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## Solar panels and MPPT charge controller
## Micro-Hydro and diversion controller
## Meters
## Inverter
## Deep-Cycle batteries
### Upgrading the batteries
Main House Electricity System (view source)
Revision as of 01:41, 28 February 2021
, 01:41, 28 February 2021no edit summary
There are five [SUNGOLDPOWER 24V Monocrystalline 200W Solar Panels](https://sungoldpower.com/collections/monocrystalline-solar-panel/products/200-watt-monocrystalline-solar-panel#specification_1)(62.2 x 31.8 x 1.4 inches) that are connected in parallel, which keeps their voltage at 24 V and adds up their amperage. On a sunny day, they output up to 500 750 W to the [SolarEpic 4125BN 4215BN MPPT Solar Charge Controller](https://solarepic.com/products/solarepic-mppt-40a-solar-charge-controller-150v-pv-input-tracer-4215bn?variant=12497866457137) ([manual](https://www.epsolarpv.com/upload/file/1903/Tracer-BN-SMS-EL-V1.2.pdf)). The charge controller is rated for 40 A.
The additional, older 250 W panel is connected to a small PWM charge controller. Note that PWM charge controllers are less efficient than MPPT controllers.
_Our latitude is 36.4037°_.
The [[Micro Hydro Turbine]] system outputs around 60-110 W all day long. We currently don't have any accurate information on its original efficiency, head, or other characteristics. Please update this section and the micro-hydro page if you know more.
As the micro-hydro system charges the batteries 24/7, it is important to prevent overcharging with a diversion controller that redirects the energy to a heating element. The heating element dumps the electricity and converts it into heat. The diversion controller is the C-35 by Schneider ([Manual](http://solar.schneider-electric.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/c-series-manual-975-0004-01-02-rev-d_eng.pdf)).
Oftentimes, the micro-hydro system stops working or outputs low power. If that is the case, you might have to flash the generator or remove leaves from the bucket. For more maintenance information go to [[Micro Hydro Turbine]].
The micro hydro input, the small solar panel
[[File:meter-how-to-connect.jpeg |thumb|This graphic informs you about how to connect the blue watt-meter displays to different inputs and outputs.]]
We have a Xantrex SW Series Inverter/Charger that is rated for 3000 W ([manual](http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Discontinued-Products/SW2512MC-SW4024MC2UserGuide.pdf)).
The current inverter's maximum continuous battery charger input is 3600VA. It's maximum alternating current (AC) output overcurrent protection is 35 A at 110 V.
[[File:12-FS-210 Rolls Battery.JPG|thumb|Deep-cycle battery 12 FS 210 by Rolls Battery]]
Most of the reported lead acid battery explosions are caused by charging a flooded automotive battery outside the car with an unregulated battery charger. In this case the battery can be left on charge for a long time, and the unregulated charger can run it out of water. Chargers that are designed for battery tending or maintenance , as well as most of the PowerStream lead acid chargers can be left on the battery forever without causing them to gas. Simple, old fashioned, or unregulated transformer chargers should not be left on the battery after it is charged.[^powerstream]
One should refrain from adding new batteries to an already used set as it wears down the old batteries faster. This will result in deep discharged old batteries. Therefore, we could consider moving the current/old set to our future octagonal cabins. As depicted in the illustration above, we could run two independent 12 V systems in different locations. Rolls Battery released a new version of our current batteries, the S12 185 ([data sheet](https://www.rollsbattery.com/battery/s12-185/?pdf=8512)). Here is a [summary of the model updates](https://rollsbattery.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Model-Updates.pdf).
The Main House Electricity System is connected to an Arduino-based [[Electrical Control Unit]]. Please refer to the aforementioned page for the GitHub repository.
# Generators
The large, yellow generator behind the house is used to charge the batteries through the inverter whenever the battery voltage is low. The champion 3650 generator ([manual](https://y79961nbs4u2hvbnwronx9zx-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/100216-om-english.pdf )) can supply up to 3650 watts. However, it will be much happier around 1000 watts. You can set the charging amps on the inverter. We recommend no more than 6 A (around 700 watts) for charging the batteries.
# References
[^powerstream]:https://www.powerstream.com/how-to-use-a-battery-charger.htm
