Just Clever Things

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

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

How much power can it deliver (Watt)
For how long can it deliver that power (Wh)
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

EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series Portable Power Station

EcoFlow DELTA 3 Power Station with the fastest charging speed

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EcoFlow DELTA 3 Power Station with the fastest charging speed DELTA 3 Series Portable Power Station | EcoFlow US | EcoFlowThe EcoFlow Delta 3 is

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max powers almost all the devices you need

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EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Solar generator for your home and outdoor The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max stands out as a powerhouse that effortlessly combines capacity,

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Solar generator for your home and outdoor

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EcoFlow DELTA 2 Solar generator for your home and outdoor EcoFlow DELTA 2 is the solar generator for your house and when you are on

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

RENOGY DCC50S 12V 30A DC-DC On-Board Battery Charger with MPPT

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

RENOGY 2000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger w/ LCD Display

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

RENOGY 12V 100Ah Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery

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: -13~~149℉ / -25~~65℃
Charge Temperature: 32~~131°F / 0~~55°C
Discharge Temperature: -4~~140°F / -20~~60°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

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.