter, more capacity batteries - have a high probability of coming to market (affordable market) by 2020. Does not help 'now', but with my new bank of 4 X L16's Lifelines expected life - I'm hopeful my next bank could be something different! (Not a dislike of the Lifeline, pleased with their performance so far!)

Best to all, be safe, have fun,
Smitty

Wait for the Mr. Fusion units to be mass produced. (Remember the car in Back To The Future?) :D

I forgot the one other problem. This is all to fit in the size and weight limit of a Class B motor-home. Class A is possible but very expensive.

And then there is the cost. An electric site costs about $5.00/day more than non-electric at best. The 4KW generator in my MH would cost more than that for AC use of more than 4 hours in a 24 hour period. I solve the problem getting an electric site or heading for the U.P. of Michigan in hot weather.

Since I am nearing 70 I think I will have better luck waiting for a fuel-cell to replace the generator.