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Energy from Natural Resources => solar systems homemade and commercial => Topic started by: audiomaker on December 29, 2012, 03:58:37 PM

Title: Making a portable power source for camping... need advice.
Post by: audiomaker on December 29, 2012, 03:58:37 PM
Hi all,

I am trying to make a semi-portable source of electricity for off grid usage.

It will likely be about the size of a 5k gas generator, contain 4 deep cycle batt's and I would like it to be really flexible in charging.

I currently have a 48v 1800w inverter I would like to use, but I would also like to be able to charge from 12v sources (PMA, solar, Thermoelectric, wind, automotive alternator, 12/24v AC charger...etc).

I have uploaded a picture I quickly made and I'd like to discuss it. 

Could I use 4 12v chargers?  Could I use 4 different types of chargers?  Is there a charge controller that takes care of this situation for me?

Thanks
Title: Re: Making a portable power source for camping... need advice.
Post by: Neo-X on December 29, 2012, 04:45:06 PM
i think the best is small steam powered generator since theres a lot of wood in the forest.
Title: Re: Making a portable power source for camping... need advice.
Post by: TechStuf on December 30, 2012, 12:32:12 AM
Ebay is replete with options for your consideration.  However, one could also consider the attendant burdens to be met with such a setup.  To carry the modern contrivances with one into the field precludes one from truly 'getting away' at all.  If one's focus is for short duration camping, so be it.  Anything longer than a week, and I would advise that, in my experience, immersing one's self in nature without the distractions and weaknesses afforded by modern living, is the only way to go, and keep going.

http://www.youtube.com/user/wildernessoutfitters (http://www.youtube.com/user/wildernessoutfitters)

One's realistic needs afield are often met by a simple 12v system.  Charge controllers are cheap to come by on ebay.  I like the 'gravity light' concept:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dd9NIlhvlI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dd9NIlhvlI)

As it is easily scaled without stumbling over sore, tired, toes. 


Cheers,



TS
Title: Re: Making a portable power source for camping... need advice.
Post by: Cherryman on December 30, 2012, 03:16:24 AM
Take a look at this:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoPpzRSCELw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoPpzRSCELw)


A non cogging micro turbine.


Not sure if it is legit.
Title: Re: Making a portable power source for camping... need advice.
Post by: Magluvin on December 30, 2012, 03:36:54 AM
Quote from: Cherryman on December 30, 2012, 03:16:24 AM
Take a look at this:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoPpzRSCELw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoPpzRSCELw)


A non cogging micro turbine.


Not sure if it is legit.

Lol. I love the part where they say, by this little motor, but never pan over far enough to see that tiny mammoth.  :o ;)

Mags
Title: Re: Making a portable power source for camping... need advice.
Post by: Lakes on December 30, 2012, 05:46:05 AM
Quote from: Magluvin on December 30, 2012, 03:36:54 AM
Lol. I love the part where they say, by this little motor, but never pan over far enough to see that tiny mammoth.  :o ;)

Mags
lol, yeah a "small" test motor with a huge belt drive! :D
Title: Re: Making a portable power source for camping... need advice.
Post by: audiomaker on December 30, 2012, 11:21:14 AM
The question is really about the wiring layout and individually charging 12v batteries in a 48v array... perhaps at different rates.

I posted this in the solar forum because I figured there are a lot people who probably know battery banks pretty well.

In my diagram, what happens if charger #1 is a 1A solar cell, #2 is a 3A wind turbine, #3 is a pedal powered PMA, and #4 is a regular charger?

While I'm not actually planning to have it set up this way for obvious reasons, I am interested how best to achieve this multi-voltage / multi-charging input system.

The idea is to make a generator replacement about the size of 5K-10K generator.  It will of course use inverted power, and I'd like to be able to charge the batt's with multiple sources between 12v and 48v.

In some cases I'd like to use the 48v I/0 as I have a 48v propane cell tower generator, and also a 48v inverter.  In other cases I'd like to use 12v charging (say jumper cables from a running vehicle) and 12v out (laptop, cell phone chargers, 12v lights and appliances).

I am unsure how to mix the 12v and 48v sources and outputs in a single system.

I plan to make a cart with layers.  The bottom layer would be the batt's.  The second layer would be the inverters and I/0.

I know very little about battery banks and controllers, but I need to charge a 48v series bank of 12v cells with 12v input as well as be able to charge them with 48v input.

Just looking for ideas or perhaps links to a controller that can do this.

Thanks
Title: Re: Making a portable power source for camping... need advice.
Post by: totoalas on December 30, 2012, 01:11:43 PM
Nice  idea on the 12 v dc source
Check out Bedini SG Oscillators  ... Lynx just posted some circuit for his vawt
can also go to IAEC and discuss from there ......
Maybe can include HHO for the ultimate design   lol
Will be watching your posts

totoalas :)