Powerbank vs dual battery comparison

[bobhof]

What vehicle? Remember you you cannot fit a DC charger with amps higher than 50% than that of the alternator. 800W = 67A so your alternator must be at least a 140A one.

Good point. I will be using it in a land cruiser 70 series V8. Edit: it has a 130A alternator.

The Ecofow Alternator Charger output is adjustable via the app. I'll probably leave it on ~30 amps most of the time, and only push it to ~67 if I know I'm only driving a short distance and need to charge the power bank (and if I'm not using the vehicle lights at the same time).

[bobhof]

Following with interest, as this closely matches the setup I'm aiming for!

At the point of ordering the alternator charger from USA, but really hoping they release it for SA sale soon...

Great. I don't know the exact release date, but I think it's within a month or two 👍

[PsyPhin]

What vehicle? Remember you you cannot fit a DC charger with amps higher than 50% than that of the alternator. 800W = 67A so your alternator must be at least a 140A one.

I didnt know this and tried to find more info. 140a seems like it can be an issue for a lot of vehicles?

But found this.
https://us.ecoflow.com/products/800w...41064248836169

Will this product damage the alternator, starter battery, or affect the overall lifespan of the vehicle?No, the 800W alternator charger's charging logic does not rigidly apply 800 watts. Instead, it depends on the power surplus of the car's alternator. It ensures the alternator is not overloaded, allowing up to a maximum of 800 watts without harming the car's battery.

[bobhof]

I didnt know this and tried to find more info. 140a seems like it can be an issue for a lot of vehicles?

But found this.
https://us.ecoflow.com/products/800w...41064248836169

Will this product damage the alternator, starter battery, or affect the overall lifespan of the vehicle?No, the 800W alternator charger's charging logic does not rigidly apply 800 watts. Instead, it depends on the power surplus of the car's alternator. It ensures the alternator is not overloaded, allowing up to a maximum of 800 watts without harming the car's battery.

Interesting. I assume the Alternator Charger will pull as much power as the alternator is able to deliver, up to 800W. I don't know much about alternators, but my guess is that lowering the draw (especially when doing long drives so you know you will fully charge the battery) will put less strain in the alternator. Am I correct?

[pietpetoors]

How vibration resistant are these powerbanks? Were they designed to travel, especially on Kalahari corrugated roads?

[bobhof]

How vibration resistant are these powerbanks? Were they designed to travel, especially on Kalahari corrugated roads?

Good question. The Ecoflow powerbanks are advertised for use in vehicles and come with a 5 year warranty, so I assume they are built to withstand a certain amount of vibration, but I'm not sure if they are as rugged as the Victron components I am speccing for comparison.

I don't think I'd be too worried if it is properly strapped down. Perhaps with some foam underneath to help isolate the unit.

[athansor]

What vehicle? Remember you you cannot fit a DC charger with amps higher than 50% than that of the alternator. 800W = 67A so your alternator must be at least a 140A one.

Fair point.

What I like about the Ecoflow setup is that you can adjust the charging rate for both items, Delta and alternator charger, using the Ecoflow app. So in the case of smaller alternator, or alternate powering other ancillaries, one can limit the charge rate to reduce amperage draw.

My understanding of the alternator charger is also that it will charge at up to 800W, and will only use excess power available through the alternator. I do not know how it determines current load and what's available.

[athansor]

Great. I don't know the exact release date, but I think it's within a month or two 👍

Yay! Please let them know there is definite interest from at least two (more) people!

[RynoB]

Interesting read thanks.
We are on our way to Bots in August this year and the plan is to buy the Eco Flow Delta 2 MAX while it is on special at the moment.
But... an interesting question here bugged me; will it withstand rugged roads?
I will be taking out the Bakkies backseat and fit the 90 L Snowmaster in its place, there will be ample space for the Eco Flow.
Maybe strap it down with a strong foam rubber on the base?

[bobhof]

Interesting read thanks.
We are on our way to Bots in August this year and the plan is to buy the Eco Flow Delta 2 MAX while it is on special at the moment.
But... an interesting question here bugged me; will it withstand rugged roads?
I will be taking out the Bakkies backseat and fit the 90 L Snowmaster in its place, there will be ample space for the Eco Flow.
Maybe strap it down with a strong foam rubber on the base?

I think it will be fine - judging by the YouTube videos, there are lots of 4x4 guys in the US using the EcoFlow units. As mentioned earlier, the Ecoflow units may not be quite as rugged as, for example, a Victron MPPT charger, so maybe a some foam to dampen vibrations is a good idea.

[Duster 4x4]

I think it will be fine - judging by the YouTube videos, there are lots of 4x4 guys in the US using the EcoFlow units. As mentioned earlier, the Ecoflow units may not be quite as rugged as, for example, a Victron MPPT charger, so maybe a some foam to dampen vibrations is a good idea.

Also have a look at the flexopower 3000w powerstation with 2640wh and expandable.

[athansor]

Purportedly available in Ecoflow online ZA store from 21 June (midwinter). Attachment as per email received from their support team.

[athansor]

@bobhof, what are your Botswana trip dates? Just wondering when it would be appropriate to start pestering you for some real-world feedback.

[bobhof]

@bobhof, what are your Botswana trip dates? Just wondering when it would be appropriate to start pestering you for some real-world feedback.

I'll be in Botswana from Thursday, but please give me a week or so from then before you start pestering 🙂

[Engel]

battery capacity. I have one built into a vehicle and also a separate victron system with a lithium battery.

The only reason you need to go 24v is for a big inverter. up to 1kw inverter a 100ah would be ok. bigger you need 200ah 12v or 100ah 24 v. Pick your poison.

Just like with home solar you need enough charge rate to fill batteries. That will be your alternator. A permanent 450w panel with the dc to dc works well.

But again more batteries more night time power

[athansor]

I'll be in Botswana from Thursday, but please give me a week or so from then before you start pestering 🙂

Hehe, no worries, thank you!

[bobhof]

battery capacity. I have one built into a vehicle and also a separate victron system with a lithium battery.

The only reason you need to go 24v is for a big inverter. up to 1kw inverter a 100ah would be ok. bigger you need 200ah 12v or 100ah 24 v. Pick your poison.

Just like with home solar you need enough charge rate to fill batteries. That will be your alternator. A permanent 450w panel with the dc to dc works well.

But again more batteries more night time power

Thanks. I think I will stick with a comparison of a 12v dual battery system and a large powerbank. Whatever the system, you need to put as much power in as you take out, whether via solar, alternator, or shore power.

One big advantage to the Ecoflow option is very fast AC charging - up to 1800W. AC charging is not something that is always included in dual battery systems - and when it is added it is often slow. With 1800W charging you can pretty much charge from zero to 80% in an hour. I recently had a situation filming in Botswana where we were staying in one camp and it was hot so the fridge and freezer were working overtime, and we were not driving enough to keep our batteries full, and the solar was not coping. We were okay for a few days, but every 3 or 4 days we would have to take our spare battery through to town and leave it charging overnight - very annoying because we had to go back to collect it the following day. If we had had a fast charging powerbank we could have popped to town just once every 3 or 4 days, carried it into a restaurant, and fully charged it while having lunch.

[Quiksilver]

FYI I think the Ecoflows are 24V...but not 100% which models.

[PsyPhin]

FYI I think the Ecoflows are 24V...but not 100% which models.

I know my river 2 max is 12v
Delta 2 Max is a 48v system as far as I remember, so maybe the Delta 2s are 24v

[bobhof]

Video is up. Here's a link: https://youtu.be/dVFKKDRYo-k