Off Grid Expedition LMTV

[luthj]

I think a diesel air heater separate from the rixen/hydronic units has value. The D2/D4 is quiet and uses little power, it also has many output levels, so it doesn't really cycle on/off, just throttles down to whisper quiet. Duct in a diverter valve, and you can use fresh air for the D2s heating air intake, to maximize drying to cold damp areas.

 

[DiploStrat]

I think a diesel air heater separate from the rixen/hydronic units has value. The D2/D4 is quite and uses little power, it also has many output levels, so it doesn't really cycle on/off, just throttles down to whisper quiet. Duct in a diverter valve, and you can use fresh air for the D2s heating air intake, to maximize drying to cold damp areas.

The Everlanders took this approach. He argued that an Espar hot air heater was simpler to install. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC76GYXW3j9z5g3OdW--Sf5g

 

[ohiobenz]

What is your daily kwhr usage? How long do you need to go without charging? What is your expected temp range to operate in? This is a complete system design, and should not be approached piecemeal.

According to the Off-grid Solar System Calculator I'm looking at about 8.9kWh daily usage. Looks high to me, requiring 11 300W panels?

 

[ohiobenz]

The Rixen uses an Espar system...

 

[luthj]

According to the Off-grid Solar System Calculator I'm looking at about 8.9kWh daily usage. Looks high to me, requiring 11 300W panels?

What are your inputs like? What assumptions have you made?

We are modestly heavy on energy usage (no dc AC), and we use about 1.5-2.5kwhr.

 

[ohiobenz]

Use basics:
mini-fridge 80W 120vac - 24/hr
cooktop 1800W 120vac - 2 hr
AC 1200W 120vac - 4hr
24vdc Hydronic circulating pump?
24vdc heat exchanger fans?
12vdc laptop, LED lighting?

I'm not counting other 12/24vdc items that will be used when driving

Inputs:
(4) 300-350W 24vdc MonoPV panel
3.5 KW diesel generator 24vdc - preferably as backup only or if needed for AC starting when parked. It's military so it's loud....
120vac Shore power

 

[DiploStrat]

In an all electric camper with diesel heat we find that our maximum overnight draw is about 135Ah. Your numbers look very high.

This may help: https://cookfb.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/plan-electrical-system.pdf