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Solar power conversion question for Davis Air Dyer

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Tundra234, May 16, 2023.

  1. May 16, 2023 at 6:47 PM
    #1
    Tundra234

    Tundra234 [OP] New Member

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    So I have an idea that I think it might work but I'm not sure. I want to put a Davis Air Dryer in our TT. According to their site, the dryer is 130 watts and uses 1.1 amps. Looking on line, it says that a 12 volt car battery is about 600 amps. Right now it is disconnected and has a 1.5 watt solar charger on it. It has been on for a little over 2 years and has maintained the battery at 12 volts. If I connect the battery, close the breakers that don't need to be powered, and bump the solar up to an 8 watt panel, would it keep the battery charged and allow the air dryer to run?

    https://www.davisinstruments.com/products/air-dryr-1000

    https://www.westmarine.com/nature-power-8-watt-semi-flex-solar-charger-19683952.html
     
  2. May 16, 2023 at 6:57 PM
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    Retired...finally

    Retired...finally Utilizing that doctorate of procrastinatory arts

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    I don't understand how this gizmo works. Warm air holds more moisture but the water isn't being removed.
     
  3. May 16, 2023 at 7:07 PM
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    Tundra234

    Tundra234 [OP] New Member

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    It's a heating element that is basically a dehumidifier. It burns off the moisture once the dew point hits a certain limit. They work great. I have one in my enclosed cargo trailer. Amazon has the cheapest prices on them.

    From their site....."It works by drawing moist air in, heating it, and then expelling dry air out the top".
     
  4. May 17, 2023 at 2:39 PM
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    SD Surfer

    SD Surfer Globe Trotting Bon Vivant

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    Anything with a heating element is usually gonna draw a lot of power.

    So if my calculations are correct (Pretty good chance they're not, electrical confuses me) and that's pulling 130 Watts on AC (120V X 1.1A = 132W) if you want to run it on a 12V system it's gonna' be drawing almost 11 amps (plus some power losses to an inverter)

    That's a pretty high draw for a little 12V appliance and would drain a 100Ah battery in 9 hours of run time.

    For reference, if running the furnace, lights, watching movies, we use 60-70 Amp Hours overnight in my trailer, and my 600W of solar usually replaces that by around noon in decent sun.

    Again, electrical is admittedly NOT my strong suit, so don't take my word for this and if anyone wants to correct any mistakes in my math I won't be offended.
     
    APalmTree likes this.
  5. Jul 7, 2023 at 12:01 PM
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    APalmTree

    APalmTree 4x4 SKEPTIC

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    1 or 2... I lost count
    I'll make it simpler... the 8 watt solar charger will never keep up with the 130 watt thingy... Watts are a unit of power and applies to DC or AC so no fancy conversions are needed.

    The inverter losses are a valid point though, you would probably looking at 10-20% more power draw depending on how efficient the inverter is.
     

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