frdfsnlght
New member
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2017
- Posts
- 3
I'm trying to figure out how to interconnect the various power systems I plan on making available in my upcoming van conversion. Here are the basic systems I'm working with:
1) 400 watt PV solar array into a charge controller into 2 12V AGM batteries (house) powering all 12V accessories and an inverter to supply 120V outlets
2) Vehicle alternator and battery (12V) only used for starting the vehicle
3) External connection to shore power through a 120V or 240V connection (I only need 120V and understand how to get that from 240V)
I understand how each of those work independently, but I'd like to connect things in such a way as to accomplish all the following things:
1) I'd like to trickle charge the vehicle battery from the solar system (automatically when the vehicle is not running).
2) I'd like to be able to start the vehicle using the solar batteries if necessary (a manual switch is fine).
3) I'd like the 120V outlets to be shore powered when shore power is connected, otherwise they are powered by the inverter from the solar system. I'd like the switch-over to be automatic when shore power is plugged in, but I'd settle for a manual switch.
4) I'd like to charge the solar batteries from shore power if the PV array isn't producing enough juice. Again, I'd like this to be automatic, if possible, but could be by manual switch.
5) Assuming 4 is happening, it would also be nice if the vehicle battery were being trickle charged from shore power too.
How would I make the interconnections between the systems to allow all this?
I'm pretty handy electrically, but I'm having a hard time coming up with a workable solution. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
-Tom
1) 400 watt PV solar array into a charge controller into 2 12V AGM batteries (house) powering all 12V accessories and an inverter to supply 120V outlets
2) Vehicle alternator and battery (12V) only used for starting the vehicle
3) External connection to shore power through a 120V or 240V connection (I only need 120V and understand how to get that from 240V)
I understand how each of those work independently, but I'd like to connect things in such a way as to accomplish all the following things:
1) I'd like to trickle charge the vehicle battery from the solar system (automatically when the vehicle is not running).
2) I'd like to be able to start the vehicle using the solar batteries if necessary (a manual switch is fine).
3) I'd like the 120V outlets to be shore powered when shore power is connected, otherwise they are powered by the inverter from the solar system. I'd like the switch-over to be automatic when shore power is plugged in, but I'd settle for a manual switch.
4) I'd like to charge the solar batteries from shore power if the PV array isn't producing enough juice. Again, I'd like this to be automatic, if possible, but could be by manual switch.
5) Assuming 4 is happening, it would also be nice if the vehicle battery were being trickle charged from shore power too.
How would I make the interconnections between the systems to allow all this?
I'm pretty handy electrically, but I'm having a hard time coming up with a workable solution. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
-Tom