Alternative Technology Assn Forums

1. 

   cava
   Member

   I am after battery advice regarding the setting up of a RAPS for our new house, and attached dependent persons facility, and I would appreciate any help. The system is to provide for up to 5 adults and it is anticipated that it will be charged by a circa 4 kW PV array.
   Ideally, we would like to have a 240VAC system for ease, and a 3.6 kW diesel generator is available, but it is hoped not to be used.
   We have managed to source a supplier of AGM batteries, http://www.hendatoyo.com.cn/product/product.asp?BigClassName=GEL%20BATTERIES that have the following batteries that may be of use:
   12V100AH, 12V200AH, 2V1000AH and 2V2000AH
   Has anyone had any experience with this company, or can recommend an alternate company?
   As a wish list, what would be the best setup that we should consider aiming for? ie 2V, 12V, 24V, 48V etc and why.
   TIA

   Posted Wednesday 20 Jul 2011 @ 10:53:37 am from IP #
2. 

   Jeffbloggs
   Member

   Hey Cava
   I have written some posts in the "Off grid solar system costs?" ( http://www.ata.org.au/forums/topic/2265 ) thread that might interest you, regarding which types of batteries to use. It also makes some suggestions regarding how to setup and use a RAPS effectively and reduce overall cost. Let me know if you need to know anything more, but in the interim how many kWh are you expecting to use per day?

   In regards to a system voltage, this depends on what types of equipment you plan to use together. What components do you alrady have and which do you plan to purchase? I will be better able to assist with some more info on:

   -Generator: Engine size, alternator size, (type: inverter, diesel etc?)
   -PV system type, location, orientation etc.
   -Inverter type, size (I would recommend a Xantrex XW inverter/charger)
   -HWS and cooking requirements
   -Refrigeration and climate control requirements

   Overall plan in such a way to utilise the generation, especially in the winter time, and possibly include some heat recovery for HWS etc from the generator. This improves overall fuel usage and lowers cost.
   A profile like this is prefferable and requires less battery capacity and better battery performance and lifespan:

   

   Posted Wednesday 20 Jul 2011 @ 11:28:27 am from IP #
3. 

   cava
   Member

   Thanks Jeffblogs,

   The diesel inverter generator we already have, it's not a particularly good one but hopefully it won't get used much. Kipor is the brand, and I did some work for them, hence the generator which is rated at 3.6 kW. No further components yet, so I am not tied into any particular system. The house is in the design stage,(know any good designers?) but will be oriented north, on 4 acres, Mornington Peninsula VIC.

   Really not sure of the daily load, but think that as a worst case, we would probably come close to the PV systems capacity. If I have to add more panels I will, as it is a relatively cheap exercise and the roof area should be sufficient. Refrigerators x 2, Dishwasher x 2, Washing machine x 2, lights etc.

   Cooking appliances will probably be either induction or gas hob, not sure yet as it depends on who I will be working for. Electric oven will be the killer, but currently we do not use an oven that much. Back up cooking and spot heating with be with a woodfired rayburn stove as we have a small woodlot.

   Hydronic gas heating, solar tube HWS coupled with the hydronic system. Cooling is anticipated to be via earth tunnel cooling - provision will be made for this during construction.

   Posted Wednesday 20 Jul 2011 @ 12:07:19 pm from IP #
4. 

   Jeffbloggs
   Member

   Cava cool
   You're heading down the right path. Seeing that you are in the design phase for building as well you might be interested in some other components being discussed around the forum here.

   Overall it is essential that you integrate the building, especially the big energy consumers, into your overall energy strategy. I would start with an expected occupancy and energy usage profile.

   First rule of going off-grid with energy: Only produce what you need, when you need it.

   Second: What you don't use, you don't need to produce.

   Regards
   JB

   Posted Wednesday 20 Jul 2011 @ 1:33:25 pm from IP #

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