My Greenish Power Project and Updating a Few Grid Cords

[Burnin Since 1991]

One day at a time really is a thing. I was trained in gen repair in the Air Force Reserve. We ran from the small Honda generators all the way up to the trailered big boys. I got out of it in the late 90's (BRAC got us and the moved the unit to Cape Cod and I didn't want to make that commute. ) I don't remember the specs of the equipment anymore, but some had to be hauled / pulled with a 5 ton truck. It was pretty cool stuff and I learned a lot. A real lot. I enjoyed my time. The worst part of the job was loading, unloading and lugging the power cables. We used pallets and fork lifts.

I do enjoy the jack of all trades role. I have a healthy dislike of plumbing at least until I discover ball valves and compression fittings.

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

Today I fired up a diesel heater in my garage.

I've been intrigued by them. Thought about one of those for my shed for the really cold days. What have ya got for a diesel heater?

 

[woodgeek]

NIce progress. My Q is if that 2kWh battery in the shed is portable (wheels or a dolly). If you had an outage, you could 'sneaker net' the energy up to the house, rather than buy a long cord/outlets.

 

[Whitenuckler]

One day at a time really is a thing. I was trained in gen repair in the Air Force Reserve. We ran from the small Honda generators all the way up to the trailered big boys. I got out of it in the late 90's (BRAC got us and the moved the unit to Cape Cod and I didn't want to make that commute. ) I don't remember the specs of the equipment anymore, but some had to be hauled / pulled with a 5 ton truck. It was pretty cool stuff and I learned a lot. A real lot. I enjoyed my time. The worst part of the job was loading, unloading and lugging the power cables. We used pallets and fork lifts.

I do enjoy the jack of all trades role. I have a healthy dislike of plumbing at least until I discover ball valves and compression fittings.

Yes I remember trying to cut pipe in tight spaces, or soldering upside down, or trying to solder a leaking pipe. I was really happy when I discovered PEX B. I got rid of all the old piping in my last house. I was trained in electrical so that is no problem. I have always renovated houses and cottages myself and enjoy woodworking. Also like to play with engines. I bought two old riding lawn mowers this year and fixed them up, plus an old Honda Shadow. Lately I have been doing this radon venting which is working out good. Once I get another blower I am going to make a fresh air intake for the basement as well so I have air leaving and coming in like a Air Exchanger

 

[Whitenuckler]

I've been intrigued by them. Thought about one of those for my shed for the really cold days. What have ya got for a diesel heater?

https://www.vevor.ca/diesel-heater-c_10321/vevor-diesel-air-heater-diesel-parking-heater-8-kw-dc-12-24-v-10l-fuel-tank-p_010493464809?adp=gmc&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_id=23794239799&ad_group=195997833556&ad_id=806608434376&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23794239799&gbraid=0AAAAACYN8u4mPtMY6N9QR9EW3IxR88Cn_&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz4LWBhCMARIsAFEG5Mq_SOBFwT8eWA7NvTf-u2zFz3J7jR_2LnRtjMgNMMWuejM8amW2WVYaAk9eEALw_wcB

If this link does not work search 8kw diesel heater. I will post a picture after I get the wires cleaned up. They are perfect for sheds. With the price of diesel now it's going to sting when I go to get more.

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

NIce progress. My Q is if that 2kWh battery in the shed is portable (wheels or a dolly). If you had an outage, you could 'sneaker net' the energy up to the house, rather than buy a long cord/outlets.

Thanks.

It could be. I actually wanted to keep the power station w/spare battery in the house utility room, but my wife is very sensitive to noise. Then there is the issues of the wires to the solar panels. I'd still have to run the gen cord down to the house to re-charge the batteries.

But, yes I can get it from the shed to the house without too much difficulty. It doesn't have wheels, but I have a dolly and a wheel barrow. I'm pretty sure I could do that.

 

[Whitenuckler]

I've been intrigued by them. Thought about one of those for my shed for the really cold days. What have ya got for a diesel heater?

Mine is the split type. They have a suitcase one too. I kept my tank down low for ease of filling. I kept the heater high so I could get to the underneath. I have a little meter that shows volts and amps. It's good to have because the glow plug draws 8A on startup and they burn out once and awhile. The voltage is good to have. I will hook up a small 3A charger to keep it charged. The combustion air is supposed to be outside, but my garage is not air tight as I have ridge vents.

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

https://www.vevor.ca/diesel-heater-c_10321/vevor-diesel-air-heater-diesel-parking-heater-8-kw-dc-12-24-v-10l-fuel-tank-p_010493464809?adp=gmc&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_id=23794239799&ad_group=195997833556&ad_id=806608434376&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23794239799&gbraid=0AAAAACYN8u4mPtMY6N9QR9EW3IxR88Cn_&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz4LWBhCMARIsAFEG5Mq_SOBFwT8eWA7NvTf-u2zFz3J7jR_2LnRtjMgNMMWuejM8amW2WVYaAk9eEALw_wcB

If this link does not work search 8kw diesel heater. I will post a picture after I get the wires cleaned up. They are perfect for sheds. With the price of diesel now it's going to sting when I go to get more.

It worked, but I needed the us site so I changed ca to com and got right to it. Pretty slick. If memory server me @MRD1985 installed one similar in his garage last winter and someone else on the forum did as well. First look thought was I need 12v 13 amps to run something like that, but my power station has an xt60 12v 25a output that should be enough to fire it up and keep it running.

$6.35 a gallon for diesel in MA today (average price)

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

Mine is the split type. They have a suitcase one too. I kept my tank down low for ease of filling. I kept the heater high so I could get to the underneath. I have a little meter that shows volts and amps. It's good to have because the glow plug draws 8A on startup and they burn out once and awhile. The voltage is good to have. I will hook up a small 3A charger to keep it charged. The combustion air is supposed to be outside, but my garage is not air tight as I have ridge vents.

That's cool. I like the tank down low like you said for ease of filling. The air intake pulls cold air low and the blows away from the unit. The exhaust out through the wall. Yeah I like it. Is the garage a single or double? Just wondering how long the heater has to run to heat up the garage?

My shed is like 8 x 10 x 8 feet so just a bit more than half of an average garage space

 

[Whitenuckler]

It worked, but I needed the us site so I changed ca to com and got right to it. Pretty slick. If memory server me @MRD1985 installed one similar in his garage last winter and someone else on the forum did as well. First look thought was I need 12v 13 amps to run something like that, but my power station has an xt60 12v 25a output that should be enough to fire it up and keep it running.

$6.35 a gallon for diesel in MA today (average price)

It worked, but I needed the us site so I changed ca to com and got right to it. Pretty slick. If memory server me @MRD1985 installed one similar in his garage last winter and someone else on the forum did as well. First look thought was I need 12v 13 amps to run something like that, but my power station has an xt60 12v 25a output that should be enough to fire it up and keep it running.

$6.35 a gallon for diesel in MA today (average price)

Just a lawn tractor battery would work with a small charger. It draws less than 10A on startup, but then goes down to about 2 amps. Some people use a DC power supply but they could blow. The guys that haul with the big trucks are paying big bucks at a fillup.

 

[Whitenuckler]

That's cool. I like the tank down low like you said for ease of filling. The air intake pulls cold air low and the blows away from the unit. The exhaust out through the wall. Yeah I like it. Is the garage a single or double? Just wondering how long the heater has to run to heat up the garage?

My shed is like 8 x 10 x 8 feet so just a bit more than half of an average garage space

I have a workshop at the back and no insulation. I do have another diesel heater in the workshop area I got working today.
I also have 240V 15A for the garge so I have 4 1500W electric radiant ceiling heaters. I can't run them all at the same time, but
depending on where I am I can turn two on in the same area. This will be the first year with the extra diesel heater in the "automotive" area. It's just a single car garage but they added a workshop addition. I can't work in there in the summer as it's too hot. So fall and spring is when I can get in there with the heat to take the chill off. If it's -20C forget heating it unless it's an emergency.

 

[MRD1985]

It worked, but I needed the us site so I changed ca to com and got right to it. Pretty slick. If memory server me @MRD1985 installed one similar in his garage last winter and someone else on the forum did as well. First look thought was I need 12v 13 amps to run something like that, but my power station has an xt60 12v 25a output that should be enough to fire it up and keep it running.

$6.35 a gallon for diesel in MA today (average price)

That I did. It works great. I used a lithium 1/V battery 280aH to power it.

 

[bogieb]

Thanks.

It could be. I actually wanted to keep the power station w/spare battery in the house utility room, but my wife is very sensitive to noise. Then there is the issues of the wires to the solar panels. I'd still have to run the gen cord down to the house to re-charge the batteries.

But, yes I can get it from the shed to the house without too much difficulty. It doesn't have wheels, but I have a dolly and a wheel barrow. I'm pretty sure I could do that.

Most battery stations have a minimum temp that they will charge and discharge at - check your manual. Discharging is usually in the teens (F) but charging is usually around the freezing mark. So depending on your winter temps, you may need to find a way to keep the station warm, or bring it to the house anyway.

Is that station really that loud? I mean I do have a couple of power stations that can get loud when the internal fan is running, but that is usually for 30 seconds or less. Most of my newer generation power stations are pretty darn quiet even with the fan running.

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

Most battery stations have a minimum temp that they will charge and discharge at - check your manual. Discharging is usually in the teens (F) but charging is usually around the freezing mark. So depending on your winter temps, you may need to find a way to keep the station warm, or bring it to the house anyway.

Is that station really that loud? I mean I do have a couple of power stations that can get loud when the internal fan is running, but that is usually for 30 seconds or less. Most of my newer generation power stations are pretty darn quiet even with the fan running.

My wife's hearing is far superior to mine. I have tinnitus and fairly severe hearing loss. There aren't many sounds that bother me. The fan runs at about 60db and pushes/pulls 30cfm when running.

The manual says 0C, so 32F. I would probably want to keep it at about 40 as the minimal.

I have a grow mat and I'm going to pick up some rigid insulation that I need for the shed anyway. Didn't you do something similar? I know you explained about your shed project . How has that gone since the guy put the solar panels up for you?

 

[bogieb]

My wife's hearing is far superior to mine. I have tinnitus and fairly severe hearing loss. There aren't many sounds that bother me. The fan runs at about 60db and pushes/pulls 30cfm when running.

The manual says 0C, so 32F. I would probably want to keep it at about 40 as the minimal.

I have a grow mat and I'm going to pick up some rigid insulation that I need for the shed anyway. Didn't you do something similar? I know you explained about your shed project . How has that gone since the guy put the solar panels up for you?

Yes, I got a grow mat for mine.

The solar panels on the shed have been wonderful! I charge some of my stations in there and use the stored solar energy to run kitchen appliances and my computer/wifi/modem. Only regret that the shed is in shade until 10am in summer, and nearly 1pm now. But when it gets sunlight, I get really good production. Winter production sux (way too many dark, cloudy days), and don't really use it then, but it is better than nothing in case of power outage.

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

I've only got 600w on top of my shed but they keep the power station charged up. It is also running the lights in both sheds and 4 or so chargers for my power tools. The main issue I have is that the power station will only accept 55 volts and 20 amps per solar input. The 600 watts per for 1200 watts is fine but the closest I can get is either 2- 200w or 1- 400w and I start getting too close to the volts (voc) and and amps (isc). I'm pondering a few options, like an extra battery with a charge controller that will handle more solar. I still like the portability and work that the power station does and it's a good foundation for my specific project.

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

The manual says 0C, so 32F. I would probably want to keep it at about 40 as the minimal.

I have a grow mat and I'm going to pick up some rigid insulation that I need for the shed anyway.

Before I start back on the shed, I have to finish up the manual transfer switch in my utility room. Today I will be swapping one of the 15 amp breakers with a 20amp breaker and upgrading the wiring for that breaker. I have 3- 20amp circuits I need to run through the switch but in only came with two 20 amp breakers. Once I get that done I can get the switch wiring pulled to the main panel and wire up the circuits I need. After that is buttoned up I need to do some wire management with some old cable wires that are in the way and I need to look at that and figure out the best solution. From there it's just a matter of putting up the beadboard paneling and cleaning up the mess I made and I can go back to the shed.

Oh and stacking firewood in between. Got a cord delivered yesterday and another coming today. Got about half a cord stacked up yesterday in between football games. Add those to the cord I already have and I should be good. I only burn between 1 and 2 cords a year.

 

[bogieb]

I've only got 600w on top of my shed but they keep the power station charged up. It is also running the lights in both sheds and 4 or so chargers for my power tools. The main issue I have is that the power station will only accept 55 volts and 20 amps per solar input. The 600 watts per for 1200 watts is fine but the closest I can get is either 2- 200w or 1- 400w and I start getting too close to the volts (voc) and and amps (isc). I'm pondering a few options, like an extra battery with a charge controller that will handle more solar. I still like the portability and work that the power station does and it's a good foundation for my specific project.

The amps are pulled by the station, so you can over panel to an extent and go over the amps. If you parallel panels, as long as you are under the VOC, you should be fine.

I parallel 2x320w panels, with VOC of 40.3 and 10.23 A each, into my stations' PV inputs. That works well (max voltage rating is 60v and 18A). At 1S3P, there are diminishing returns for watts by a good deal, so not worth it.

 

[begreen]

We're due for a scheduled outage on Friday. They say it'll be for 18-24 hrs. for the repair. I'm going to try running on the car's V2L instead of the generator for this one. The generator will still standby, but as a backup. Curious to see how it works out.

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

We're due for a scheduled outage on Friday. They say it'll be for 18-24 hrs. for the repair. I'm going to try running on the car's V2L instead of the generator for this one. The generator will still standby, but as a backup. Curious to see how it works out.

That sounds like a good time to see. Do you have a transfer switch? Sounds like major transformer work? That's a long time to shutdown. How large is the shutdown area?

The V2L is 50amps 240v, correct? How many watts can it send to the house?

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

The amps are pulled by the station, so you can over panel to an extent and go over the amps. If you parallel panels, as long as you are under the VOC, you should be fine.

I parallel 2x320w panels, with VOC of 40.3 and 10.23 A each, into my stations' PV inputs. That works well (max voltage rating is 60v and 18A). At 1S3P, there are diminishing returns for watts by a good deal, so not worth it.

Good to know...and I should know that. I will go back and work my numbers again to see what I can do. I did see a 590w panel somewhere yesterday, though I was bouncing all over the place looking for inspiration. It fit my max volts and amps. 2 of those bad boys, one on each input would get it done. Big money and then I have a 400w and a 200w panel that I guess I could use at the other house... More thinking required

I'm wondering if those anti-shading bi-facials really make a difference. With the sun so low in the sky and the leaves still on, I'm getting a fair amount of shading.

 

[begreen]

That sounds like a good time to see. Do you have a transfer switch? Sounds like major transformer work? That's a long time to shutdown. How large is the shutdown area?

The V2L is 50amps 240v, correct? How many watts can it send to the house?

Yes, a pole for a major transmission line to our area was found to be rotting and needs replacement. They may get it fixed sooner, but have told us to prepare for 24hrs as worst case scenario.

V2L (vehicle to load) is not the same as V2G (vehicle to grid) The car's V2L is rated at 1920 watts, 120v. Our house is setup for weathering long outages. We've been without power for up to 6 days in the past. The car will only be powering refrigerator and freezer, plus kitchen lights and the living room.

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

I had another cord of wood delivered last night. Got most of it put up today then took a little time and got the manual transfer switch completely installed. Only thing left is to make out a card with what is on each circuit.

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

Yes, a pole for a major transmission line to our area was found to be rotting and needs replacement. They may get it fixed sooner, but have told us to prepare for 24hrs as worst case scenario.

V2L (vehicle to load) is not the same as V2G (vehicle to grid) The car's V2L is rated at 1920 watts, 120v. Our house is setup for weathering long outages. We've been without power for up to 6 days in the past. The car will only be powering refrigerator and freezer, plus kitchen lights and the living room.

Ok on the v2l and v2g that makes sense. It's good to have the generator ready to go as well. How will the gen tie in? Feed your whole home and the vehicle? Or directly to the car?

Best as I can remember, the longest we had here was 3 days in an ice storm. It wasn't terrible damage, just a lot of down wires. Longest at the other house was 5 days and it wasn't bad at all. I had to use the power station and using extension cords, swapping loads so I could stretch it out. We had virtually no food in fridge so spoilage wasn't an issue, but I ran the fridge a couple times a day and everything I really need to keep cold I packed in snow in my cooler. I also used battery powered lights. They are awesome and rechargeable. I am hooked on them! I have them in my pantry closet and bathroom. Motion activated so it's pretty good. The motion lights in bathroom are good when you have to make a quick pit stop.

 

[begreen]

We've never tried or needed to charge the car by generator. That would be level 1 charging, very slow. Instead, i take a proactive measures like I will do this week and charge the car up before a major weather or outage event. That can last us a few weeks with just local driving. The V2L consumption is TBD, but reports that I have read is that with moderation of loads, it can last a couple weeks and still have say 10 or 20% charge left. We'll see. That's something I will be tracking. We have several camping led lights that will get charged up this week too. When the power is out for many hours, I disconnect the main and shut off all 220v breakers, then backfeed into the house.