Electrics

[huntergatherer]

My new boat currently has 2x alternators and a stirling battery management system fitted

I x starter 3 x leisure, so a pretty standard set up.

My main usage will be a refrigerator, water pump, a few lights in the evenings that I am not at work and a TV at the weekends when my boy comes. I am going to be living aboard (CC) I will be giving the existing wiring a thorough check over/ tidy up and installing new batteries, a decent charger which I will run with my honda EU20i and solar panels, I have allowed a budget of £1500 . Any suggestions ......

Edited March 12, 2014 by huntergatherer

[Grace and Favour]

My new boat currently has 2x alternators and a stirling battery management system fitted

I x starter 3 x leisure, so a pretty standard set up.

My main usage will be a refrigerator, water pump, a few lights in the evenings that I am not at work and a TV at the weekends when my boy comes. I am going to be living aboard (CC) I will be giving the existing wiring a thorough check over/ tidy up and installing new batteries, a decent charger which I will run with my honda EU20i and solar panels, I have allowed a budget of £1500 . Any suggestions ......

Which of these things do you wish your budget to cover?

Edited March 12, 2014 by Grace & Favour
spilling mestakes

[mattlad]

My new boat currently has 2x alternators and a stirling battery management system fitted

I x starter 3 x leisure, so a pretty standard set up.

My main usage will be a refrigerator, water pump, a few lights in the evenings that I am not at work and a TV at the weekends when my boy comes. I am going to be living aboard (CC) I will be giving the existing wiring a thorough check over/ tidy up and installing new batteries, a decent charger which I will run with my honda EU20i and solar panels, I have allowed a budget of £1500 . Any suggestions ......

£2500. Maybe even 3........

[huntergatherer]

I am hoping to get a battery charger, was thinking of one of the stirling 60amp ones, possibly two 220ah batteries and a new starter

Solar panels and a controller

I suppose really it's the type of batteries/panels and charge controller I'm most undecided about, provided no one has anything negative to say about stirling chargers, or can recommend a better one for the money

[Chalky]

Do a power audit that includes power usage and generation. Look for some realistic data relating to charging rates from solar / land line / generator looking at overall efficiencies throughout a typical year. Factor in the cost of actually generating that power. Use this to then prioritise what you need.

[huntergatherer]

I'm not too up on arithmetic, so the calculation side of things is a bit out of my league, I'm happy to run the generator a few of times a week for an hour or so to top things up, if n when needed

[Pete & Helen]

Lot of useful info on electrics and solar power on smilypete's post here http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=63494

I'm looking at some solar and "bimble solar" seem to have a lot of satisfied customers from here. They have a power calculator and lots of info even if you dont use them

[Robbo]

I'm not too up on arithmetic, so the calculation side of things is a bit out of my league, I'm happy to run the generator a few of times a week for an hour or so to top things up, if n when needed

On average you be running the generator for approx 1-2 hours a day when not cruising, summer time will be less with solar.

[b0atman]

Why change batteries ?

what size is existing charger ?

you will need probably initially 300watt minimum solar panels and a mppt controller look at other posts for where to get them from .

Generator will be needed for next winter so investigate what is available for then

[Grace and Favour]

I'm not too up on arithmetic, so the calculation side of things is a bit out of my league, I'm happy to run the generator a few of times a week for an hour or so to top things up, if n when needed

Before you choose your charger - it's worthwhile to read this article

[huntergatherer]

Lot of useful info on electrics and solar power on smilypete's post here http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=63494

I'm looking at some solar and "bimble solar" seem to have a lot of satisfied customers from here. They have a power calculator and lots of info even if you dont use them

Thank you .-)

[huntergatherer]

Why change batteries ?

what size is existing charger ?

you will need probably initially 300watt minimum solar panels and a mppt controller look at other posts for where to get them from .

Generator will be needed for next winter so investigate what is available for then

I want to start off with new batteries, there is not currently a charger fitted, just the alternators, with regard the solar I'm not sure whether to go for flexible panels or the ex domestic ones from Bimble

I already have a Honda EU20i generator

Before you choose your charger - it's worthwhile to read this article

Thank you

Which of these things do you wish your budget to cover?

Batteries 2 x 220ah approx £500

Charger stirling 60ah approx £500

Solar panels/controller £500

On average you be running the generator for approx 1-2 hours a day when not cruising, summer time will be less with solar.

I hope I won't, I only use a few lights in the evening when I'm at home, shower for a few minutes (upon occasion)

I'll get some candles if it comes to that

Edited March 12, 2014 by huntergatherer

[Chalky]

I'm not too up on arithmetic, so the calculation side of things is a bit out of my league,

 

That's a pity. A lot of this can be calculated using a spreadsheet some very basic maths and could save you making the wrong decisions.

[b0atman]

By flexible solar panels if these are the stick on type my experience was that they lifted the paint and failed after 4 years .the best are solid mounted on brackets so that they can be tilted.

[fudd]

Which of these things do you wish your budget to cover?

You could get a good charger and very good batteries for £1500 surely!

[huntergatherer]

By flexible solar panels if these are the stick on type my experience was that they lifted the paint and failed after 4 years .the best are solid mounted on brackets so that they can be tilted.

Sorry I meant the semi flexible ones

[Robbo]

I hope I won't, I only use a few lights in the evening when I'm at home, shower for a few minutes (upon occasion)

I'll get some candles if it comes to that

A fridge will use from 30-50ah, at bulk charging that will take around 30-50 minutes if 100 efficient for a 60amp charger. 83% efficiency is more likely, but your batteries won't take the full 60amp for the last 10% of charge, this last 10% will take around 2-3 hours alone (I only fully charge once a week).

 

In summer time solar could cover your usage, but not in winter.

Edited March 12, 2014 by Robbo