Can I use a DC to DC charger to provide higher voltages to DC charger? (aka using an all-in-one solar generator in a van install)

[Andysmee]

So, the scenario here is that I have a Li-on solar generator that accepts a DC input for charging. It will accept a solar input as it supports MPPT from up to 120W panels, and can charge from a cigarette lighter adapter. The spec is 14-40V 120W.

But if the generator is plugged into a normal accessory cigarette lighter feed it will get a stable 14V+ when the engine's running but not benefit from the possibilities of a higher voltage or regen phase from the Euro6 stop / start engine.

Is there a DC-DC regulator or charger that offers a smoothed higher DC voltage for this kind of application where the battery being charged has its own charger, and just wants a good strong DC input (when the engine is running)?

 

[Dellmassive]

got a link to this device and well have a look at the spec - Li-on solar generator ?

 

[Andysmee]

got a link to this device and well have a look at the spec - Li-on solar generator ?

PowerOak | Powerbanks, solar panels, and power units

Discover the future of portable energy with PowerOak. Explore our high-performance powerbanks, efficient solar panels, and versatile power units for all your charging needs, whether on the go or at home.

poweroak.nl

Interesting it suggests 24V charging there.

Edit: "Car with 12V starting battery cannot charge the PS5 fully, but 24V can."

It also suggests the car charging is rated as 48W

 

[Dellmassive]

that looks like a PowerOak version of the ALLPOWERS i have . . . .

Awesome 3-in-1 Battery Bank - How I done It -

Awesome 3-in-1 Battery Bank - How I done It - Now normally I don't post specific threads on kit . . . . . . but I had to this time. As some of you may know im into portable power . . . whether that be battery, solar, petrol genny, USB power banks or what ever i love it. The term Solar-Generator...

www.t6forum.com

***


lol . . . what cars have 24v anyway? . . . . thats commercial Truck voltage system.


***

The spec on your one says:


How to charge PS5?
1 - From AC wall charger (70W) 8 hours
2 - From DC car charger only 24V (48W)
3 - From solar charger (120W) 5 hours



so im thinking either:


DC-DC 12v-24v step up converter . :

Car DC 12v to 24v Step Up Converter 10A 240W Regulator Power Supply Voltage Inverter Changer Adapter for Vehicle Boat Truck Van Boat Solar System DC 9-20V Inputs 24V Output: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders. Buy Car DC 12v to 24v Step Up Converter 10A 240W Regulator Power Supply Voltage Inverter Changer Adapter for Vehicle Boat Truck Van Boat Solar System DC 9-20V Inputs 24V Output at Amazon UK.

amzn.to

or



a Small Inverter LIKE BELOW, and run the included PSU

https://amzn.to/2ZSyxpj

 

[Dellmassive]

DC 12v to 24v Converter 15A 360W version . .

DC 12v to 24v Converter 15A 360W, Heavy Duty Step Up: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders. Buy DC 12v to 24v Converter 15A 360W, Heavy Duty Step Up Waterproof Transformer DC Power Adapter Converter for Car Truck Vehicle Boat Motor Solar System, Accept DC 9-20V Inputs at Amazon UK.

amzn.to

 

[Dellmassive]

Victron does a 12/24 dc-dc converter

Orion IP67 24/12 and 12/24 DC-DC Converters - Victron Energy

Completely encapsulated: waterproof, shockproof and ignition protected. Water, oil or dirt will not damage the Orion IP67 DC-DC Converter. Find a dealer nearby.

www.victronenergy.com

 

[Andysmee]

What's useful about these options is that if I power the step up convertor from a accessory 12V feed on the van, the power pack won't power up the van's 12V circuit when the ignition's off, which it would if I just plugged it in with a cigarette adapter, would it? But does it actually anyway? Have you checked the voltage showing on the cigarette adapter on your all powers one, @Dellmassive

Edit: I thought cars were moving to 24V systems, but I guess not through the cigarette lighter!

 

[Dellmassive]

Have you checked the voltage showing on the cigarette adapter on your all powers one, @Dellmassive

yes i have, - : https://www.t6forum.com/threads/awesome-3-in-1-battery-bank-how-i-done-it.18674/post-261125

the12v socket on the side is direct to the cells . . . so the voltage follows the internal pack voltage.

but the DC5525 outputs ( DC5525 (5.5mm x 2.5mm) - are regulated at 12.4v @ ( 5A max )

****


so now you can use the RHS ports from 100% - 0% and you will get 12.4v. ( 5A max ) per port.


the 12v socket on the LHS is rated for 10A max . . . . so higher current. but not 12.4v regulated.


****

Edit: I thought cars were moving to 24V systems, but I guess not through the cigarette lighter!

- not that i know of - Commercial only.

 

[Dellmassive]

FYI - The 12v Sockets on the T6 are live 24/7 and direct to the battery.

 

[Andysmee]

FYI - The 12v Sockets on the T6 are live 24/7 and direct to the battery.

Yeah, I would fuse tap a switched feed for it

 

[Andysmee]

yes i have, - : https://www.t6forum.com/threads/awesome-3-in-1-battery-bank-how-i-done-it.18674/post-261125

the12v socket on the side is direct to the cells . . . so the voltage follows the internal pack voltage.

but the DC5525 outputs ( DC5525 (5.5mm x 2.5mm) - are regulated at 12.4v @ ( 5A max )

****


so now you can use the RHS ports from 100% - 0% and you will get 12.4v. ( 5A max ) per port.


the 12v socket on the LHS is rated for 10A max . . . . so higher current. but not 12.4v regulated.


****




- not that i know of - Commercial only.

Sorry, didn't make it clear. The charging input on the pack...does it link to the battery and would light up the van's circuit when the van ignition's off? Difficult to explain

 

[Dellmassive]

Sorry, didn't make it clear. The charging input on the pack...does it link to the battery and would light up the van's circuit when the van ignition's off? Difficult to explain

I've not tested that scenario. You would have to test it with a mustimeter on yours.

I use USB-C PD to charge up the ALLPOWERS.

this: https://amzn.to/3klMwxj





and this cable : https://amzn.to/3pXEXyg






....



this is a mains USB-C PD charger , , , but i use the above if i need to charge in the van . . .


eg





...

 

[Andysmee]

So I tested a couple of things...first the voltage across the solar lead (open circuit with no panel) and the voltage started at 5V and dropped 0.01 volts every couple of seconds. I didn't feel like hanging around on that measurement so I've no idea what's going on there. Presumably the MPPT charging circuit discovering the panel voltage, had there been one.

The 12V input for charging initially showed 3V but later showed 0V. Not sure why. Will check it out better when I'm in the van. I suspect it could stay connected to the van without lighting up the van electrics though, as it has logic on the input, not direct connection to the battery.

 

[Andysmee]

@Dellmassive the extent to which this is a straight variant of the all powers one is interesting. Mine doesn't have usb-c pd charging. And it appears smaller. So I'm back to the original thread challenge of the best way to charge it from the van, quickly. The mains charger spec (which goes into the same input as the cigarette adapter, so presumably the pack wouldn't know) is below, could I replicate it from the van's 14V+ feed? (And apologies if it's simply the same answer

 

[Dellmassive]

Let's have a look.

Your charger PSU shows charging of 29.4v @ 2A.

So. W=V×A is about 60w

 

[Dellmassive]

Can you post some close up pics of all the sides and ports and sticker plate on the bottom.?

 

[Dellmassive]

It seems that the two options may be the....

Small inverter feeding the existing PSU.

Or.

A 12v to 24c step up dc-dc and use that 24v dc direct into the charge port.

30v @ 2a
15v @ 4a
7v @ 8a

So I'm thinking at 24v dc it will draw about 3A ish? Ie 60w.... so until the 12v side it will draw around 5A (60w)

Losses and efficiency not calculated.


Well see if any other options from your pics.

 

[Andysmee]

Can you post some close up pics of all the sides and ports and sticker plate on the bottom.?

 

[Dellmassive]

at the min . . . im thinking the Pure Sine inverter might be the best option.

just plug it in, simple and no messing with stuff.

a mobile solution, like the box its self - just plug it in when you need it.

https://amzn.to/2ZSyxpj

 

[Dellmassive]

View attachment 105645

ok looking at spec. . . . its called a PS5B

POWEROAK Powerhouse PS5B Compact 400Wh Solar Generator Review - Wholesale from China PowerOak Newener Co., Ltd

www.poweroak.solar

Input:

AC Adapter:4.5A(Max)/14V~40V(Standard:72W/29.4V)

Car Charger:12/24V

Solar Panel:10A(Max)/14V～40V









user guide here : http://www.poweroak.solar/uploads/PS5B-ESS-Manual.pdf



PV INPUT is : 14v - 40 VOC MAX (120W)





.

wall charger - PSU





...


car charger . . (specs not detailed . . . just says 24v)





.








... - - - - - -


so going from the above . .


an inverter inline with the factory PSU will give you 70W 6-8hrs charge. (29.4v @ 2A PSU)


a DC-DC step up could give you via the CAR DC jack @ 24vdc - 48W 10-20hrs -- (specs not detailed . . . just says 24v)


a DC-DC step up connected to the PV in side @ 40Vdc (14v - 40 VOC MAX (120W)) may get you 100W, but thats untested and not the best way to do it.