Category RV power supply systems

All electrical supply systems for the RV

Aug 23 2014

Electrical Control cabinet update 23/08/14

Electrical Control cabinet is almost completed the side panels have been built, covered & fitted. The door is in the process of being made & will soon be installed.

The Fire extinguisher is now in position & the Lounge has been temporarily moved into place prior to making the cabinet for the Chest fridge at the other end of the Lounge.

The only work to be completed on the Electrical cabinet now is the wiring of the Solar system once the Solar panels have been installed.

The electrical cabinet is finished but for the door to access the 1st aid kit, the display for the inverter state can be seen at the bottom rear of the blue panel.

The electrical cabinet is finished but for the door to access the 1st aid kit, the display for the inverter state can be seen at the bottom rear of the blue panel.

Just waiting for the cabinet door to be completed. One of the cabin fire extinguishers is to be mounted to the cabinet beside the 1st aid door & behind the drivers seat.

Just waiting for the cabinet door to be completed.
One of the cabin fire extinguishers is to be mounted to the cabinet beside the 1st aid door & behind the drivers seat.

Door to the 1st Aid cabinet installed & Fire extinguisher in place.

Door to the 1st Aid cabinet installed & Fire extinguisher in place.

 

With the lounge in position there is ample room to access the recline latch on the drivers end & still fit the Chest fridge on the opposite end.

With the lounge in position there is ample room to access the recline latch on the drivers end & still fit the Chest fridge on the opposite end.

Lounge in place beside the Electrical Panel.

Lounge in place beside the Electrical Panel.

Aug 23 2014

Electrical cabinet progress 19th aug 2014

Cabinet frame has been completed & sheeting has been applied.

The Solar Controllers have been fitted but yet to be wired, the storage area for the first aid kit & the HID torch is under the bench but this is yet to be sheeted & the door made.

The bench forms a coffee table for the front end of the lounge & the wall of the cupboard behind the drivers seat will be used to mount one of the 2 fire extinguishers for the inside of the RV.

Start of the cabinet construction.

Start of the cabinet construction.

All of the grey conduit running through the back of the Electrical control cabinet are either 240v AC power into or returning from the Mains Safety box mounted over the Driver.

All of the grey conduit running through the back of the Electrical control cabinet are either 240v AC power into or returning from the Mains Safety box mounted over the Driver.

The Black conduits running up the R/H side are the remote control cabling for the Generator mounted in the Forward most R/Hand storage Bin.

The Black conduits running up the R/H side are the remote control cabling for the Generator mounted in the Forward most R/Hand storage Bin.

The Power box on the right will house the Selector switch to allow the power source to be chosen from the Mains or on-board generator, It also will contain a safety switch for the 15amp circuit for welding directly from the Generator.

The Power box on the right will house the Selector switch to allow the power source to be chosen from the Mains or on-board generator, It also will contain a safety switch for the 15amp circuit for welding directly from the Generator.

The large white unit below the Cabinet is the 7000w Inverter / Charger.

The large white unit below the Cabinet is the 7000w Inverter / Charger.

The recessed center compartment is to house the 2 Solar controllers, the NG rosewood ply is in the process of being applied.

The recessed center compartment is to house the 2 Solar controllers, the NG rosewood ply is in the process of being applied.

Generator Controls & the Battery monitors in the same panel of the Cabinet, the box hanging from behind the generator controls is for the wireless control of the generator.

Generator Controls & the Battery monitors in the same panel of the Cabinet, the box hanging from behind the generator controls is for the wireless control of the generator.

Start of the facings & trims, bench top being fixed to frame.

Start of the facings & trims, bench top being fixed to frame.

Solar controller enclosure ready for trimming & painting.

Solar controller enclosure ready for trimming & painting.

Generator controls & Battery monitors are now operational, the front monitor has an issue with the accuracy of the reading. Will try again to adjust it but may need to replace it.

Generator controls & Battery monitors are now operational, the front monitor has an issue with the accuracy of the reading. Will try again to adjust it but may need to replace it.

Both Circuit breaker safety switches are in the same panel on the Cabinet.

Both Circuit breaker safety switches are in the same panel on the Cabinet.

The Black switch panel to the left of the white switch box is a fault safety switch for the twin 80amp Solar controllers, A requirement when linking 2 Solar controllers to 1 charging circuit?

The Black switch panel to the left of the white switch box is a fault safety switch for the twin 80amp Solar controllers, A requirement when linking 2 Solar controllers to 1 charging circuit?

Upper cabinet finished just waiting for the Solar fault breaker & the AC source switch box to have the facia fitted.

Upper cabinet finished just waiting for the Solar fault breaker & the AC source switch box to have the facia fitted.

A coat of paint make all things look good.

A coat of paint make all things look good.

The sides for the 1st aid enclosure will be covered in the same blue front runner/carpet as the ceiling of the bus.

The sides for the 1st aid enclosure will be covered in the same blue front runner/carpet as the ceiling of the bus.

Aug 13 2014

Electrical control cabinet is under construction.

The Electrical control cabinet is now in construction, this cabinet houses both of the Solar Controllers, Generator control panel, Battery Meters & switching systems for the RV’s power requirements. (This unit does not however contain the Safety circuits for the 240v AC power supply, This is in a separate control box mounted above the Driving position.)

The Electrical control cabinet is being constructed immediately behind the driver against the Drivers side wall & over the Main power inverter, This is the point at which the Mains power can be connected to the RV.

The only 240v AC power systems in the Cabinet are the Selection / Isolator switch which allows the power supply to be switched from the Mains to Generator power or back again, which ever is not in use is isolated from the Power. The other 240v AC circuit in this unit is a 16 amp Residual current/Circuit breaker device which supplies a single Power point & can only be run  from the Generator  for using an ARC Welder if needed. Both the Circuit breaker & Selector switch are housed in a small mains circuit box in the lower front of the cabinet.

By placing this cabinet in this area of the RV  it allows all of the electrical controls & metering of both the AC & DC  systems to be monitored & adjusted easily as they can be observed from the Entrance of the RV &  the dual purpose Passenger/Lounge & computer desk seat. The Battery selector switches are within easy reach of this cabinet allowing the Battery charging & usage to be controlled from the same point in the RV.

Start of the cabinet construction.

Start of the cabinet construction.

The Black conduits running up the R/H side are the remote control cabling for the Generator mounted in the Forward most R/Hand storage Bin.

The Black conduits running up the R/H side are the remote control cabling for the Generator mounted in the Forward most R/Hand storage Bin.

The Power box on the right will house the Selector switch to allow the power source to be chosen from the Mains or on-board generator, It also will contain a safety switch for the 15amp circuit for welding directly from the Generator.

The Power box on the right will house the Selector switch to allow the power source to be chosen from the Mains or on-board generator, It also will contain a safety switch for the 15amp circuit for welding directly from the Generator.

The large white unit below the Cabinet is the 7000w Inverter / Charger.

The large white unit below the Cabinet is the 7000w Inverter / Charger.

The Black switch panel to the left of the white switch box is a fault safety switch for the twin 80amp Solar controllers, A requirement when linking 2 Solar controllers to 1 charging circuit?

The Black switch panel to the left of the white switch box is a fault safety switch for the twin 80amp Solar controllers, A requirement when linking 2 Solar controllers to 1 charging circuit?

Both Circuit breaker safety switches are in the same panel on the Cabinet.

Both Circuit breaker safety switches are in the same panel on the Cabinet.

Generator Controls & the Battery monitors in the same panel of the Cabinet, the box hanging from behind the generator controls is for the wireless control of the generator.

Generator Controls & the Battery monitors in the same panel of the Cabinet, the box hanging from behind the generator controls is for the wireless control of the generator.

The recessed center compartment is to house the 2 Solar controllers, the NG rosewood ply is in the process of being applied.

The recessed center compartment is to house the 2 Solar controllers, the NG rosewood ply is in the process of being applied.

 

Aug 6 2014

Low voltage power system.

The low voltage house power system consists of 4 x 280 Ah Glass mat batteries, these are set up to supply 12v via 2 banks allowing 1 bank to supply power for all the items in use whilst the 2nd bank is being charged from the Solar array. this allows complete charging of the separate banks to ensure a long battery life.

By using 3 separate battery switches this allows greater flexibility of charging & use of the batteries, When the Inverter has AC power whether from the mains or Generator the battery bank currently in supply mode is charged from the Inverter at up to 70amps. When traveling the Vehicle power system will charge this bank at up to 40amps via the Redarc unit.

The battery bank not in use would normally be charged via the 2Kw solar array, when there is plenty of solar power both banks can be coupled for charging & supply power to the inverter for running of the Air Conditioners.

Due to the high power capacity of the Inverter system all main battery leads have been up rated to carry a constant 600amps if needed, this also reduces any voltage drop through the supply system due to the distance the 12v system is required to supply from. Both banks have 500amp shunts on the earth side & battery monitors to allow control over the depth of discharge to ensure good life expectancy.

All lighting, the 3 Fridges, Toilet, Diesel hot water control, Water pumps, Radio, TVs & Vast Satellite system are run from the 12v system. When the Solar system is not available due to weather I can use the Diesel generator to power the Inverter for recharging the system.

The Inverter in its temporary position prior to the low voltage system installation, the battery switches are mounted immediately behind the driving position on the low wall to the left on the approach to the steps.

The Inverter in its temporary position prior to the low voltage system installation, the battery switches are mounted immediately behind the driving position on the low wall to the left on the approach to the steps.

The selection switches for the Battery banks, (front & rear) these switches allow for selection of battery banks to individually supply power, receive charge from the Solar array or be coupled together as 1 bank. the item to the left of the upper switch is a Redarc 1240dc-dc charge controller which will supply charge to the bank currently in use when the Vehicle engine is running.

The selection switches for the Battery banks, (front & rear) these switches allow for selection of battery banks to individually supply power, receive charge from the Solar array or be coupled together as 1 bank. the item to the left of the upper switch is a Redarc 1240dc-dc charge controller which will supply charge to the bank currently in use when the Vehicle engine is running.

The Inverter/Charger unit, this unit has a peak power output of 7000w & 70 amp charging mode.

The Inverter/Charger unit, this unit has a peak power output of 7000w & 70 amp charging mode.

 

Aug 6 2014

Installation of the House Batteries.

The low voltage side of the power system has been started, the position for the battery storage has been selected & a rack mount over the 2 Chassis rails behind the forward most storage Bin on the passenger side has been constructed. Although this area is assessable from the drivers side at present the main Air Conditioner units will occupy the vacant space on the drivers side of the chassis rails after the Air condition installations.

I therefore decided to make access to the Battery system for installation & removal of the batteries through a removable panel behind the Washing Machine in this Forward left hand side Bin. the racks have been constructed out of  50mm x 3mm angle iron.

The House battery banks consist of 4 x 280Ah Glass mat batteries, these are wired as 2 separate banks of 560Ah which can be selected individually or coupled together as 1 unit of 1120Ah.

The Battery rack constructed to carry the 4 Deep cycle house batteries, this unit was mounted over the Chassis rails immediately behind the front axle.

The Battery rack constructed to carry the 4 Deep cycle house batteries, this unit was mounted over the Chassis rails immediately behind the front axle.

The position over the Chassis where the Rack is mounted for the Batteries. This photo is taken from the Hatch side.

The position over the Chassis where the Rack is mounted for the Batteries. This photo is taken from the Hatch side.

the access hatch hes been cut in the rear of the forward most Bin on the passenger side behind where the Washing machine is normally mounted.

the access hatch hes been cut in the rear of the forward most Bin on the passenger side behind where the Washing machine is normally mounted.

Washing machine on the ground during the installation of the Battery system, once completed the hatch cover can be re-installed & the washing machine refitted.

Washing machine on the ground during the installation of the Battery system, once completed the hatch cover can be re-installed & the washing machine refitted.

The last battery is in place & loading ramps ready for removal.

The last battery is in place & loading ramps ready for removal.

Photo of the Batteries in place after loading via temporary ramp system.

Photo of the Batteries in place after loading via temporary ramp system.

View of the batteries in place after loading through the access hatch, the clamps are yet to be fitted & Electrical cables & shunts for meters waiting for connection. This shot is from the drivers side before installation of the Air Conditioner units.

View of the batteries in place after loading through the access hatch, the clamps are yet to be fitted & Electrical cables & shunts for meters waiting for connection. This shot is from the drivers side before installation of the Air Conditioner units.

 

 

Jul 27 2014

Generator placement & start of Fitting.

The Generator fits very nicely into the Drivers side front Bin, there is sufficient room to fit extra sound proofing & vibration dampeners. This area is directly under the power in-feed socket & slightly to the rear of the area where the Mains Power control cabinet will be situated. There is also enough room in this Bin to fit all of the House batteries. ( The batteries are now to be fitted above & between the Chassis rails behind the washing machine Bin, ) more on this later.