[Weird 240V Happenings]

I've stopped the buzzing sensation by earthing the inverter case to the hull. However, there remains evidence that the neutral from the inverter output is nowhere near zero volts.

 

My question is, without having to be without our inverter for weeks, can I fix the problem by earthing the neutral at the 'supply end', i.e. the inverter?

 

I understand that is how national power transmission works - the neutral IS earth at the power station. Why can't I earth my neutral in MY power station?Another slant on this question - if my galvanic isolator has gone t*ts up, could that produce a high 'loca'l earth, on the 'boat' side of it?

 

Could I check that by just bypassing the galvanic isolator?

Neutral is not Zero volts like DC. It is highly dependent on the piece of equipment generating the supply.

As other have said the inverter type is the place to start

[Roof Width]

Measured ours. 57 inches inside of handrails.

Hey, thanks, much appreciated!

Best,

Chris

[Roof Width]

Why don't you go for a wander around your local moorings or marina with a tape measure and measure as many boats as you can? You would get a much bigger sample of what's out there than relying on a few replies here.

Because my job gives me very little free time and highly erratic working hours, just like now, I have just finished work. So I though this would be easier and start an interesting dialogue.

[Roof Width]

Thanks T&B!

[Pure sine wave?]

Someone asked why a square wave might be bad for TV's and chargers etc.

 

Devices that actually require DC to run these days will tend to have a bridge rectifier (group of diodes) directly across the mains to produce high voltage DC that is then chopped and turned into low voltage DC (or whatever is required normally 5v for a phone charger and an additional +/-12 and +HV for LCD tv's)

 

These rectifier doiodes normally are not specified for rectifying Square waves (though you could swap them out for something better) and will fry.

 

Additionally older electronics (or more poncy hifi kit) will use transformers again that will struggle with the hard switching of a square wave and would probably ring and burn them selves up or the parts after.

 

So much modern electronics now runs off DC inside. High efficiency washing machines for example use DC motors instead. I will be opening up one of the new UK made EBAC washing machines as soon as I have one to see how much if anything (other than the power supply) would need to be changed to run it straight from the batteries, with the option of still powering from the shore line.

 

A lot of these products can be modified with off the shelf parts. Such as having computers with DC inputs... £30 power supply from eBay! Done.

[Roof Width]

Apologies forgot to say!

About 5 feet on the inside of the handrails. Would be happy to measure exactly on thursday.

Thanks, much appreciated!

[Roof Width]

As well as all the factors mentioned that will affect roof width there is another,the ammount of tumblehome (angle of cabin sides) which varies considerabley between boats.Therfore i beleive you will have to work to whichever boat you intend to fit and a poll of random widths may not be the way ahead.

Good luck with the project

Hi, I am designing a product to be manafactured for the general public a cross section of boat roof widths is exactly what I need to come to the decision of what length I need to be basing my designs on so that it works with as many boats as possible, in as many different setups as possible. I'm not designing it for my boat specifically. In fact all the panels on my boat will be PV.

[Roof Width]

Hi, yeah, the mounting is flexible as to wether it is positioned portrait or landscape one the roof (side by side or end to end) and the mountings will allow it to be mounted onto a curved roof in both portrait or landscape. Boats have many different layouts of chimneys and mushroom vents etc but that would be for the individual boat owner to work out where the panels go. Some people may fit it over the hand rails some may have a roof wide enough that it will fit within the handrails.

 

For me and my boat the roof is never intended to be walked on (though in an emergency you could).

 

So here is a sketch of a boat cross section (I'm not used to drawing freehand) of the specific dimension 'X'... The width of the roof... If you also want to supply the gap between the hand rails that would be good.

 

Your replies are much appreciated!

[Roof Width]

Ok, so the question is:

What is the width of the top of your roof?

[Roof Width]

Yes I agree that is a good idea for safety, the panels could fit quite nicely along one side of the roof.

The only hassle is when having more than one panel would need some creative plumbing to join them together.

Quite a few of the flat plate and PV panels currently manafactured can be walked on though they could be slippery! Some manufacturers also use dimpled glass which would be grippier.

[Roof Width]

So here is a drawing to show the orientation that I am looking to allow for with the dimensions.

I am sorry about the appalling drawing but I did it in a rush.

 

Again, the measurements are much appreciated!

[Roof Width]

Yep, my current boat is curved but the boat that I'm building has a flat roof because it is going to be covered in solar panels.

Dimensions wise, we are at 850mm wide, it is just the length I want to be able to fit perpendicular to the length of the boat as this will allow easier mounting with universal brackets.

[Roof Width]

Hi All,

I wasn't exactly sure which section to post this in but I think this should be ok.

 

I was wondering if I may ask everyone here a quick question about their boats as I am just working on a design for a water heating solar panel that I would like to make practical for fitting to the width restrictions of a narrowboat as often the thermal panels are so big.

 

Anyway, the question is:

What is the width of the top of your roof?

 

Thank you in advance!

[N.B. Trilby]

Hi Tim,

I have a quick question. How are you finding your under floor heating? Also what flooring finish did you put on it in the end, carpet or wood ect?

 

It is so nice to see a boat that pushes the designs. I am going to build a kitchen rudder for mine (though the Becker looks quite good too!) and hope to be having under floor heating if I can!

 

All the best

Chris