Power question

I personally would not try it. I have three charging systems but each is isolated from the other.

All charging sources have to work when a voltage is apllied to their output i.e a battery.

The one exception would be a Shunt-type solar regulator - it will divert current into a load when the voltage gets too high.

You can leave the car connection on permanently.

You can leave the solar regulator connected permanently (provided its not the shunt type).

The Mains Charger I would only connect to the battery when plugged in to 240 volt. Some chargers could draw a small current from the battery if they are not connected to 240 volts.

Why do you wish to connect your car (if that is the vehicle alternator you mean?) to batteries intended to supply a house?

Mike Harding

Thanks all you have given me food for thought, I think a little more investigation is called for

Rgds
Ian

Ian

If your solar charging is effective I would suggest you do not attempt to connect your vehicle alternator to your house battery.

With your vehicle and house systems interconnected, the vehicles alternator will be the system voltage controller. With your motor at working temperature, the alternator output will be less than 14V. However, without the systems interconnected the solar regulator will charge your battery with a voltage in excess of 14V. The higher the voltage across your battery, the higher the battery charging current will be.

The reason for reduced charging with the systems interconnected. - The electrical load on the vehicle system will be greater than the solar system can supply. When the voltage of the solar system is potentially higher than the vehicle (ie will be higher if the two systems are separated) - current will flow towards the vehicle's electrical system. This current flow to the vehicle's system will attempt to raise the system voltage of the whole system - the result of this is the alternator regulator will cut back the the alternator's output to compensate and bring the voltage back to its designed voltage. Thus the solar panel will be contributing to the current requirements of your vehicle.

There is no sense in using your solar system to supplement the vehicles alternator.

PeterD

Thanks everyone, just goes to show how complicated these simple solutions can be.

I have no idea if this simplified pic will work but have decided to try this. I know there is a chance of forgetting to switch on and off but everything is a compramise when you have a budget

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