12VDC RO Bucket???

[Stanbridge]

Hello All,

I am starting this thread to see if there are many other sugar makers with an off-grid setup. I run my lights and transfer pump off of 12VDC batteries charged by a solar panel. I really like the RO Bucket products, but don't like the fact that I'd be converting 12VDC to 110VAC, then back to 24VDC. Every time you convert your output, it draws precious amps, and let's face it, every little bit counts when you're using solar.

It would be awesome if they made an RO Bucket that ran straight off 12VDC batteries. Perhaps if enough people reply to this thread with interest in this setup, the folks at RO Bucket would see the value in developing this product.

Denis

[littleTapper]

Run two 12v batteries in series. 24v.

[Stanbridge]

Everything runs on 12V, batteries are already hooked up in parallel, it would be too much hassle to re-rig every time.

[littleTapper]

Everything runs on 12V, batteries are already hooked up in parallel, it would be too much hassle to re-rig every time.

Ah, yeah, good point. I suppose it could be done with stepping up the voltage via converter from the panels to 24v, running 24v with the batteries, and then a step down converter for your lights and transfer pump. That's a bit of a hassle too but the DC-DC converters aren't too expensive and probably more efficient than converting to AC and back for your RO pump. Hopefully someone can chime in with a 12v pump that will make the pressure needed for the RO. Would think that would exist :) Good luck.

[cat tech]

I am building a very similar set up as your self and also have the same problem with lack of 120 vac . Fingers crossed but I found a 12 volt diagram pump on amazon that is rated at 160 psi and aprox 1 gpm flow and is under $30 .

[Russell Lampron]

Buy a small generator that will produce enough amps and use it only for the RO bucket.

[carls47807]

Hey guys. We have step up transformers available (12v to 24v). They will work on all of our models. We can also custom make our rb5 with a 12v pump (they will be available in a couple of months).


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[carls47807]

Cat tech - the 1gpm rating is probably open flow. How many amps does the pump draw. A suitable 12v pump will draw around 5 amps (to run 400gpd of membrane capacity).


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[maple flats]

From the 2004-2012 season I was off grid. (my 2003 season was on my patio at home and I had grid power). I used a generator for power in 04-07. Then I started adding solar and ran on a combination of solar (battery bank) and then the generator as the battery bank started to run low. The generator also recharged the solar bank.
Then in the summer into fall on 2012 I tied into the grid, and added more solar, grid tied so I now have 6320 watts of solar, 4840 watts grid tied and 1480 watts on battery back up and grid tied. Just yesterday I turned on my second battery bank, the first one (8 @ 6v each, Trojans finally ad to be replaced). My new bank is 16 cells Lithium Iron Phosphate in series for 48V. If I have everything programmed right that bank should last longer than I will be alive.
The battery bank is only for 1 circuit, a back up heater in the RO room, used only if the propane furnace (uses no electric) and the Grid go down at the same time.