Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - DIY "Mild" Plug-in Prius Project: Grid-powering the 12v side w/ deep cycle batteries

orange4boy · 03-15-2010, 07:49 PM

Update:

I had the wipers and cowling removed to install the circulation tank heater and used the opportunity to install a solenoid in the main 12V power lead from the DC-DC converter. The solenoid turned out to be dead, the victim of my 18+ volt Previa experiment. I will be picking up a new solenoid this week.

The plan was to be able to disconnect/connect the DC-DC at will. For experimentation, I will have a couple of batteries hooked to my 750 watt inverter, powering my 50A charger which will act like a power supply and keep things in the 14V range. I will keep track of amps so I will know how to size my DC-DC.

I would like to keep the 12V battery in line in case of failure of any one component but would like to figure out what I can do to keep the voltage it sees <13.8V. That way it won't get cooked by the 14.5V from the charger. I need a 1 to 2V drop with enough current capability to take over in the event of any shut down.

Ideas?

Eventually, I will find a 13.8 v DC-DC converter to run off the battery pack directly and thus avoid the DC-DC failure codes.

03-15-2010, 07:49 PM	#47 (permalink)
orange4boy Master EcoModder Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: The Wet Coast, Kanuckistan. Posts: 1,275 The Golden Egg - '93 Toyota Previa DX 90 day: 31.91 mpg (US) Chewie - '03 Toyota Prius 90 day: 57 mpg (US) The Spaceship - '00 Honda Insight Thanks: 100 Thanked 306 Times in 178 Posts	Update: I had the wipers and cowling removed to install the circulation tank heater and used the opportunity to install a solenoid in the main 12V power lead from the DC-DC converter. The solenoid turned out to be dead, the victim of my 18+ volt Previa experiment. I will be picking up a new solenoid this week. The plan was to be able to disconnect/connect the DC-DC at will. For experimentation, I will have a couple of batteries hooked to my 750 watt inverter, powering my 50A charger which will act like a power supply and keep things in the 14V range. I will keep track of amps so I will know how to size my DC-DC. I would like to keep the 12V battery in line in case of failure of any one component but would like to figure out what I can do to keep the voltage it sees <13.8V. That way it won't get cooked by the 14.5V from the charger. I need a 1 to 2V drop with enough current capability to take over in the event of any shut down. Ideas? Eventually, I will find a 13.8 v DC-DC converter to run off the battery pack directly and thus avoid the DC-DC failure codes. __________________ Vortex generators are old tech. My new and improved vortex alternators are unstoppable. "It’s easy to explain how rockets work but explaining the aerodynamics of a wing takes a rocket scientist.