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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> 12v or 24v? https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1247085404 Message started by Y3 on Jul 8^th, 2009, 9:36pm

Title: 12v or 24v?
Post by Y3 on Jul 8^th, 2009, 9:36pm

Hi peeps,

I was approached today by colleague, he wants a wind turbine and solar panels which charge a bank of batteries, where an inverter changes the voltage to 230v. I'm only describing what he said, I have never installed such systems! He asked, would 12v or 24v be better and which ever is the answer, why? This is all for his remote property in spain (by remote I mean out I the sticks).

Thanx

carl

Title: Re: 12v or 24v?
Post by Zambezi on Jul 8^th, 2009, 9:44pm

I don't have much experience with wind turbines, best to ask in the DIY section where CWatters should be able to help.

I have been told that wind turbines are rubbish and there are better things on the market for the money.

As for 12V or 24V system, I would think 12V would give him more options for lights and 12V gadgets. You mention an inverter so it may not matter.

I saw one at a farm I was doing some work at and the guy said it was basically a £3000 tractor battery charger and said it was very noisy.

Title: Re: 12v or 24v?
Post by Lectrician on Jul 8^th, 2009, 9:51pm

The local RAF volunteer gliding school here has a 'caravan' which is basically a mess room, waiting room and local air traffic control. It has a 12v turbine for charging the 12v circuits for the lights and comms kit. It is VERY noisey! it reverbarates around the whole caravan.

The caravan is plugged into the mains when not used to charge fully.

Title: Re: 12v or 24v?
Post by scotspark on Jul 8^th, 2009, 10:12pm

Not really done anything with renewables

there must be better places to find out

as said cwatters prob your man

Title: 12v or 24v?
Post by Lectrician on Jul 9^th, 2009, 7:13am

This Topic was moved here from Electricians Talk by Lectrician.

Title: Re: 12v or 24v?
Post by NickW on Jul 9^th, 2009, 9:06am

Try asking at the Centre for Alternative Technology forum here:
http://phpbb.cat.org.uk/

Title: Re: 12v or 24v?
Post by CWatters on Jul 9^th, 2009, 10:23am

Thanks for the credits but I'm not an expert on solar/wind either...

What sort of load are we talking about? There is a big difference between what you need for a whole house full of appliances vs just minimial lighting. Have to remember the current multiplier... For every 1A at 230V a 12V battery has to deliver at least 230/12 = 20A. More when you factor in that step up converters aren't super efficient.

Title: Re: 12v or 24v?
Post by sparky415 on Jul 9^th, 2009, 9:12pm

There,s loads of information and experienced people on this site

http://www.navitron.org.uk/forum/

Title: Re: 12v or 24v?
Post by Y3 on Jul 9^th, 2009, 9:59pm

Thanx for the info lads, I will take a look at the links asap!

Title: Re: 12v or 24v?
Post by Y3 on Jul 9^th, 2009, 10:01pm

sparky415 wrote on Jul 9^th, 2009, 9:12pm:

There,s loads of information and experienced people on this site

http://www.navitron.org.uk/forum/

You still around sparky415, not seen you on here for sometime!

Title: Re: 12v or 24v?
Post by sparky415 on Jul 10^th, 2009, 10:15am

Glad someone missed me! :)
My computer had died (but OK now)
I could only pop in when I was visiting my brother
(Hello mate how are you? Is the computer free??) ;)

That site is great, not sure who introduced it to me,
Full of the people that made this country great (mad inventors) :D

Title: Re: 12v or 24v?
Post by Y3 on Jul 10^th, 2009, 7:14pm

Will check it out soon

Thanx

Carl