Author: Bruce Loxton

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Trend feature on Bluetooth Mesh App showing Victron Ultra Fast MPPT Smart Solar in Action

Trend feature on Bluetooth Mesh App showing Victron Ultra Fast MPPT Smart Solar in Action

SAFIERY UNIVERSITY

TREND FEATURE VICTRON BLUETOOTH MESH NETWORK SMART SOLAR + SAFIERY LITHIUM

This technical article outlines the new Trend Feature on the Victron Connect App with their Smart Solar controller in a bluetooth mesh array with a Safiery Lithium battery.

Bluetooth Mesh Connection Battery and Solar has new Trend Feature

1. SMART SOLAR IS READING BATTERY VOLTAGE VIA BLUETOOTH

Highest efficiency giving maximum solar performance:

  • No cooling fan. Maximum efficiency exceeds 98%.
  • Full output current up to 40°C Flexible charge algorithm

2. ULTRAFAST MPPT SOLAR CONTROLLER by VICTRON

  • Especially in case of a clouded sky, when light intensity is changing continuously, an ultra-fast MPPT controller will improve energy harvest by up to 30% compared to PWM charge controllers and by up to 10% compared to slower MPPT controllers.

3. ADVANCED MAXIMUM POWER POINT DETECTION.

  • If partial shading occurs, two or more maximum power points may be present on the power-voltage curve. Conventional MPPTs tend to lock to a local MPP, which may not be the optimum MPP. The innovative Victron Solar algorithm will always maximize energy harvest by locking to the optimum MPP.

4. FULLY PROGRAMMABLE CHARGE PARAMETERS.

  • Most MPPT solar controllers have pre-set values for Lithium batteries. Redarc and others use 14.5V for bulk charging. This means the last 5% or so of charging Lithium will be less efficient and slower than this controller. By setting the bulk charge voltage higher at say 14.6V, the Lithium batteries will be charged to 100% quickly.

5. LITHIUM BATTERY VOLTAGE IS TRANSMITTED OVER BLUETOOTH NETWORK.

  • Most solar controllers read the battery voltage at the terminals of the solar charge controller. In many cases this voltage has slight losses. It may be because the solar controller is not close to the battery or natural voltage loss in the cable. As a result, charging efficiency is lost. However, on the Safiery network, the actual Lithium battery voltage is transmitted to the Solar control via the bluetooth network. The accuracy is 0.01V. It does not matter how far away the solar controller is, though having cabling of significant size is important for efficiency.

6. COMPENSATES ABSORBTION AND FLOAT VOLTAGE WITH BATTERY TEMPERATURE.

  • Most solar controllers don’t read battery temprature. However, on the Safiery network, the actual Lithium battery temperature is transmitted to the Solar control via the bluetooth network. The accuracy is 0.1C. It does not matter how far away the solar controller

7. REAL TIME TREND FEATURE (NEW)

    • Up to 7 variables can be trended in REAL TIME on the Victron Connect app updating every second. Great for tuning the orientation of your solar panels and for trouble shooting when performance has slowed from multiple panel arrays.
  • Panel Voltage
  • Panel Current
  • Panel Watts
  • Battery Voltage
  • Battery Current
  • Battery temperature (if battery transmitting via Bluetooth mesh battery voltage and temperature)
  • Load Current (if load connected directly to solar controller)

8. HISTORY display options

  • Solar history for today, yesterday, last week and up to 30days is visible on your Smartphone. It connects using Bluetooth into the mesh network.

BLUETOOTH NETWORK CONNECTED LITHIUM BATTERIES MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY

Lithium 100% Charging Efficiency

  • Most Lithium batteries have 100% charging efficiency. This means if you charge with 100Ah of solar, it will absorb and is capable of discharging the same amout.

Bluetooth Network Connected

  • Most bluetooth Lithium batteries have a single bluetooth interface to a smartphone app. That gives you information on your phone but you dont want to be the optimizer of your solar system. Safiery Bluetooth Lithium batteries can connect to the solar controller directly and of course your smartphone. Let the direct bluetooth connection do the heavy lifting of optimization while you sit back and enjoy liesure time.

Advanced Charge Acceptance rate

  • The speed that a Lithium Battery will soak up the solar charging is dependent on the charge accetance rate of the Lithium battery. The charge acceptance rate is a function of the internal battery resistance: i.e. how well the cells are connected in the battery lowers the resistance and less energy is wasted internally. Safiery Lithium batteries have one of the lowest internal resistance specifications and it is the most crucial factor in our specification with suppliers and quality testing.
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Preserving Life and Performance with Solar Panel

Preserving Life and Performance with Solar Panel

SAFIERY UNIVERSITY

LIGHTWEIGHT SOLAR PANEL PRESERVING LIFE AND PERFORMANCE

This technical article is designed to give value to the reader through more knowledge on Lightweight Flexible Solar Panels.

Having to do a solar panel recall several years ago was painful both for customers and financially for me. But we completed it. It took some time to figure out the root cause of the problem. In designing a new solar panel system, the goal, of course if to completely address this root cause without compromise to the benefits of lightweight solar.

Root Cause of the Flexible Solar Panel Failures

Firstly, they didn’t fail because of the quality of the solar cells. Neither did they fail because of the design of the panels. They failed because of instalation. There were two major problems with the instalation:

  1. The panels were fixed directly to the roof of the off-road caravan with an abundance of Sika. So much Sika, carefully snaked over the back of the panel, that when the off-road caravan roof expanded with heat, the panel stretched and tore the fine inter-cell connections apart. This was the major problem.
  2. The panels had remote connectors/diodes with the connecting cable passing through the roof of the off-road caravan. Heat and cooling of the interconnecting cable from the hot underside of the panel caused a pumping action of moisture to travel through the connecting cable sheath from inside the caravan up to the panel and short the circuit. This occurred less frequently.

Some people insisted on replacing with traditional glass panels. The problem with glass panels is:

  • Heavy weight on top of the van just where you dont want weight: impacts towing stability.
  • Glass holds and does not dissipate heat well, causing a drop in peak performance.
  • The heat from the glass panels radiates back onto the roof of the caravan INCREASING the temperature inside. (Top of glass panel will reach 65 deg C, underside with reach 58 deg c)
  • Front edge of panels is a vertical raise, impacting higher drag when towing.

After a year of research, we found a solution in similar environment in Arizona, USA, that solved all of these problems and had additional benefits.

1. INSULATION OF SOLAR FROM CARAVAN ROOF

Using a Triple Insulated UV rated Polycarbonate sucessfully separates expansion and contraction of the caravan roof from the solar panel.

Plus it has these benefits: The triple insulation promotes air-flow between the layers cooling the solar panel AND the caravan roof. The inside temperature of the caravan will reduce as the Polycarbonate has an “R” factor of 3. This means it transmits
one third of the heat energy through to the caravans inside space.

The polycarbonate is attached to the solar panel with two simple runs of Sika 252 and additional placement to secure the end caps. The solar panel can expand and flex comfortably.

2. SOLAR PANEL CONNECTOR/OPTIMIZER CONCEALED UNDER PANEL

Having the optimizer installed under the panel and concealed has the major benefit of reducing damage from overhead tree braches running accross the top.

It also allows for the inter-panel cabling to pass through the cavity containing the optimizer so adjacent panels can have their cabling concealed on the roof.

3. EXTRUDED ALLOY PROTECTION CAPS

We designed and developed this extrusion specifically to:

  • Cap the front and rear leading edges for general protection.
  • Have a 3mm recess so that the new panel can be placed ontop of a failed panel without disturbing the roof.  This is carefulled designed to exactly cover the 55W panels in a Kimberley Kruiser of Kimberley Karavan.
  • Cap the front and rear leading edges for general protection.
  • Have a 3mm recess so that the new panel can be placed ontop of a failed panel without disturbing the roof.  This is carefulled designed to exactly cover the 55W panels in a Kimberley Kruiser of Kimberley Karavan.

In the photo above, you can also see the Sika penetrating one layer of the “triple insulation” and bonding to the underside of the panel.

RESULTS:

  • Excellent performance with less temperature rise than glass panels
  • Excellent bonding yet with flexibility
  • No exposure to damage from overhead tree branches.
  • Cooler inside the caravan

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SOLAR TEST REPORT

SOLAR TEST REPORT

SAFIERY UNIVERSITY

SOLAR PANEL TEST PROCESS AND TEST REPORT FOR TRIPPLE INSULATED SOLAR PANELS

This technical article is designed to give value to the reader through more knowledge on Lightweight Flexible Solar Panels.   Click on the image to download the test report.

Principles of Testing

1. SOLAR PANEL DESIGN

The solar panel operates at optimum performance with MPPT solar controller.

The MPPT Solar Controller is vital to the performance of the solar panels. This controller takes the solar panel power (voltage and current) and converts it to the optimum mix to charge the battery. It effectively works as a battery charger and not a power supply. It takes about 15 minutes for most MPPT controllers to find the “maximum poer point”.

Solar panels can be combined in series so the positive of one panel feeds the negative of the second panel. You will then get a combined panel voltage of 48-52V in good sun.

It is wise to do parallel connections first and then a series connection. The reason being that is one panel drops out with a leaf or shade coverage, then the series connection set will drop in voltage and the optimizer will block this set out. If the panels are in parallel first and then in series, if one panel is out from leaves or shade, the system will contune at best performance.

Draw the solar panels on the report and connect in parallel and/or series as it is wired up with simple connection lines. We suggest you do this right at the beginning of the installation to be sure as to how you plan to wire the panels.

2. SOLAR CONTROLLER

CHECK that the solar controller can accept a high panel voltage over 50V. Some well known brands like Enerdrive cant accept higher voltages. if you need to replace the solar controller, then EPever Tracer 30A or 40A is excellent BUT you have to program these for Lithium Batteries for best performance.

The best Solar controllers for Lithium Batteries have a “boost function”. This means that if it is late afternoon and the batteries are in “float charge” mode and then is cloud cover for 10-15 mins, upon return of the sun, the solar controller will go into a “boost mode” of bulk charge for a programed period of time. This gives the batteris a real boost in capacity before nightfall. the EPEver controller has this feature as do many others.

3. SOLAR PANEL TESTING

Voc is the open cicuit panel voltage. This varies based on the solar irradiance and the panel design. Taking this reading in the solar conditions in which you are ytesting, gives us a feel for the irradiance on the day. It also confirms all the panels are consistent and meet the quality checks.

After installation, reset the solar controller by disconnection both the battery connection (generally pull the fuse) and the Panel connection (they have been disconnected anyway). Always connect the battery to the solar controller first, wait a minute then connect the solar panel wires. This is to allow the microprocessor of the solar controller to boot up and establish the battery voltage. 

Measure the panel voltage and the current for each of the solar panel cables coming to the solar controller. If they are joined in the roof or overhead cupboard, then measure this at that point and complete the report. This is a very important step. The current you are measuring is NOT the battery current from the solar controller but the panel to controller current. it will ALWAYS be less than the solar controller to battery current.

4. INITIAL SYSTEM TESTING

This is with all the panels connected. You need to know the battery voltage as if this is high, the charge acceptance rate may be low depending on the battery type. (specially trus for AGM, not so for Lithium). The solar controller should boot up and operate in “bulk charge” mode for about 90 mins or more if the battery State of Charge is low. This is the condition we want to test in. So it is important to get the controller in “bulk charge mode”. Turn on some loads to get 5-10A coming out of battery and then complete the recording of panel and battery voltage and current AT THE SOLAR CONTROLLER.

5. UNDER LOAD SYSTEM TESTING

This is with all the panels connected and the battery under maximum load. The best way to achieve this with Lithium batteries is to use the inverter if it is fitted and operate the microwave with a litre of water inside and set to boil. On most caravans, the current draw will be 110-140A. If the batteries are AGM, then set the microwave down to a lower setting and draw a max of 40A.   The solar controller should still be in “bulk charge” mode so do this quickly after the first test. If it isnt, reset the solar controller by disconnecting the panel voltage and then the battery voltage as described before. Then complete the recording of panel and battery voltage and current AT THE SOLAR CONTROLLER.

6. CUSTOMER HANDOVER

Offer to step through the report with the customer. Have photographs of the current and voltage values if the customer is collecting at a later time and cant see the actual test results.

Installation if buying an iKamper Kit from Drifta

These are ordered directly from Drifta who prepared and bond the kits specially for iKamper.

Keep the ends of the solar panel cabling dry and insulated while installing as they will have some voltage. It is best to do the installation under cover or in the shade. Before connecting the solar panels to the solar controller, cover the panels to reduce the solar output. The power from the panels in this state is very small and presents no danger to the DIY installer.

Drifta rout out the polycarbonate underneath to match the profile of the iKamper. You MUST specify the model as there are 2 profile shapes.

They ship the pre-assembled solar kit to you.

You (or your installer) would then place on iKamper as a dry fit to ensure the profile is good. If good then proceed to install on iKamper with just the Sikaflex252. Remember that weights are need to keep pressure on the Solar panel kits as the SikaFlex252 bonds for a 24 hour period.

Wait at least 48 hours after curing before travelling at speed.

Download the iKAMPER test Sheet by clicking on test sheet image:

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INSTALING TRIPLE INSULATED SOLAR PANELS

INSTALING TRIPLE INSULATED SOLAR PANELS

SAFIERY UNIVERSITY

LIGHTWEIGHT SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION OF TRIPPLE INSULATED SOLAR PANELS INSTALLATION OF iKAMPER KITS PURCHASED FROM DIFTA

This technical article is designed to give value to the reader through more knowledge on Lightweight Flexible Solar Panels.

Principles of Design

1. INSULATION OF SOLAR FROM CARAVAN ROOF

Using a Triple Insulated UV rated Polycarbonate sucessfully separates expansion and contraction of the caravan roof from the solar panel.

Plus it has these benefits: The triple insulation promotes air-flow between the layers cooling the solar panel AND the caravan roof. The inside temperature of the caravan will reduce as the Polycarbonate has an “R” factor of 3. This means it transmits one third of the heat energy through to the caravans inside space.

The polycarbonate is attached to the solar panel with two simple runs of Sika 252 and additional placement to secure the end caps. The solar panel can expand and flex comfortably.

2. SOLAR PANEL CONNECTOR/OPTIMIZER CONCEALED UNDER PANEL

Having the optimizer installed under the panel and concealed has the major benefit of reducing damage from overhead tree braches running accross the top.

It also allows for the inter-panel cabling to pass through the cavity containing the optimizer so adjacent panels can have their cabling concealed on the roof.

3. EXTRUDED ALLOY PROTECTION CAPS

We designed and developed this extrusion specifically to:

  • Cap the front and rear leading edges for general protection.
  • Have a 3mm recess so that the new panel can be placed ontop of a failed panel without disturbing the roof.  This is carefulled designed to exactly cover the 55W panels in a Kimberley Kruiser of Kimberley Karavan.

In the photo above, you can also see the Sika penetrating one layer of the “triple insulation” and bonding to the underside of the panel.

RESULTS:

  • Excellent performance with less temperature rise than glass panels
  • Excellent bonding yet with flexibility
  • No exposure to damage from overhead tree branches.
  • Cooler inside the caravan

Installation if buying an iKamper Kit from Drifta

These are ordered directly from Drifta who prepared and bond the kits specially for iKamper.

Keep the ends of the solar panel cabling dry and insulated while installing as they will have some voltage. It is best to do the installation under cover or in the shade. Before connecting the solar panels to the solar controller, cover the panels to reduce the solar output. The power from the panels in this state is very small and presents no danger to the DIY installer.

Drifta rout out the polycarbonate underneath to match the profile of the iKamper. You MUST specify the model as there are 2 profile shapes.

They ship the pre-assembled solar kit to you.

You (or your installer) would then place on iKamper as a dry fit to ensure the profile is good. If good then proceed to install on iKamper with just the Sikaflex252. Remember that weights are need to keep pressure on the Solar panel kits as the SikaFlex252 bonds for a 24 hour period.

Wait at least 48 hours after curing before travelling at speed.

Download the iKAMPER test Sheet by clicking on test sheet image:

Instalation of unassembled kits purchased from Safiery:

Keep the ends of the solar panel cabling dry and insulated while installing as they will have some voltage. It is best to do the installation under cover or in the shade. Before connecting the solar panels to the solar controller, cover the panels to reduce the solar output. The power from the panels in this state is very small and presents no danger to the DIY installer.

These parts, but NOT the Sika are suppled for each solar panel:

You will need Sika 252. DONT USE ANY OTHER SIKA PRODUCT. IT MUST BE SIKAFLEX 252.

Here is a link to Bunnings: https://www.bunnings.com.au/sika-300ml-white-sikaflex-252-polyurethane-adhesive_p1213763 

It is available in White or Black.

The new polycarbonate will be available only in black. However, either colour can be used as the Sika can be contained inside the solar panel assembly.

Here is the video on the assembly:

For fixing to the caravan roof, follow the same process of running the Sika down the routed strips and under the front and leading edges.

It is important to:

  • Adhere the UV Rated surface facing the Solar Panel in the direction of the solar panel (facing up). There will either be a “UV Protection marked film” or a “White Strip of Tape” to designate this surface.
  • Do not cover the solar cells with the protection strips. Leave at lease 2-3mm clear.
  • Test the instalation and register for warranty. The test sheet can be downloaded here.
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BatteryPlus 35 PM suits Safiery Lithium Battery

BatteryPlus 35 PM suits Safiery Lithium Battery

SAFIERY UNIVERSITY

LITHIUM BATTERIES COMPATIBLE BATTERY PLUS 35

This technical article is designed to give value to the reader through more knowledge on the compatibility of Setec’s Battery Plus 35 Charger/Controller and Safiery 125Ahr Lithium Batteries.

If you have one of these controllers/ chargers, here is the good news:

Safiery 125Ahr Bluetooth Lithium batteries are compatible.

Even though the label says “for lead acid chemistry”, it is completely compatible with Safiery 125Ahr Bluetooth Lithium.

Here is why:

The Charging profile for “lead acid” is set at 14.4V and 13.6V. This is perfect. In fact the “lithium setting ” that they publish is too high for most Lithium batteries and if you have a controller set to Lithium, we would highly recommend setting it to Lead acid.3000 cycle and 8 year design life lithium battery

The Bulk and absortion charge times are good.

Completing a health test after you install SAFIERY LITHIUM batteries with this controller:

  1. Startup test after replacing battery should look like “Bulk Charging on Start up”
  2. After 6-8 hours the display may look like: “Float charging Test” below
  3. Error codes are shown.   
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REDARC BMS INTEGRATION

REDARC BMS INTEGRATION

SAFIERY UNIVERSITY

EASY INTEGRATION REDARC 1230S2BMS

This technical article is designed to give value to the reader knowledge on integrating the REDARC BMS with both the Triple Insulated Solar and Simarine Monitoring System.

Redarc is a respected brand in the vehicle power products. Their 1230S2 BMS makes easy integration of:

  • 240V Battery Charger
  • Solar Charger
  • DC to DC Charger from vehicel
  • With starter battery support

What You can get with the integration:

BMS1230S2 Displays

Monochrome LED Display

SAFIERY Integration can add

Gorilla Glass, Retina quality

No Smartphone App

Smartphone App Included

Solar PV Voltage

X

DC to DC Vehicle Voltage

X

AC Power Voltage

X

Battery Voltage

X

X (On Smartphone as well)

Solar or DC to DC Power

X

X ​(On Smartphone as well)

Time to Go  and SOC Alarm

TTG

X ​(On Smartphone as well)

Individual Fridge Power

X ​(On Smartphone as well)

Tank (Fresh, Grey) Levels

X (up to 12) ​(On Smartphone as well)

Temperatures (fridge etc)

X (up to 14) ​(On Smartphone as well)

Pitch and Roll Angle

X Both ​(On Smartphone as well)

LPG Bottle Capacity

X Up to 2 ​(On Smartphone as well)

BMS1230S2 Specification

Safiery Comment
AC Input Voltage Range (nominal)   220-240VAC50Hz
Power Rating Good   520W
Efficiency   80% – 90%
Connection   IEC MainsPlug
DC Input    
DC Input Voltage Range Good   9 – 32V
Turn ON/OFF Threshold 12V(24V) Good   13.2V/12.7V (26.4V/25.4V)
Power Rating Good   520W
Efficiency   94%
Connection   Phoenix 1967498Connector
Solar Input    
PV Input Voltage Good   9 – 32V
PV Turn ON (OC Voltage) Good   17.5V
Power Rating Good   520W
Efficiency   93%
Connection   Phoenix 1967498 Connector
Max Volts @ Bat (25°C Nominal)    
  Touring Mode    Float
Gel Setting Good 14.4V 13.5V
AGM Setting Good 14.4V 13.5V
Calcium Setting Good 15.2V 13.5V
Standard Lead Acid Setting Good 14.8V 13.5V
Lithium Setting Touring Mode and Float Mode Good. Recommend different plan for storage at 40-60% SOC. 14.5V 13.6V
Output Current (Nominal) Good   30A
Temperature Compensation    
Standard Lead Acid AGM, Gel or Ca Good   +30mV / °C < 25°C < -30mV /°C
Lithium Setting Good   40°C < 0.5%/°C <60°C
Operating Temperature*   -40°C – 80°C
Over Temperature Shutdown Good   Yes
Total Battery Capacity Good   40 – 800Ah
Output Battery Volts (Nominal)   12V
Output Battery Volts (Minimum) Good   4V
Max Current on Load Disconnect   1A
Memory Save on Battery Disconnect Good   Yes
Output Protection    
Short Circuit Protection Good   Yes
Surge Protection Good   Yes
Reverse Polarity Protection Good   Yes
Overload Protection Good   Yes

BMS1230S2 Wiring to Simarine

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HIGHEST EFFICIENCY RV SOLAR

HIGHEST EFFICIENCY RV SOLAR

SAFIERY UNIVERSITY

HIGHEST EFFICIENCY SOLAR PANELS ON RV’s

This technical article is designed to give value to the reader knowledge on the Efficiency of Triple Insulated Flexible Solar Panels.

Solar Panel Efficiency is strictly speaking the measure of converting the sun’s irradiance into electrical energy. However, RV’s have limited roof space. So we will add into this equation the electrical energy available per square metter of RV roof space at typical mid-day temperatures in Australia.

Efficiency is impacted by:

  • Efficiency of the Silicon Cells;
  • Design of the Silicon Cells transmitting the collected energy;
  • Temperature of the Silicon Cells;
  • Dust and debris on Silicon cells.

The Solar controller is excluded from this assessment. It is a topic by itself.

The orientation of the solar panels to the incidence angle of the sun is also excluded. This is a factor regardless of solar panel efficiency on electrical output.

Silicon Cell Design and Efficiency: the top 5 Manufacturers in 2019

Here are the top five best solar panel manufacturers in 2019 ranked based on the highest efficiency solar panel they have to offer:

  1. SunPower (22.2%)
  2. LG (21.1%)
  3. Solartech Universal (20.2%)
  4. Silfab (20.0%)
  5. Solaria (19.4%)

The most efficient solar panels on the market today have efficiency ratings as high as 22.2%, whereas the majority of panels range from 15% to 17% efficiency rating. SunPower panels are known for being the most efficient solar panel brand available on the market. Though they will come with a higher price tag, SunPower will often be the consumer favourite for anyone concerned with efficiency as a primal metric of interest.

Safiery uses only SUNPOWER Silicon Cells. We use their Ultra High Performance Maxeon Gen III

Temperature Effect and Efficiency: the bigest killer to performance:

 

Glass Solar Panels have a typical 35C temperature rise above ambient in full sun.

 

EFFICIENCY IMPACT OF TEMPERATURE

Each manufacturer solar panel has a rated temperature impact in efficiency.

  • Glass panels are typically quoted at 0.3% to 0.4%.
  • Glass panels rise typically approx 35 deg C above ambient.
  • Glass panel drop in efficiency because of temperature is:
    (35C +Ambient (28C say)-25C (std)) x 0.35% = 13.3% reduction.

 Triple Insulated Panels are:

  • Safiery Triple Insulated Panels have a temperature co-efficient of 0.3%
  • Safiery Triple Insulated Panels rise by only 25 deg C above ambient.
  • Safiery Triple Insulated Panels drop in efficiency because of temperature is:
    (25C +Ambient (28C say)-25C (std)) x 0.3% = 8.4% reduction.

This is nearly a 5% improvement in efficiency over Glass panels.

Here are photographs of real live test results:

1. HOW TRIPLE INSULATION IS ACHIEVED ON CARAVAN ROOF

There are three layers of cells that comprise the UV rated Polycarbonate material. The triple insulation promotes air-flow between the layers cooling the solar panel AND the caravan roof. The inside temperature of the caravan will reduce as the Polycarbonate has an “R” factor of 3. This means it transmits one third of the heat energy through to the caravans inside space. 

The “Black” polycarbonate pulls heat from the back of the solar panel and dissipates it to the open air.

The polycarbonate is attached to the solar panel with two simple runs of Sika 252 and additional placement to secure the end caps. The solar panel can expand and flex comfortably.

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GPS Tracking and Alerts

GPS Tracking and Alerts

Product Price includes the software:

This system does the following:

  1. Sends you a SMS alert if the caravan or boat has a critical alarm from the SIMARINE system
  2. Sends you an SMS if the carav or boat moves more than 25m radius from where you left it and after you turned on the GPS fence alarm.
  3. Sends you a Google map location of where your caravan or boat is. (after you request it with SMS)
  4. Uses a combo GPS and GSM Antenna.
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Water Tank Monitoring

Water Tank Monitoring

SAFIERY UNIVERSITY

FAULTLESS WATER CAPACITY CONSERVE AND MONITOR

This article gives insight to getting the most into your water tanks and then monitoring them accurately to conserve water.

1. Getting the most water into your tank

  • RV water tanks by their very nature have a large flat profile, particularly towards the top of the tank under the chassis/floor.
  • The volume between the breather tube outlet, inside the tank, and the tank “inner roof” will be air and not water.
  • Therefore the closer the breather tube to the top of the tank , the more water can be carrier inside.
  • When filling the tank, if the caravan/camper is being filled with water and the breather tube is on the side closest to the ground, then you will get less water into the tank. Reversing this situation will get more water in.

2. Getting the most water out of your tank

  • The drain position is also a factor in getting more out of the tank. The higher up the side of the tank, then more water is left inside.

3. Usable Capacity

There can be significant differences between the theoretical capacity of a water tank and the usable capacity.

Determining the usable capacity is easy.

  • Purchase a low cost water filling meter. (Bunnings have one for $60)
  • Drain the water tank on level ground.
  • Fill the tank and measure with the meter until the breather is overflowing just a little.
  • Take the meter reading and subtract a litre of so for the breather tube volume and overflow.

Now you have the maximum usable capacity of your tank.

4. KNOWING THE AMOUNT OF WATER AVAILABLE IN LITRES

This is the hard one for most systems. The reason is:

  • Level measurements are used that can be linear in a non-linear tank volume.
  • Level sensors fail or give faulty readings
  • There was no original calibration by the manufacturer and the tank reading are an estimate.

SIMARINE solves these problems in a simple and clever way using Artifical Intelligence.

There is No problem with the water volume remaining estimate in an unusually designed water tank.

For each change of water level sender point (if fixed measuring level points), you enter the volume of water change in litres against a calibration value.

Use one of the simple filler meters and enter the litres for each sender point.

  • Watch the reading level jump when a sensor point is touched by the water
  • Pick a similar interval change for the calibration if a variable analog sensor is used.
  • Dont be concerned about having exact interval points on variable level senders (explained below). The system will do the smarts for you.

SIMARINE HAVE UP TO 11 CALIBRATION POINTS Between “full” and “empty” :

  • 11 calibration points that can be added.
  • View the list of calibration points for a tank and add new calibration points or remove existing ones.
  • More calibration points will enable PICO to show tank level more accurately.
  • For each calibration point, tank fill volume and a corresponding sensor value (resistance or voltage) must be set.

SIMARINE then calculates the estimated volume change between each sender point and uses a unique change variable.

SAVE SETTINGS ON YOUR PHONE

SIMARINE has a great feature of saving the settings to your smartphone.

TANK LEVEL SENSORS – KEY to success!

  • Sensors that have a constant output like pressure based level sensors or ultrasonic level sensors will give you the best resolution.
  • Accurate level sensors using pressure signal
    – these are very compact: 304 Stainless body, 21mm dia and 24mm long
    – the are DIFFERENTIAL pressure sensors that compare the tank level “pressure” to the outside air “pressure”. Poorly designed product doesnt have this feature and will give false reading at altitude and changes in barometric pressure. All our sensors are differential. 
  • Install in one of 3 locations, always at the lowest point on the side of the tank:
    – drill and tap the drain bung, this is generally 3/4inch BSP and place the sensor in here. because of the flexible cable, you can generally remove the bung without having to remove the sensor.
    – drill and tap the side of the tank at a thick section generally in the corners and place the sensor in here.
    – add a T piece from the drain to tap section, position the sensor in the T branch at any orientation (like vertical).
  • Ultrasonic sensors:
    – have a “dead band” when the tank is nearly full
    – can give a false reading if the model chosen is not matched to tank shape
    – can give a false reading when the tank is empty because of signal bounce.
  • Plug or “arm” sensors have low resolution of 3-5 points.
    – calibration can still be useful and an improvement over the normal 4 LED tank guages
    – calibrate at the sensor change points for best results.
    – here is the interface module for these to simarine . It will support up to 3 tanks with the RV arms already fitted. Just wire from the RV srms to the interface module for up to 3 tanks. The interface module converts the resistance signals to the Simarine system.

SIMPLE CLARITY

  • Big clean clear display on PICO and smartphone.
  • No small LED lights or buttons to push.
  • Easy to read Total with multiple devices installed.
  • All the device currents on the battery screen.

EASY TO SET WATER LOW ALERTS

  • Change alerts based on the camping or boating conditions.
  • Do on the smartphone with a simple select and slide.
  • Set alerts to visible, audible or both.
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Multiple Lithium Batteries

Multiple Lithium Batteries

SAFIERY UNIVERSITY

LITHIUM BATTERIES MULTIPLE SETS IN PARALLEL AND SERIES HAS MAJOR ADVANTAGES.

This technical article is designed to give value to the reader through more knowledge on Lithium Batteries.

Lithium Batteries consist of 4 sets of Lithium cells connected in series and make up the bulk of the Lithium Battery casing. The cells run in vertical layers longitudinally along the battery length.

At the top of the battery casing are the management units.

Safiery Lithium Batteries are fitted with not just a Cell Balancing Management Unit but an additional Battery Management Unit which allows these batteries to be installed in parallel or series connection. This additional management unit is included in the price.

   

Here is a photo in the factory test bay of 6 Safiery 125Ahr batteries under test in parallel configuration. They are being stressed to maximum charge and discharge.  There is a total of 6 x 125 = 700 Ahrs of capacity here.

The benefit of multiple Lithium Batteries in parallel compared to a single battery of similar capacity are:

  1. Can provide power to larger inverter and operate any of the devices in the table below:

Required for Nespresso Mini Espresso

Required for Microwave and Induction cooktop

Required for Aircon from Battery

Rating in kw

Mini Expresso

1240W

Induction 2000W

or

Microwave 1600W

Startup 4.3kw

Operating current with Truma rooftop unit is 70A DC after startup

Continuous discharge current

100A

80-120A

120A

Burst discharge current

160A Max for 15 min

460A for 1-2 secs

2 x 125 Ahr Safiery Batteries Current Output

200A Continuous

200A Continuous

200A Continuous

700A burst for 3 secs
  1. In normal everday use, 2 x 125 Ahr will have a lower depth of discharge compared to a single 200Ahr Battery. A lower depth of discharge contributes to a longer cycle life of the batteries.
  2. Safiery 125 Ahr can be installed on any side except they can’t be inverted. The shape combinations give more flexibility in locating with ease of access. Combination sizes are:

All in mm

Placed on top of each other lengthwise terminals facing forward

Placed side by side, terminals facing in up position

Placed side by side with small face down, terminals facing forward

Combined Dimensions of

 2 x 125 ahr

Safiery lithium

318 L

430 H

165 D

318 L

215 H

330 D

330 L

318 H

215 D
 

Maximum Capacity of Multiple Safiery Lithium Batteries:

In Parallel Sets

In Series Set

In Series and Parallel

Combined Voltage and Ahrs of

 Multiple 125 ahr

Safiery lithium

 6 x 125 ahr

Safiery lithium

12.8V (12V Nominal)

700Ahrs

 4 x 125 ahr

Safiery lithium

51.2 V (48V nominal)

125 Ahrs

6 x 125 ahr

Safiery lithium

25.6 V (24V nominal)

 375 Ahrs

Battery Management Unit maps to Safiery App so the user can see the exact value of the Lithium cells.