I have a new Bluetti AC180 for use when OTR and I would like to use both 12VDC from the Van and also 2-100W 12v roof mounted Solar Panels. Is there a way to combine them, as there is only 1 DC input?
Newby, thank you in advance.
Don
2 X 100W panels in parallel typically output approx 10A. That is the limit of the AC180 input. Adding another source will not increase charge. What 12VDC from your van are you talking about?
The only way to increase 10A @ 12V (120W) is to double the voltage to a nominal 24V by connecting 2 sources in series whilst maintaining 10A = 240W.
Note - inputting nominal 12V will only get you approx 8A or 80-90W. The AC180 needs to get over 32V to get the full 10A. Do not go over the 58V input limit.
For the 12Vdc I am just plugging into the “Lighter” port located behind the passenger seat. I have been looking at a 500W supply from Pecron, but to be honest the Lighter port charged well enough.
I only use it to keep my mini-fridge running.
Is there any benefit to to running the 2 100 in series to get 24v (at 100w correct) instead of parallel (200w at 12v)?
This is a smart question. Please note that on the AC180 the nominal voltage of the internal battery is 48V. When inputting power to charge the battery, the closer the input voltage is to the nominal battery voltage, the less effort the charger will have to make to charge the battery, thus the higher the efficiency achieved.
This is why a 24 V input will be more efficient than 12 V and that is why you will get the most energy from the panels by inputting a voltage range which is closer to the battery voltage.
For what regards using the 12 V cigarette plug to charge your AC180 you could wait for CHARGER1 to be released which was recently announced.