Our plant is equipped with a network repeater station situated in an open field, featuring two ProSoft RLX2-IHG network radios that connect our plant network to a nearby well water pumphouse. Powering these radios are two 12VDC marine duty batteries connected in series, along with a 100W solar panel with a charge controller to ensure the batteries stay charged. However, during the winter months, the batteries often experience a drop in voltage due to extended periods of heavy clouds and cold temperatures. This results in the radios shutting down when the voltage reaches around 10V, requiring a hard reboot to power them back up. We are seeking advice on potential solutions to eliminate the need for a hard reboot. This could involve implementing a device to shut down power to the radios in a more orderly manner or finding a way to prolong the battery life by either maintaining their charge or preventing voltage drain in cold weather conditions. We understand that this issue may not be unique, but it is a challenge we are currently facing. Any insights or recommendations on resolving this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Looking for a generator equipped with low voltage detection? Simply connect the batteries to the detection circuit, set a suitable threshold like 11.5V, and let the generator efficiently recharge the bank. Additionally, numerous solar charge controllers include an option for auxiliary power source connection.
The PULS DIN Rail UPS features a 12V battery with a controller that steps up to 24V for optimal performance. This 22.5 → 30V DC Input DIN Rail Uninterruptible Power Supply (240W) from PULS comes equipped with a rechargeable battery module designed for use with a UB system. In the event that the UPS battery is completely depleted, it is important to provide a 24V 'shock' to revive it, as opposed to the standard 12V. Click to learn more about the power and efficiency of PULS products.
Manufacturer Part Numbers UB10.241 and UZK12.071 are available for purchase.
To enhance the performance and longevity of your ProSoft RLX2-IHG, it is recommended to avoid directly powering it from the battery or solar source. Instead, using a DC/DC converter can offer several benefits. By providing a reliable, smooth, and stable DC supply, it ensures your device operates efficiently. Furthermore, the converter will safeguard against potential battery issues by shutting off the output in case of low voltage levels and only switching it back on once the battery volts exceed a hysteresis threshold. This prevents deep discharge, prolonging the life of your batteries. Consider utilizing Meanwell's DDR-120 series DC/DC converters for optimal results: https://www.meanwell.co.uk/power-supplies/dc-dc-power-supplies/ddr-120-series.
Currently, I am inside my camper sharing my thoughts. Initially, my camper was equipped with lead acid batteries (specifically, interstate SRM-31 marine deep cycle), but I have made the switch to Lithium-ION batteries. Lead acid batteries tend to experience a voltage drop as power is utilized, charging slowly and being heavy. It is advisable not to drain them below 12.1 volts, as this can reduce their lifespan significantly. On the other hand, Lithium-ION batteries maintain a voltage of over 13 volts even when reaching 80% capacity. They offer more charge and discharge cycles and charge at a faster rate. However, one drawback of LI-Ion batteries is that it can be challenging for the charge controller to accurately gauge the remaining energy, as the voltage remains relatively stable even as energy is consumed. Despite this, the consistent voltage level means that tasks such as moving the slide out can be done without issue even when the battery is at 20% capacity. Moreover, LI-Ion batteries are significantly lighter than lead acid batteries. In conclusion, I find that my camping experience is greatly enhanced with Lithium-ION batteries. For more information on the comparison between Lithium and lead acid batteries, you can visit this insightful article: https://www.power-sonic.com/blog/lithium-vs-lead-acid-batteries/. By the way, the current temperature here is 15-16 degrees F.
Hi there! I've faced a similar issue in the past. You might want to consider implementing a low voltage disconnect (LVD) device. It automatically disconnects non-critical loads from your battery before the voltage falls to a level where it can no longer start the generator or damage your batteries due to excessive discharge. It's sort of akin to the tripping mechanism in a regular circuit breaker, but with focus on voltage levels instead of currents. On the battery front, look into batteries with low-temperature performance specifications. I've had reasonable success with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries that tend to handle colder environments better than standard lead-acid types. Alternatively, you could invest in a battery warmer. They're an active heating solution designed specifically for this kind of purpose. Hope this helps!
I'd recommend considering a hybrid power system that uses a combination of solar power and wind power. On the days when there is low sun exposure, wind power may offer a viable alternative, especially during the winter months when wind patterns may be more pronounced. I also suggest investing in a low-temperature deep-cycle battery designed to function effectively in colder climates. They are more resilient to cold temperatures and can provide consistent power even during winter. In relation to an orderly shutdown, a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) could be useful. They manage power supply to your equipment and can initiate an orderly shutdown, preventing any voltage-induced system failures.
If you're open to investing a bit more in your infrastructure, you could consider transitioning to a deep-cycle AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery. These tend to perform better in colder conditions and can provide a steady voltage rate longer, which could delay or eliminate those untimely shutdowns. You could also look into upgrading your solar panel system to collect more energy or even invest in a wind turbine for the off chances when you have wind but not sun. As for orderly shutdowns, there are low voltage disconnect (LVD) devices on the market that can disconnect power at predetermined voltage levels, thus potentially initiating a more graceful shutdown of your radios. Remember, regular maintenance and monitoring of your whole system is also key to ensure extended lifetime and performance. Good luck!
It sounds like you've put a lot of thought into your current setup, which is great. In my experience, the challenges you're facing are not uncommon, especially in colder climates. Here are a couple suggestions: first, consider upgrading to larger capacity batteries or adding more batteries to your current setup to provide more reserve power. As it stands right now, it seems like the capacity of your current batteries might not be sufficient to weather those winter months. Second, instead of a hard reboot, you can opt for a voltage sensitive relay. This device can disconnect your radios just before the voltage drops to critical low levels and reconnect them when it's back to the acceptable levels. Alternatively, you might want to explore thermal battery wraps. They maintain the battery temperature in cold weather thus preventing a voltage drop. Finally, consider wind energy as a supplementary power source during the winter months. It could make a huge difference as windy conditions usually coincide with cloudy conditions.
Have you considered integrating a low-voltage disconnect (LVD) device into your setup? These devices can automatically disconnect your radios when the voltage drops below a certain threshold, which might help prevent the abrupt shutdown that requires a hard reboot. Additionally, you could explore adding a battery heater or insulation to mitigate the effects of cold weather on battery performance. Implementing a larger solar setup or incorporating a wind turbine could also give you more charging options during the winter months when sunlight is scarce. It could be worth looking into these solutions to enhance your system's reliability!
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Answer: 1. What are the main challenges faced with the network repeater station solar battery setup during winter months? - The main challenge faced is a drop in voltage due to extended periods of heavy clouds and cold temperatures, leading to the radios shutting down when the voltage reaches around 10V.
Answer: - The network radios are powered by two 12VDC marine duty batteries connected in series, along with a 100W solar panel with a charge controller to ensure the batteries stay charged.
Answer: - Potential solutions being explored include implementing a device to shut down power to the radios in a more orderly manner or finding ways to prolong battery life by maintaining their charge or preventing voltage drain in cold weather conditions.
Answer: - Recommendations may include implementing better battery management systems, improving solar panel efficiency, using backup power sources, or incorporating temperature regulation mechanisms to address the challenges faced during winter months.
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