Overview
The goal was to build a mobile, self-sufficient energy platform. This control panel automatically harvests and distributes power throughout the 3-source, 3-battery system.
Mobile Energy Infrastructure
The goal was to build a mobile, self-sufficient energy platform. This control panel automatically harvests and distributes power throughout the 3-source, 3-battery system.
Real hardware paired with the design intent behind it
I designed the electrical modules and enclosure in Fusion360
The final product was hand sanded from MDF to match the C10's interior styling
The information needed for the modules is documented with board files, F360 schematics, and implementation details.
Reach out if you need any support with the modules!
Making it work can take much less time than making it pretty. I know of a handful of ways I could make it look even cleaner, but knowing when to stop is also important!
5-month update! This system has quietly done its job, keeping the batteries charged.
I’ve been using a slightly better setup manually, and it could probably be automated with a single sense wire. When the portable panels are deployed and charging, I turn Aux Branch off so battery power doesn’t feed back into that circuit and interfere with the panels. Instead, I switch Alt Charge on and send that energy to the starter battery. This way, I can charge at 200W AND 60W instead of 200W OR 60W
The system could detect when the panels are active by monitoring their voltage and switch modes automatically. For now, though, the added complexity and failure risk don’t seem worth it compared with having an experienced operator handle the changeover.