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07-06-2019, 07:17 AM
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#1
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Reno
Posts: 75
M.O.C. #21609
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Solar - batteries - refrigerator issue
Howdy
Once again I look to you all for answers
New 3120 with factory solar and 4 6-volt deep cycle batteries
Batteries read 12.6 volts
Clear skies 5pm
Solar panel reads 180 watts
Inverted switched on
Switch refrigerator to electric
After 25 minutes voltage reads 11.8 volts
Doesn’t seam right
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07-06-2019, 09:29 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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We had seven large panels and six golf cart batteries in our old unit and still had to run the frig on propane. All frigs will pull a lot of juice particularly residential.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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07-06-2019, 09:46 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Arlington
Posts: 1,522
M.O.C. #18081
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I am using the mobile browser and it does not show signatures so if I get this wrong on what you are using for a fridge I apologize. Our RV is very inefficient and uses quite a bit of power. Based solely on my results 180 watt panel is woefully insufficient to run the load. Also with lead acid batteries or AGM for that matter when a larger load is applied to them the voltage will drop. Once the lid is removed, like the fridge cycling, the voltage will bounce and recover a bit. Residential fridges are generally more efficient but still require more energy to replenish the batteries beyond a single 180 watt. Simple solution may be to add additional panels assuming you have space, budget and the factory wiring and controller can handle.
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07-06-2019, 09:58 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bastrop
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #20753
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Well you did not tell us what capacity your batteries are.
Assuming he refrigerator is running at the full 3 amps that whole time.
That is 360 Watts.
less 180 for solar means you are drawing 180 Watts or 15 amps DC-- I jumped a head
Your batteries may not have been at full capacity
Okay you are using an RV refer so I am off. I do not know what an RV refer pulls on electric.
Why would you want to do that vs propane?
__________________
Mocha, one-eyed toothless, hurricane survivor, Pirate dog
2019 20th Anniversary Edition 3701LK
B&W 20K for Ford OEM Puck
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat CCLB PSD DRW KJ5CQH
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07-06-2019, 10:04 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Arlington
Posts: 1,522
M.O.C. #18081
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We do that because we have the capacity to do so and want to use the paid for PV vs the commoditized gas.
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07-06-2019, 12:25 PM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 3,929
M.O.C. #20477
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Imolared,
Since your fridge is an RV unit vice residential recommend you run the fridge on propane unless you are on shore power or a decent sized genny. An RV fridge is a hog on electricity compared to a residential unit.
__________________
Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL
"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
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07-06-2019, 08:17 PM
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#7
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Reno
Posts: 75
M.O.C. #21609
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Thanks for the replies
My internet access is limited so I cannot reply quickly
The 6 volt batteries are 232 amp hours rated at 20 hours
The refrigerator is RV
The rate the batteries drop then recover does not seam right
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07-06-2019, 10:17 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Arlington
Posts: 1,522
M.O.C. #18081
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Quote:
Originally Posted by imolared
Thanks for the replies
My internet access is limited so I cannot reply quickly
The 6 volt batteries are 232 amp hours rated at 20 hours
The refrigerator is RV
The rate the batteries drop then recover does not seam right
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As stated previously the RV fridge on electric is an energy hog. It will drain your battery capacity pretty quickly. The 180 watt replenishment is simply not putting back as much as the fridge is pulling out.
__________________
SOB
2015 Volvo VNL780 D13, iShift, 32k ET air hitch, Idle Free LiFePO4 APU
16.8KWhr LiFePO4, 2.52 kw solar, 10kva Victron split phase
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07-07-2019, 02:57 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hanover
Posts: 1,471
M.O.C. #13325
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I've 4 T-105 12v with 400 watts solar and a 3kw inverter, BUT will still run the AC/propane refer on propane when not shore power. Think about it. To cool the inside of an ammonia based ref., heat must be generated. Electricity of either kind isn't the most efficient way to generate heat - propane does it very nicely!
__________________
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07-14-2019, 01:12 PM
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#10
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 70
M.O.C. #21914
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Not sure if this reply posted or not so here it is again
We have a 2019 3700LK with RV fridge. I have 400AH lithium batteries with a 3000w pure sine inverter, and will be putting 1200W of solar on the roof in a couple weeks. Just as a test I ran the fridge on the batteries for a few minutes to see the draw, and the BMV-712 meter showed it pulling 54 amps dc. There was also some minor electric items running but the only major thing was the fridge ... hope this helps a bit...
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