I have fairly extensive 48vdc power storage capability (combination of AGM, LiFePO4, and Li (NMC) battery packs), with this summer's project (almost finished) being a drive power conversion of my sailing trimaran from a gasoline Yamaha 4-stroke to a Torqeedo electric outboard using LiFePO4 Headway cells, augmented by solar.
One application for these packs is as an energy source to recharge our i-MiEV, either as a backup in case of power failure (using inverter) or as range extenders (either inverter when stationary or dc-dc while underway). I also have a bunch of solar panels lying around and could probably cobble something together and mount everything on a trailer as a transportable power source.
Sure, we could spend a small fortune on a robust power conversion system, but since this is intended as an experimental hobbyist installation and not a 24/7 living requirement then low initial price trumps established reliability. I already have a really inexpensive modified sine-wave inverter which 'worked' at charging the i-MiEV but I only tried it once just to see if it would do it...
OffGridQLD (already seriously into off-grid living with a top-notch installation) is many steps ahead in this area and recently bought a relatively-inexpensive (even with shipping) 50Hz/60Hz 4kW pure sine-wave inverter with integral 60A 48v battery charger:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4000W-48.../141079386084?pt=AU_Solar&hash=item20d8fc97e4
which he discusses on the Australian i-MiEV forum:
http://forums.aeva.asn.au/forums/new-to-the-forum-new-imiev_topic3714_post52659.html#52659
Just passing on this information in case anyone else in interested.
Too many projects, too little time…
One application for these packs is as an energy source to recharge our i-MiEV, either as a backup in case of power failure (using inverter) or as range extenders (either inverter when stationary or dc-dc while underway). I also have a bunch of solar panels lying around and could probably cobble something together and mount everything on a trailer as a transportable power source.
Sure, we could spend a small fortune on a robust power conversion system, but since this is intended as an experimental hobbyist installation and not a 24/7 living requirement then low initial price trumps established reliability. I already have a really inexpensive modified sine-wave inverter which 'worked' at charging the i-MiEV but I only tried it once just to see if it would do it...
OffGridQLD (already seriously into off-grid living with a top-notch installation) is many steps ahead in this area and recently bought a relatively-inexpensive (even with shipping) 50Hz/60Hz 4kW pure sine-wave inverter with integral 60A 48v battery charger:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4000W-48.../141079386084?pt=AU_Solar&hash=item20d8fc97e4
which he discusses on the Australian i-MiEV forum:
http://forums.aeva.asn.au/forums/new-to-the-forum-new-imiev_topic3714_post52659.html#52659
Just passing on this information in case anyone else in interested.
Too many projects, too little time…