Electricity in motorhomes and caravans

Where to get electricity?

Adventure, a sense of freedom and independence, this is what attracts caravanners. Trips to remote, preferably uninhabited places are usually the destination of such vacation trips in a motorhome. However, when traveling in such a vehicle, we are not always self-sufficient and sometimes it is extremely difficult to obtain the independence so desired in this case. What are we talking about? First of all, that when we go to places completely remote from civilization, we are deprived of a power source, which could make the vacation not too successful. We then wonder if the battery of our vehicle will meet the demand for electricity needed to operate the electrical devices on the board of our motorhome or caravan.
A good and properly selected battery is the basis for a safe and long journey. The comfort of our travel depends primarily on him.

The battery in the caravan

Technique and technology are developing at a dizzying pace, and producers, also those from the caravanning industry, are competing in ideas and solutions that are able to meet the expectations of even the most demanding caravanning enthusiasts. They offer newer and better batteries that are reliable in every respect. They allow for long and safe use. The most important thing is that they have a minimum degree of discharge and high efficiency. In addition, the most modern batteries now have a great design, which can save up to 30% space, and is also shock-resistant.

The battery is the heart of the vehicle and it most often determines whether the electrical devices in a motorhome or caravan will work. A good quality battery will ensure full travel and camping comfort and extend the journey. So how do you choose the right one? The required battery capacity is determined by taking into account all electrical devices that draw current from the battery. By summing up all the powers of these devices, we know what our power needs are and thus we are able to define our needs for the battery. It happens that there are many devices that consume electricity on board our vehicle, and if you choose to stay longer without access to an energy source, you have to take into account the fact that one battery may not be enough. In this situation, two batteries are connected together to obtain the required power. However, it is important to know that such a connection is possible only if the two devices have identical parameters. They must be of the same type, structure, voltage, capacity and preferably from the same production period. It is also important that their state of charge is the same. Two batteries are most often used. One is for the car, and the other for the living area, i.e. electrical appliances, it can be a refrigerator, water pump, radio, TV, etc.

Solar panels in motorhomes and caravans

If it is possible to connect to an external network with a voltage of 230 V using a special cable, then this is how energy from an external source is used without burdening the battery. With reasonable electricity management, and topping up with an external source while driving, you can enjoy independent electric power for up to two weeks. However, this is not always possible and the batteries are exposed to a lot of hard work. It sometimes happens that the demand for electricity is really high, and the battery, although the best and most efficient, is not able to last for longer periods. Then what?

In such situations, alternative energy sources are fantastic. One of them is a solar battery. This type of solution is used more and more often. Why? It is a reliable source of energy, no matter what situation and circumstances we find ourselves in.
Manufacturers of solar sets offer even those that work great in less sunny months, in autumn or winter. Solar batteries are a great solution for a motorhome or caravan. Thanks to them, you can freely use the devices on board the vehicle. In addition, they are quiet, maintenance-free, environmentally friendly, provide free electricity, and their dimensions and weight allow for easy assembly and disassembly if necessary.

A solar battery is a small power plant that has become the most modern and common way of obtaining energy from the sun. Solary is conquering the Polish market at a rapid pace. How it's working? Solar panels made of photovoltaic fires are exposed to sunlight. They generate a direct current of 12 or 24 V. They transfer it to the battery via a charge regulator. The controller transfers the accumulated energy to the 230 V inverter, which converts the 12 V direct voltage into the commonly used 230 V. The solar radiation is directly converted into electricity. Such solar cells are composed of many photovoltaic fires, connected in parallel or in series to achieve the required voltage. One cell would not be enough to obtain the appropriate voltage, so it connects several dozen to form solar modules. These, in turn, make up photovoltaic systems. This is a great way to recharge the battery when parked, even for a long time. Solary is very popular among caravanning. They allow you to travel to the farthest corners without having to give up the comfort of electrical devices. To choose the right solar panels, you should take into account the amount of space on the roof of the motorhome or caravan and, of course, all the power consumption devices that the solar kit would handle. The great thing is that you can connect solar modules of different powers together to generate the right voltage.

A wind turbine

Another good solution to power a motorhome or caravan is a wind turbine. It works very well in Polish weather conditions. It is an excellent device for generating electricity with the help of wind. It can be directly connected to the battery as it has a built-in charge regulator. The turbine converts the kinetic energy of the wind into the rotation of the rotor, which is converted into electricity. The wind turbine generates electricity with a voltage of 12 or 24 V, ideally charging a 12V battery. Due to the fact that the starting speed is only 2 m / s, it ensures relatively high efficiency of the device. It is a very effective source of energy and the ideal solution for a camping vehicle is to use a combination of a solar battery and a wind turbine, thus creating a hybrid system.

Generator

Own, independent power source is extremely valuable. It gives a sense of security, comfort and independence. Electricity-generating devices can be used in a wide variety of situations. A power generator also works for sure on campsites. A great device that allows you to power other electrical devices no matter where you are. Sometimes the aggregate is a key device during long trips. It is easy to use and safe to use. The power generator should be selected according to the intended use and individual needs. When it comes to travels, camping sites, camps, a suitcase model unit works well, it is easy to transport and carry.

When purchasing such a device, you should pay attention to certain issues. What are we talking about? First of all, you need to pay attention to the quality of the current, power, and voltage stabilization. It is all very important and bad parameters could destroy some of our electrical appliances, TV sets or computers. Ideally, an authorized representative should choose the right generator for our needs. To do this, he will need knowledge of all electrical devices that the generator would possibly operate. Voltage stabilization is extremely important to prevent equipment damage. The most effective voltage stabilization is in the form of an inverter and cycloconverter. Thanks to them, we can be calm about our electrical devices. The generator may be associated with a noisy device. This is an important criterion when purchasing. Fortunately, manufacturers offer models with a soundproof housing and special silencers, which eliminate the noise. There are also models that work in economy mode, which reduces fuel consumption, extends the maximum uninterrupted operation time, increases engine life, and this mode also mutes the device. If one generator set is not enough, it can be connected via a cable to another with the same parameters

There are different ways to recharge the battery and it is only up to the owner of the vehicle to decide which solution to choose. The fact is that trips with a motorhome or a caravan are becoming more and more popular, and this leads to the fact that the demand for newer, more interesting solutions is increasing, so producers in this industry will constantly try to invent something new, to meet the expectations and ever greater demand of caravanning enthusiasts.