Up and running

[Highflyer]

I have my white Kid up and running making over 27 amps!!  I have it loaded with FW 1742, and I am using the WBJr and the shunt for better control.  I have a 140mm fan cooling the whole setup.  After just over an hour, the controller and inverter were no more than 2 degrees warmer than ambient air temperature. 

It is really cool to see the Kid "notice" a load and adjust its output!!  Man I like this controller!!




I am using two 230 watt panels so far, but I am going to add a third to make more power during cloudy periods and earlier and later each day.

Here is the temporary setup.



It is also clear to me that I need to go 24 or 48 volts!! 

[ClassicCrazy]

I have been trying to brainstorm a do it yourself solar mounting system - thanks for the idea ! ha ha .  I am like you - get stuff working first and then work out the details later. 

Don't you have those two panels in series ?  Or do you mean you want to go 24 or 48 volt with your batteries ?

[Highflyer]

Do not mock the kitty litter containers, they don't like that....

I plan on "flying" the panels but I need to make the frame and finish the dirt work in that area first.  I have a two axis tracking system to use when I go permeant placement, but for now, this works well enough.

I mean for the batteries to be set up in 24 or 48 volts.  I'm already at 27 amps in a 12 volts deep cycle setup, and I could use more power.... Hint Hint......

Of course, that means getting another inverter......or two....

[Kent3]

Hi Brian
Can you share with us at what voltage you see going to the battery at the 27 amp rate?
Thanks
Kent

[Highflyer]

Kent,

It shows 13.5V     363W

B

[Free Energy Freak]

I have a 140mm fan cooling the whole setup.  After just over an hour, the controller and inverter were no more than 2 degrees warmer than ambient air temperature.

Did you cut a hole in the cabinet and mount the fan? Or, is it just internally set to blow on the controller and / or inverter? Do you have another image of the inside set up that you could / would share?

[Highflyer]

FEF,
I did cut three holes in the case.  One for the fan 140mm and two on the other side, 3.5 inches square.  This allows me to move air over the equipment and the batteries.

I do have other pics, I'll post a few more in the morning.

[Free Energy Freak]

Thanks, man. I look forward to viewing them.

[Highflyer]

Okay, here are a few pics from the build.


Here is my placement.  Notice the square holes on the right, they are the exhaust ports.  The high one moves air over the Kid and inverter, and the lower hole moves air over the batteries.



Here is how I set up the shunt for the WBJr.



And here is my temporary wiring.  I used 8 gauge for the battery cables because that is all I had at the time (i'll go 6 or 4 gauge in the future), and 10 gauge for the Kids wiring.



I'll be adding fuses and CB's for the solar panels and loads in the near future.  Also, I'll be adding power ports to the outside of the box as well.

[Free Energy Freak]

Thanks man! Truly appreciate the photos.

[TomW]

Nice bit of fab work on that box. Always liked tread plate!

Being the negative Nelly I am  I would be concerned with the electronics in with the battery and possible corrosive or explosive gases from the battery.

As long as the ventilation works it probably is no big deal.

Old school thinking I suppose but old habits are hard to break.

Tom

[Free Energy Freak]

First, I like the diamond plate aluminum as well. It's always a clean finished look. Not to mention, it makes for light products.

Second, I was a bit apprehensive about the ventilation as well.

I had considered doing something similar, but wasn't nearly as brave. With his ventilation fan running - I assume constantly, I don't see a problem. Fresh air is always circulated within the box.

I have seen another, similar set up using a MorningStar controller for dock / pier lighting.

[Highflyer]

Tom,
There is going to be a "lid" for the battery portion of this box.   This should separate the battery gases from the electronics with positive air pressure using half of the air flow.  I'll learn as I go.  The Aluminum was fun to learn how to weld.  It does look good and is lighter to move. 

FEF,
The fan does run 24/7.  It has very low draw and is worth the cost to keep fresh air moving all the time. If I find I am running into trouble, I'll re-engineer.

[Westbranch]

The off gassing should stop within a few hours of sundown. A timer  would possibly save on overnight draw

[TomW]

The off gassing should stop within a few hours of sundown. A timer  would possibly save on overnight draw

Back when I had a nominal 24 V array feeding my 24 V  batteries through a BZ controller I just ran the fan from  the solar input. The fan ran any time there was incoming power.  No wasted power running when there was no charging and possible gassing. Seemed the ticket at the time. Perhaps flooded LA batteries out gas under load too but I am not sure. I never noticed gassing after charge was removed?

That was a long time ago with a completely different system than it has evolved into now.

Tom