I have been asked by a friend to help setup the power in his GoKart trailer. I am looking for some guidance and double-checking if I can ask here.
Current Scenario:
Std car battery mounted inside the trailer which is used to run a tyre compressor.
Future Scenario:
- Solar panel on the roof of the trailer (150W panel or thereabouts is what I think they have, along with a controller)
- Ability to top up GoKart batter between races
- Run a small number of accessory power outlets cigarette lighter and USB style
- some LED strip lighting
My plan at this stage is:
Solar panel -------> controller --------> trailer battery ---- lights, outlets, compressor etc
trailer Battery ----- switch/plug ---- diode ----- Kart Battery
What do you think about adding a manual switch out of the Solar controller such that if the trailer battery is low then Solar charging can be directed tot he Kart batter to top up.
Is there an automated switch on the market that can monitor voltage levels if and automate this?
Like most jobs there has been some feature creep due to "What if..?" and "Could we...?" Any suggestions on a better way to set this up to allow for easier expansion?
TIA
W
If the effort is to make sure that the Kart battery is always charged, why not have the solar controller connected directly to the Kart battery? Basically swap the 2 batteries in your setup.
Use a battery saver switch to disconnect the trailer battery if the Kart battery voltage is too low.
Thanks for this feedback. The Kart will be topped up between races, my logic was that it will be able to take more current from the trailer battery (much larger car style pack) than the solar panel (it may not always be super sunny) therefore top up a bit baster. A switch to directly connect the Kart to the solar when the trailer battery is down sounds like a good backup or would you suggest a three-way battery switch to isolate each battery or combine but connected directly to the solar controller?
cheers
W
Thanks eguru, that sounds very logical. shopping trip this week for a switch.
I appreciate your input, thanks again.
W