Home > In Car Electronics > Solar MPPT controller - who's fixed it where? |
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donmacn Member Since: 06 Nov 2017 Location: Nth Scotland Posts: 1845 |
Hi folks,
I have a 300Tdi, so the 'battery box' is the compartment under the passenger seat. I'm considering a portable/suitcase type solar system as an 'off grid' top-up option if needed, mainly to run a fridge and keep the beer cool. I understand that an MPPT controller is the thing to use - more efficient panel output - but when looking into one brand it said something along the lines of: the controller will turn unused charge/current into heat, and that it should be mounted in a well-ventilated area with 9" of clearance all round. I had been hoping to fit this into the battery box, but with two batteries it's a little cramped in there. I might find space to fit the controller (they're a bit bigger than I anticipated) but I certainly won't find the 9" clearance, and it's not especially well ventilated. On the other hand the box is a YRM alu. version, and aluminium is a good heat sink. So for those who've done this, where have you put the controller? If in the seat box has it survived/suffered? I usually try and search first, and did this time, but couldn't find any info. ta. Donald 1994 Defender 300Tdi 110 SW - owned since 2002 - 230k miles and going strong (The 'rolling restoration' or tinkering thread: http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic58538.html ) 2000 Range Rover P38 4.0L V8 in the past.. RR classic - fitted with 200Tdi 1984 RR classic - V8 with ZF auto box 1993 Discovery 300Tdi not to mention the minis and the Type 2 VW camper... |
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17th Oct 2022 9:24pm |
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donmacn Member Since: 06 Nov 2017 Location: Nth Scotland Posts: 1845 |
Hi Bill,
Thanks for that - that's even more cramped than mine! Your batteries are a bit larger, but against my transmission tunnel I have my accessory relay and fuse installation. Is yours a mppt controller? Have you had no issues with heat generation? Donald 1994 Defender 300Tdi 110 SW - owned since 2002 - 230k miles and going strong (The 'rolling restoration' or tinkering thread: http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic58538.html ) 2000 Range Rover P38 4.0L V8 in the past.. RR classic - fitted with 200Tdi 1984 RR classic - V8 with ZF auto box 1993 Discovery 300Tdi not to mention the minis and the Type 2 VW camper... |
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18th Oct 2022 7:15am |
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Bill1919 Member Since: 04 Mar 2017 Location: Dorset Posts: 56 |
Yes, it is a CTEX DC-DC MPPT controller. I fitted it about 3 years ago, no problems with heat. 1988 110 csw 2.5Td (19J) (gone)
1992 110 csw Tdi200 (gone) 1995 110 csw Tdi300 (gone) 2015 110 XS csw 2.2 puma |
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18th Oct 2022 7:36am |
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geobloke Member Since: 06 Nov 2012 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 4410 |
Curious to know. What does MPPT stand for?
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18th Oct 2022 7:58am |
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LandRoverAnorak Member Since: 17 Jul 2011 Location: Surrey Posts: 11324 |
Maximum Power Point Tracking. Basically, solar panel output varies with temperature and these controllers make the best of what's available, giving an advantage of approx. 25-30% over earlier controller types. Darren
110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak "You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia |
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18th Oct 2022 8:25am |
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geobloke Member Since: 06 Nov 2012 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 4410 |
LRA you are indeed an anorak, but definitely my kind of anorak |
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18th Oct 2022 10:09am |
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donmacn Member Since: 06 Nov 2017 Location: Nth Scotland Posts: 1845 |
^^ I knew that too! Does that make me an apprentice anorak??
Thanks Bill - I guess it's a case of manufacturers covering themselves. Donald 1994 Defender 300Tdi 110 SW - owned since 2002 - 230k miles and going strong (The 'rolling restoration' or tinkering thread: http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic58538.html ) 2000 Range Rover P38 4.0L V8 in the past.. RR classic - fitted with 200Tdi 1984 RR classic - V8 with ZF auto box 1993 Discovery 300Tdi not to mention the minis and the Type 2 VW camper... |
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18th Oct 2022 10:20am |
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geobloke Member Since: 06 Nov 2012 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 4410 |
Donald I do feel your signature now requires the addition of the post-nominal A-A
A-A (Apprentice Anorak) |
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18th Oct 2022 10:45am |
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Julie Member Since: 07 Oct 2017 Location: Nantes Posts: 493 |
Yeah. 1x John Deere 110 amp batt 1x AMG 100 amp And that CTEC charger fit all well in my battery box And one cable coming out connecting the 120 W foldable solar panel adjustable towards sun light. 1st Installation takes about 90 min. Just mind all the required fuses ! |
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31st Oct 2022 6:56pm |
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