He hasn't paid for fuel in 10 years, has never run out of charge, and was inspired by a famous race across the outback. Retired industrial engineer Ziga Dorkic wants to show you how it's done — for the Earth.
Thought of you fine folks when I came across this article on aussie.zone
“When it’s not plugged into the home the van’s batteries are being charged by a 1-kilowatt panel on its roof and small panels on the sides which charge the indicators and lights.”
You’re correct. Only the roof is likely to give significant power. Been there and done that, on the opposite side of the planet though. :)
The “something” on the picture I attach… was built in some squat in Eastern Europe. It had a flat roof of approximately 2 x 1.5 m, all of it solar panel. Solar panels weren’t great back then. Typically it charged its 4 KWh battery in a few days of sunshine. Only during midsummer (18-hour days) was there any chance of a full charge in a single day.
Unlike the van, the “something” required a smaller inventory of tools to build. Instead of lawnmower motors, a Chinese electric motorcycle motor was used. Sadly it’s now retired due to metal fatigue. :( Lesson: never build a structure that flexes out of aluminum - aluminum has no fatigue limit, any flexing will lead to cracking.
I feel like the PV panels on the side are just gratuitous. Can’t imagine they’d contribute much, right?
I could see them adding a significant charge in morning/late afternoon when the sun is low. Im dont actually know though lol
“When it’s not plugged into the home the van’s batteries are being charged by a 1-kilowatt panel on its roof and small panels on the sides which charge the indicators and lights.”
Must’ve missed that part. Thanks!
You’re correct. Only the roof is likely to give significant power. Been there and done that, on the opposite side of the planet though. :)
The “something” on the picture I attach… was built in some squat in Eastern Europe. It had a flat roof of approximately 2 x 1.5 m, all of it solar panel. Solar panels weren’t great back then. Typically it charged its 4 KWh battery in a few days of sunshine. Only during midsummer (18-hour days) was there any chance of a full charge in a single day.
Unlike the van, the “something” required a smaller inventory of tools to build. Instead of lawnmower motors, a Chinese electric motorcycle motor was used. Sadly it’s now retired due to metal fatigue. :( Lesson: never build a structure that flexes out of aluminum - aluminum has no fatigue limit, any flexing will lead to cracking.
We generally have a fair bit more sun light than youse do.