EarthCruiser Power Systems: A Tactical Look at Power Consumption Cycles and Performance

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Our EarthCruiser engineering team is comprised of energy systems experts who specialize in the development and optimization of power systems.  These engineers have applied this experience over many iterations to the power systems in our expedition vehicles, ensuring they provide maximum efficiency and longevity.  There is a large amount of technical detail that goes into our system optimization utilizing solar, lithium batteries and other power systems.  Our team has used this data to create a power consumption overview, which provides a tactical look at the everyday use of the EarthCruiser power system.

Standard Assumptions:

This profile was designed to simulate “heavy use.”  All appliances and components are used based on a daily schedule, without regard for current power levels.  While not necessarily a worst-case scenario, there are many opportunities to use components more efficiently to conserve power and extend charge cycle times.  

If the owner plans to monitor the State of Charge (SOC), and adjust usage patterns to maximize performance, a measurable improvement in each of the below profiles should be expected.  

Standard Assumptions (Fall/Winter):

  • Cooktop used for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Total of 30 minutes per day on high setting
  • Interior lights on for 3 hours in the morning, 5 hours at night
  • Refrigerator running 24 hours per day
  • Water heater on for 30 minutes 3x per day
  • Air top running full time, cycle on/off to maintain temperature
  • Outside flood lights used 3 hours per night
  • Water pump used throughout day
  • 1 hour of Air compressor use every 2 days
  • Roof full up and full down 1x per day
  • No Air conditioner use
  • Heat mats running all day, cycle on/off to maintain temperature
  • Microwave (if installed) used for 5 minutes 3x per day
  • Spare fridge (if installed) running 24 hours per day
  • Dual alternator (if installed) – vehicle engine is run for 1 hour daily at 6pm
  • 2 phones charging overnight

Standard Assumptions (Spring/Summer):

  • Cooktop used for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Total of 30 minutes per day on high setting
  • Interior lights on for 3 hours in the morning, 3 hours at night
  • Refrigerator running 24 hours per day
  • Water heater on for 30 minutes 3x per day
  • Air top running in early morning
  • Outside flood lights used 1 hour per night
  • Water pump used throughout day
  • 1 hour of Air compressor use every 2 days
  • Roof full up and full down 1x per day
  • Air conditioner (if installed) running for 5 hours in afternoon
  • Heat mats not used
  • Microwave (if installed) used for 5 minutes 3x per day
  • Spare fridge (if installed) running 24 hours per day
  • Dual alternator (if installed) – vehicle engine is run for 1 hour daily at 6pm
  • 2 phones charging overnight
  • 1 laptop computer charging overnight
  • Solar panel performance
    • Panels are not shaded
    • Panels are clean, in good condition, and free of snow/debris
    • Clear skies

Report Specific Assumptions:

  • Air Conditioner – Installed and operated as indicated above
  • Spare fridge – Installed and operated as indicated above
  • Microwave – Installed and operated as indicated above
  • Plan to use vehicle through all 4 seasons
  • Normal access to shore power: No
  • Dual alternator option selected: Yes

Results

The below profiles show power system performance based on the parameters outlined above

Alternative Performance Results

The below profiles show power system performance without the Dual Alternator system installed

Alternative Performance Results

The below profiles show power system performance with 400Ah of battery capacity (one battery rather than two)

Alternative Performance Results

The below profiles show power system performance with (x5) Solbian 160W solar panels (in place of (x5) Sunflare 108W panels)

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