How hot can a setup get?

[Semi-Hex]

Since I've been reading these threads, I've noticed that a few of the wiser members mentioned that you need to be careful how hot these setups can get. Well, Morningstar has a non resettable thermal breaker (I think) and am now concerned.

We do most of our traveling in the West and Southwest, where it tends to get into the high 100's (highest we've been in was 119 F). My setup is in a HF tongue box, while it does have a couple of holes in it, it doesn't have a ventilation system. I honestly don't like the idea of having a lot of dust in there either. On those warm days the controller was actually outside if the box and not in.

So, what's everyone doing?

 

[AndrewP]

Since I've been reading these threads, I've noticed that a few of the wiser members mentioned that you need to be careful how hot these setups can get. Well, Morningstar has a non resettable thermal breaker (I think) and am now concerned.

We do most of our traveling in the West and Southwest, where it tends to get into the high 100's (highest we've been in was 119 F). My setup is in a HF tongue box, while it does have a couple of holes in it, it doesn't have a ventilation system. I honestly don't like the idea of having a lot of dust in there either. On those warm days the controller was actually outside if the box and not in.

So, what's everyone doing?

Morningstar controllers are supposedly ok up to 160F. If you're really worried, just vent the tongue box.

And if it's that hot, you're going to be cooking your battery anyway.

 

[Semi-Hex]

Morningstar controllers are supposedly ok up to 160F. If you're really worried, just vent the tongue box.

And if it's that hot, you're going to be cooking your battery anyway.

Yes, I was reading more about this and Morningstar is rated to 60C (140 F) A battery doesn't do as well. It looks like some venting will be on it's way.

 

[Ducky's Dad]

Morningstar controllers are supposedly ok up to 160F. If you're really worried, just vent the tongue box.

Even with a 160F rating, there may be problems in southwest conditions. I used to carry a thermometer in the truck just because, and I have measured 185F in a camper shell parked in the sun in So Cal. Truck was white, fiberglass shell was white, windows tinted. A tongue box in those conditions would be even hotter.

 

[Semi-Hex]

Even with a 160F rating, there may be problems in southwest conditions. I used to carry a thermometer in the truck just because, and I have measured 185F in a camper shell parked in the sun in So Cal. Truck was white, fiberglass shell was white, windows tinted. A tongue box in those conditions would be even hotter.

I carry a thermometer too and will be measuring it throughout the warm days. For now, I can prop the lid open. I can't think of a way to vent it without letting all the dirt and dust in.

 

[4x4junkie]

Does the system need to be in operation while you're under way?
If not, I would say seal the box up airtight (the system can tolerate far higher temps when it is not in operation). When you get to your destination and turn everything on, just keep the lid cracked open (or maybe put a separate vent door(s) on it, adding a small fan if needed).

×2, I can't see Morningstar putting non-resetting thermal breakers in their controllers (at least not without another means to facilitate a thermal shutdown ahead of it blowing). To do so would just clog up their channel for warranty returns, harming their good name in the process.

 

[Semi-Hex]

Does the system need to be in operation while you're under way?
If not, I would say seal the box up airtight (the system can tolerate far higher temps when it is not in operation). When you get to your destination and turn everything on, just keep the lid cracked open (or maybe put a separate vent door(s) on it, adding a small fan if needed).

×2, I can't see Morningstar putting non-resetting thermal breakers in their controllers (at least not without another means to facilitate a thermal shutdown ahead of it blowing). To do so would just clog up their channel for warranty returns, harming their good name in the process.

I have most of the system shut off when driving but the panels are charging while we travel. And I misread one of the several places about the Thermal sensor (not breaker) it shuts the unit down at 85C and restarts when it cools to 80C. I will have it propped open when camping on hot days.

 

[ajmaudio]

As mentioned, in use or not, letting your battery get this hot will drastically shorten its service life. Some form of venting and/or placement that will keep the battery cooler will certainly pay off. If you look at temp vs cycle life on deep cycle batteries I think you will be shocked just how much of an effect temperature has.