Wil
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2013
- Messages
- 187
- Location
- US
- Vessel Name
- Gone Walkabout
- Vessel Make
- 1999 KadeyKrogen 39
We don't own a trawler right now, but that hasn't stopped some pretty extensive day-dreaming about what is the best energy independent (of land), quiet, and efficient power system possible.
The most interesting idea (not new) I've had so far is to switch from a purely 12v system to a 12/24v hybrid or even pure 24v system. Here's a really good synopsis I found of the advantages & drawbacks of the various electrical systems available: http://www.polardcmarine.com/downloads/Onboard_Power_Systems3.pdf.
I would get rid of the AC generator and go to a DC high output (say 300-400A) alternator driven by a small water-cooled diesel engine like this: Marine Micro-Cogen for recreational and commercial vessels (I'm using these links not to advertise this company, but because they have really helped me learn about this stuff). The small engine in place of the large AC generator allows more room for batteries and it's low hp means it will be working in its happy load range, as opposed to the AC generator loafing, wasting fuel, glazing its cylinders, and charging the house bank too slowly. Same for using the propulsion engine to charge the house bank (even with a big alternator on the propulsion engine)--much more efficient use of diesel fuel to charge the house bank, no underloading the engine.
A large 24v housebank (say, 1500 amps), solar panels (on the pilothouse roof of a KK42 for instance) and wind generator would extend the time intervals where the very quiet little DC generator would be needed. Paralleled 3000watt true sine-wave inverters would handle the 110v duties where necessary (e.g., you bought a cheaper 110v RV type fridge due to budget constraints). 24V reduces your wire size alot and really increases the efficiency of whatever appliances you might get (fridge, freezer, anchor winch, thruster, starter motor, etc.). You can always get local down-converters for say your 12v nav & communication equipment. Complicated?--perhaps, but I think a reliable system can be created where the various charging systems work harmoniously together. I'm sure it has been done before--there must be a lot of off-grid houses with this kind of setup.
A long intro to the question, but here it finally is: has anyone switched from a 12v to a 24v or 12/24v hybrid boat electrical system? I realize the capital outlay for this system is large (especially a 1500A, 24v AGM or TPPL housebank!), but even if it doesn't pay itself back in hard financial terms, the increased reliability, comfort, and quietness due to minimal generator runtime means alot imo. The goal is lots of power with maximized quiet times.....
Feasible? Not even?
Rgds,
Wil
The most interesting idea (not new) I've had so far is to switch from a purely 12v system to a 12/24v hybrid or even pure 24v system. Here's a really good synopsis I found of the advantages & drawbacks of the various electrical systems available: http://www.polardcmarine.com/downloads/Onboard_Power_Systems3.pdf.
I would get rid of the AC generator and go to a DC high output (say 300-400A) alternator driven by a small water-cooled diesel engine like this: Marine Micro-Cogen for recreational and commercial vessels (I'm using these links not to advertise this company, but because they have really helped me learn about this stuff). The small engine in place of the large AC generator allows more room for batteries and it's low hp means it will be working in its happy load range, as opposed to the AC generator loafing, wasting fuel, glazing its cylinders, and charging the house bank too slowly. Same for using the propulsion engine to charge the house bank (even with a big alternator on the propulsion engine)--much more efficient use of diesel fuel to charge the house bank, no underloading the engine.
A large 24v housebank (say, 1500 amps), solar panels (on the pilothouse roof of a KK42 for instance) and wind generator would extend the time intervals where the very quiet little DC generator would be needed. Paralleled 3000watt true sine-wave inverters would handle the 110v duties where necessary (e.g., you bought a cheaper 110v RV type fridge due to budget constraints). 24V reduces your wire size alot and really increases the efficiency of whatever appliances you might get (fridge, freezer, anchor winch, thruster, starter motor, etc.). You can always get local down-converters for say your 12v nav & communication equipment. Complicated?--perhaps, but I think a reliable system can be created where the various charging systems work harmoniously together. I'm sure it has been done before--there must be a lot of off-grid houses with this kind of setup.
A long intro to the question, but here it finally is: has anyone switched from a 12v to a 24v or 12/24v hybrid boat electrical system? I realize the capital outlay for this system is large (especially a 1500A, 24v AGM or TPPL housebank!), but even if it doesn't pay itself back in hard financial terms, the increased reliability, comfort, and quietness due to minimal generator runtime means alot imo. The goal is lots of power with maximized quiet times.....
Feasible? Not even?
Rgds,
Wil