The Intent of this Book
This book attempts
to bridge the gap between the auto-electrical and the alternative energy
disciplines. It will assist readers to identify and understand what's
wrong. It shows how to design affordable systems that really work, and
how to install them.
Along the way it provides
an insight into the major components, e.g. alternators, regulators, batteries
and their charging and monitoring, solar energy, motor generators. It
explains why solar modules are rated as they are - and what they really
produce.
It warns of unrealistic
expectations, such as using electric stoves and air-conditioning away
from mains power and/or large motor generators; and that an 800-watt microwave
oven draws up to 2000 watts.
The book is intended
primarily for owners, designers and builders of caravans, campervans and
motorhomes. It is also intended as a general introductory text for auto-electricians
seeking to enter this field, so I have occasionally gone more deeply into
a subject than is necessary for a general understanding. Please do not
be concerned about these sections - the generality of the book should
still make sense.
For information about
smart (three-step) regulators, approach the organisations listed in Appendix
1 under that category. These companies (two of which are in the marine
industry) have extensive expertise in this area, are aware of this book,
and of our readers' special needs. If employing a technician or company
in the solar industry, seek one with full SEIA (Sustainable Energy Association
of Australia) accreditation.
Finally I need to
stress that nothing in this book is new. George Simon Ohm worked out the
relationships between current, voltage and resistance in 1827. The photovoltaic
effect was discovered by Becqueral in 1839. Wire tables have been around
for 130 years. Most of the content on lead-acid batteries could have been
written in 1910. Smart regulators have been used for decades. This book
simply shows how these and other established principles apply to our specific
field.
Bonus for Motorhoming Lifestyle Members!
See the Full Chapter Details and Preface of this Book
See the complete text of Chapter 4 - Voltage Regulators
About the Author
I was originally a
research engineer with General Motors Research Division, specialising
in monitoring and measuring various aspects of vehicle behaviour and performance
particularly in off-road usage. In the 1960s I drove a large 4WD mobile
laboratory/motorhome twice across the length and breadth of Africa, recording
track conditions. I spent further years running my own business designing
and building everything from nuclear scanners to 500 tonne concrete testers
before switching careers in 1970 to found the now-worldwide "Electronics
Today International", and other publications in electronics, computing,
telecommunications, and music.
From 1982-1990, I
was technology editor of "The Bulletin" and "Australian
Business". During this time I founded the periodical "Australian
Communications" and also wrote the Federal Government's "Guide
to Information Technology".
My wife (Maarit) and
I own an Australian-made OKA that we converted into a fully off-road motorhome.
We have taken this vehicle twice around Australia, including to the tip
of Cape York, the long route across the Simpson desert, and many of Australia's
major and minor inland tracks.
