How to get power outdoors to your electric devices

Ever felt the frustration of running low on battery power during a trip? I’ve been there, but guess what? I’ve stumbled upon a nifty solution that keeps my devices juiced up and ready for action wherever I go!

So, my boat currently relies on two trusty lead acid batteries, but it’s time for an upgrade. I’m considering swapping out one of the batteries or even adding a third one—a LiFePO4 battery—to give my boat’s power system a serious boost.

However, it’s not as straightforward as plug-and-play. Connecting these batteries to the alternator requires a bit of finesse due to their different charging rates. It’s all about finding that clever connection to keep everything in sync.

And let’s not forget about the charger! I’m on the hunt for one that’s as versatile as it gets, capable of handling both Lead Acid and LiFePO4 batteries like a pro. It’s the key to hassle-free charging without worrying about compatibility issues.

As I navigate through these options, join me on this journey towards a seamless and worry-free power setup. It’s all about upgrading smartly for endless adventures without the battery blues!

First option, a power station?

  • Portable, take it with you everywhere 
  • All in one unit
  • Easy to use
  • A lot of outlets and function
  • Charge with solar panels
  • Solves my needs and no installation
Jackery Explorer 1500 PRO

Can’t upgrade upgrade but on some models you can expand with additional battery. You have to buy a new unit if you want more power or if you want more features  

There are numerous options and features to select from.

The optimal approach is to assess the power consumption of your electrical devices and incorporate a safety margin. A margin of approximately 80% is advisable for prudent consideration

Do a calculation here

The 3 things to look for in power station

  1. How much power can it deliver (Watt)
  2. For how long can it deliver that power (Wh)
  3. How fast can you charge it

I have written a lot of power stations here and everyone is a power station a would consider buying, read more here

The 3 power stations below will be a very good choice if you are looking for portable but yet a power backup at home

Jackery 1500 PRO

A power station can solve my problems with my boat and the electric devices that I want to have with me. The benefit with this solution is that I can bring it home to  charge it and use the power station as a backup

But

It is a like buying a toothbrush

There are so many options and when you have it all figured out….

…then there is an electric option too

I am not finished with my solution for my boat but this is clever:

First a clever charger in the vehicle

Electrical Parameters:

  • System Voltage: 12VDC
  • Battery Voltage Range: 9-16VDC
  • Maximum Charging Current: 30A
  • Battery Types: SLD/AGM, GEL, FLD, LISER
  • Service Battery Charging Mode: MPPT
  • Charging Efficiency: Up to 97%
  • Max. Solar Input Voltage: 25V
  • Max. Solar Input Power: 400W
  • Alternator Input Voltage:
    • Traditional Alternator: 13.2-16VDC
    • Smart Alternator (Euro 6): 12-16VDC
  • Max. Alternator Input Power: 400W
  • Self-consumption: 60mA

 

Mechanical Specifications:

  • Ground Type: Negative
  • Terminal Size: M8*1.25 – 10mm
  • Temperature Compensation: -3mV/C/2V
  • Operating Temperature Range: -31°F – 149°F
  • Storage Temperature Range: -40°F – 176°F
  • Operating / Storage Humidity: 0%-95%, No Condensation
  • Dimensions: 9.65.73.0in
  • Weight: 3.13Ibs
  • Communication Protocol: RS485

This charger will charge your starter battery and your leisure battery with solar so you can leave the vehicle anywhere and know it’s fully charged when you need it.

When you are out driving the vehicle the charger will charge your leisure battery regardless witch type of battery you have. Just configure the charger for your battery type.

Do you want to know more

Second - a clever AC-charger combined with an inverter

Inverter Specifications:

  • Continuous Power: 2000W
  • AC Output Voltage Range: 100~120VAC (configurable, 5V interval)
  • DC Input Voltage Range: 10~16 VDC
  • Nominal Efficiency: > 90% (Peak)
  • Surge Power (1 second): 6000W
  • Output Frequency (Nominal): 50/60 Hz
  • Output Waveform: Pure Sine Wave
  • No Load Power Consumption:
    • Normal: <20W
    • Power Saving: <15W

Charger Specifications:

  • Output Current: 5-65A (configurable, 5A intervals)
  • Nominal Input Voltage: 120VAC
  • Input Frequency Range: 40Hz – 70Hz
  • Optimal Efficiency: >85%
  • Input Voltage Range: 90-138 VAC
  • Input Wave Form: Sine Wave (Utility or Generator)

Transfer Switch Specifications:

  • Transfer Time: ~ 10ms
  • Transfer Rating: 30A Automatic Transfer Switch

General Specifications:

  • Battery Types: GEL, AGM, SLA, FLD, CAL, LI, USER
  • Operating Temperature: 0 ~ 40°C / 32 ~ 104°F
  • Storage Temperature: -30 ~ 70°C / -22 ~ 158°F
  • Humidity: 0% ~ 95%
  • Noise: <50dB
  • Dimensions: 20.1 x 11.2 x 7.6 in / 510 x 285 x 193 mm
  • Weight: 51.1 lbs / 23.2 Kg

Warranty Information:

  • Inverters: 1-year material and workmanship warranty
  • Accessories: 1-year material warranty

Features:

  • Works with 12V Gel, AGM, SLA, FLD, CAL, LI, and custom batteries.
  • 2000W continuous, 6000W surge power with 90%+ efficiency.
  • Pure Sine Wave protects sensitive electronics.
  • Optimized Charging: 4-Stage charging ensures 100% battery charge.
  • Protection Features: Under/overvoltage, overload, overheating, short circuit protection.

Meet your battery’s new best friend – a charger will charge your leisure battery in no time, With an output current ranging from 5 to 65 Amps, this charger can fully charge a 100Ah battery in under 2 hours. (65A in 1 hour = 65Ah)

Now, on your trip, you’ve got a generous 2000W of electric power for all your appliances. It’s like having a slice of home wherever you go.

The inverter/charger comes with a remote control and a battery temperature sensor.

The sensor ensures the charger adapts to temperature changes, making sure your battery gets a stable and constant charge. It’s all about simplicity and reliability for your charging needs.

Do you want to know more

Third - a clever Battery with a lot of stored power

Electrical Specifications:

  • Battery Type: Lithium Iron Phosphate
  • Rated Capacity: 100AH
  • Nominal Voltage: 12.8V
  • Voltage Range: 10-14.8V
  • Energy: 1280WH
  • Cycle Life (0.2C, 25℃): 80% Depth of Discharge (DOD), 4000 Cycles
  • Connection Method: Parallel
  • Automatically Self-heating Function: No

Mechanical Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 11.4 x 6.8 x 7.4 inches / 289 x 172 x 188 mm
  • Weight: 26 lbs. / 11.8 kg
  • Protection Rate: IP54
  • Housing Material: PC+ABS

Charging Parameters:

  • Charge Voltage: 14.4V
  • Maximum Continuous Charging Current: 50 A
  • Charge Cut-off Voltage: 14.4V

Discharging Parameters:

  • Maximum Continuous Discharging Current: 100 A
  • Discharge Cut-off Voltage: 10V

Temperature Parameters:

  • Standard Operation Temperature: 25℃±5℃
  • Storage Temperature: -13149℉ / -2565℃
  • Charge Temperature: 32131°F / 055°C
  • Discharge Temperature: -4140°F / -2060°C

Communication:

  • Built-in Bluetooth: No
  • Communication Port: RJ45 (Modbus Protocol)

Accessories:

  • Bolts: M8 x 2
  • Activation Switch: x1

Warranty:

  • Material and Workmanship Warranty: 5-year

Meet your battery’s new best friend – a charger will charge your leisure battery in no time, With an output current ranging from 5 to 65 Amps, this charger can fully charge a 100Ah battery in under 2 hours. (65A in 1 hour = 65Ah)

Now, on your trip, you’ve got a generous 2000W of electric power for all your appliances. It’s like having a slice of home wherever you go.

The inverter/charger comes with a remote control and a battery temperature sensor.

The sensor ensures the charger adapts to temperature changes, making sure your battery gets a stable and constant charge. It’s all about simplicity and reliability for your charging needs.

Do you want to know more

This is how my shopping cart would look like at Renogy for the best installed power solution

Screenshot 2023-12-24 at 12.04.14

There is often a generous offer on the Renogy ONE Core and it helps you monitor your stored power and how the status is on your equipment

Cloud-based energy monitoring worldwide.
• 24/7 energy analysis on multiple devices.
• Built-in RV leveling sensor for stability and comfort.
• Connect smart accessories for home automation.
• Easy installation with horizontal bubble.

Then there is this option, a gas generator

This option is very easy, just fill up with petrol and let them run for hours and then fill it up and continue with generating power.

 

The obvious downs with gas generators is that they are noisy. Solar and power station are total silence. 

Picture is an Affiliate link to Amazon (paid link)

This is a solution in my opinion is for people that need to charge their power station when the sun isn’t shining and when there is no grid power available.

Charge the power station for the night and or when you need to top it up and enjoy a silent night without engine noice

EcoFlow Smart Generator (Dual Fuel) is a clever solution and operates with EcoFlow DELTA PRO

EcoFlow Smart Generator (Dual Fuel) will be delivered after Dec 25.

• Dual Fuel: gasoline and LPG
• 20kWh capacity with standard LPG tank for worry-free backup power
• Save 40% of fuel by connecting to DELTA series and Power Kits
• Remotely control and real-time monitor using the app
• 4 ways to start
• 5 security alerts
• Seamlessly integrate your LPG power backup

• Designed for easy maintenance, and as quiet as 56dB at a distance of 23ft.

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