résumé ... going off the grid
The picture shows the storage battery (a 105 Amp leisure battery) and the inverter (300-400 Watt) which transforms the 12 Volt DC into 230 Volt AC.
I have some equipment running directly over the 12 Volt and can save thereby the energy loss which would occur if the power is transformed into 230 Volt and then back into low voltage (as used by many appliances). For example my laptop, which is running directly on the 12 Volt over a "in car laptop adaptor" - this means less power loss then to run it on the 230 Volt.
Looking at the system and what could be improved:
- I still didn't manage to move the solar panels away from the shadow which covers some of the panels during noon and results in a big energy loss
- I would like to put the wind turbine higher up ... and got already equipment to mount it on the chimney of the neighbour house ... but I haven't figured out yet how to get there, as it is impossible with a ladder
- the 105 Amp battery does a good job during the dry times - but I am thinking of adding another battery to get 210 Amp; because the wind turbine manages (during nice and steady wind) to charge the battery quite fast to 100%. It switches off if the battery is full to protect it from overcharging - so I actually don't use the available wind in these times ...
- the solar panel does a nice job but is too small (I have right now just 80 Watt). I had now during the Christmas time already two times an energy shortage as I am more at home (use more the computer etc), the weather was nice without wind and the days are very short (not enough time for the solar panels to charge the battery enough). I will see how it works during the summer time - otherwise I will upgrade the solar panels.
- right now I am just using office equipment and chargable appliances with the wind/solar system - but I would like to be able to run the lights of the caravan as well on the system ...
so - I will see :)
Posted
by Felix Meissner
