Wind Turbine idea

[GotSmart]

It is only by trying to disprove what has been proven~~~. I have taught my children that 1 + 1 = 2. But not when you use Rabbits in the equation.

I hate to say it but you and I completely disagree on this point. There are always other factors that can be included to totally change the original equation. I call it the Bunny Factor.

 

[akrvbob]

Three of your ideas would be difficult to accomplish alone, but you want to do three of them at once. Not going to happen:

1) Electric water heating is extremely high draw!

2) Your entertainment system will draw 1000 watts or 83 amps an hour. Run it 3 hours and you've used 250 amps. You will have to have 4 golf cart batteries just for that for one day with nothing else drawing. That's just not realistic.

3) It is possible to use an induction (magnetic) cook-top if you have everything set up just right. But it will need 500 watts and 4 batteries.

Add these three together and you need 2000 watts on the roof and 10 golf cart batteries (650 pounds and lots of space).

Solar living is all about conservation. You meet your most basic needs and then add on luxuries as you are able.

I didn't realize you were mostly stealth parking, that is a reason to get the flexible panels. You could get a luggage rack on top and hide a 240 watt panel inside it and keep your stealth. You can buy a 240 watt panel for $240 while you will need 3 or 4 of the flexible panels which will cost over $600 to $800.
Bob

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Wow, that is some list of power demands....agree with Bob...unrealistic.
50" TV in a Sprinter?? We have a 24" and its plenty large for the space. You're only 4-5' from it and if you can't see it you don't need to be driving either. (we visited in a big RV with huge TV and it was hard to watch that close).
Our total demands in the RV are less than what some expect in a van. We are very minimalistic, especially when boondocking.

Cooking and heating water ain't happening without a ton of batteries and mass panels. I've seen all electric RV, but those were big bus-type rigs.

I think that sometimes Bob goes into overkill on panels for some vans, but better too much than overworking a system and killing expensive batteries. In this case, I'd agree that his estimate of about $750 (shopping wisely) should buy you a system that should handle any reasonable power needs and then some. If you add 2 extra 6V golf carts you'll have close to a mondo power plant for a Sprinter size unit.

---

Ok...Bob came in while I was typing (I'm slow).

He explains it better

 

[kyonu]

Thanks for the advise, guys!

Here's my revised plan atm:

I am looking for ways to use a solar warmer attached to the van to warm up the water. I don't need "hot", I just don't want it cold or "cool". I have looked into using tempered glass to magnify the light going into the tank (probably a 15 or 20 gallon tank) mounted on the top of my "garage" area on the van, which gets warm directly from the light. I am still looking into how this works in the winter, but during the summer it should get nice and warm without using electricity.

Going to downgrade my requirement for media and use a 42" or smaller TV, consuming at most 200 watts (opposed to 400), or get an OLED TV which uses half the power consumption as LED, but also got for 42" which should bring it close to 100 watts max.

The speaker system? I really, really don't need a 600 watt, HD, dolby, optical sound system in a van... I think a smaller, 2.1 sound system will cover my needs, max 100 watts. That brings the consumption down from 1000 watts to 300 watts max.

I am also looking into having a solar heater for the cooking pads where I make food so avoid using electric there as well, but I am still working out the details. I may have more designs later.

As for the original wind power idea, I know this won't work that well, but I will probably have wind turbines mounted on the van that I can uncover when I'm not moving, but also do not raise them up to avoid suspicion. Similar idea to above, but have small, curved raisers to prevent it from sucking air when moving.

I think this will be a smarter and more efficient way to accomplish my living needs.

 

[johnny b]

this is what you need for a sprinter:
http://www.nationsstarteralternator...tor-Kit-with-270-Amp-p/sprinter-dak-270xp.htm

have it professionally installed and avoid touching the engine/alternator system. (there is a data connection from the engine alternator to the truck's ECU)

that will give you an isolated electric system. the second alternator feeds the 'house' battery system when on the move. when designing your 'house' system, use a quality charger and controller; use Trojan 6v batteries if your ok with battery maintenance and will build a vented battery box; or if less maintenance is desired use Lifeline AGM batteries; make sure cabling is all done with the proper gauge wire; get a quality inverter; and get a
Bogart Trimetric battery monitor. Let me repeat the most important part--use the PROPER GAUGE WIRE.
solar panels are still the best deal for when you're parked. oh yeah, did i mention, use the PROPER GAUGE WIRE, especially from the solar panels to the charge controller.

also read this....lots of good info:
http://www.jackdanmayer.com/rv_electrical_and_solar.htm

 

[akrvbob]

I gotta ask, why not just use propane for cooking and hot water? Your going to invest a huge amount of energy, time and money to avoid using propane. You must have a compelling reason?
Bob

 

[Lucky mike]

That was my thought bob........propane for cooking and hot water and a simple solar hot water heater and solar oven for back up.

you could go crazy on solar gadgets but if you have a few days of rain or bad weather...you will rethink it.

Im an avid boondocker and am off the grid all the time , but from what you are describing you have a large entertainment budget and no survival budget ....it will be pretty but your cash budget is gonna be huge to sustain it......if you got it tho I guess enjoy it!

 

[kyonu]

@Johnny B: Thanks for the tip, I looked up the wiring after you mentioned it delicately, and I now understand why you say it! I will make sure I take that into affect.

Also, thanks for the tip on the alternator! I will need to save up for that monster cost, but I think it will be worth it in the long run, especially because 200 amps when IDLE! That's insane! Definitely on my to-get list.

@Bob: I just don't like using natural resources, which is hypocritical of me as the van will use gas. However, I have had family members get injured because of propane, even though they were using it safely. Want to avoid that.

While we're on the subject, since I'm still partial (especially due to rainy or cloudy days); how much use can you get out of propane before you have to replace the canister?

@Lucky: I am an avid technology user. Van life will make me more of an avid out-doorsy person, sure, but if I'm living in something I grew up with and know, then it makes life easier. Especially when I become the captain of my own notspaceship, it will make me excited to fix things when they are broken. Its an awkward explanation, but having my gear makes me feel better, think better, and overall live better. Some people look to bikes, motorcycles, hiking, camping, etc; mine is being a tinkerer. Electronic gear will make me motivated to work on motor gear and electric problems, as well!

So with that in mind, my budget will be as big as it has to be. I have a full time 30k job, but I am not happy... I've always wanted little space, yet the freedom to go where ever and when ever I wanted, period; van life will make this happen, and I never thought about it (at all, actually) until I realized my life is cyclical and monotonous, then I needed to expand my world. But, why not take all the things I really enjoy with me?

Solar will be a huge proponent of this, as will stationary wind power, and a backup power source if need be; but if possible, I will keep making cuts where needed to get the right power draw; just from solar.