aVANger Build

[bdosborn]

So you're recirculating hot thru the cold side? Does that mean you have to run the cold water extra to get cold?

I have a cross connect at the faucet that opens to allow the hot side water to flow back to the water tank via the cold line. It's thermostatically controlled so it closes off once the water gets warm. So yeah, the cold side will be warm but hopefully not hot. We'll have to keep some cold water in the fridge.

Bruce

[featherliteCT1]

bdosborne,

I see from your prior posts about your electrical system (which is awesome!) that you installed a Victron 30A DC/DC Smart charger for alternator charging (an Orion Tr Smart).

My understanding is that if the BMS disconnects the battery while the alternator is outputting current, then the voltage can spike so high in the alternator that the alternator can be damaged. So, to protect the alternator, an "Alternator Protection Device" can be added.

Does the Orion Tr Smart serve as such an Alternator Protection Device?

Thanks for educating me!

[bdosborn]

The Orion does an orderly shut down when my BMS disconnects it so that no damage to the alternator occurs. However, in a vehicle there will always be another battery (starter battery) connected to the alternator so there's not much chance of damage. I think it's more of an issue in a marine environment where they often switch the alternator between the house and the start batteries.
Bruce

[bdosborn]

Yesterday was a big day, I started up the water system! Hot and cold running water is now available. Only one leak and it was easily fixed by tightening the filter cover.


The electric water heater uses 1600W and takes about 20 minutes to go from cold tap water to hot. That's about 10% of my battery capacity (400 a-hr) and will take the PV panels about an hour to replace in good sun. I left the heater on overnight and that used 13% of the battery capacity. It looks like the heater came on three times during the night after the initial heating:


The water sensor also worked, I can now see the tank level in my Victron Cerbo screen. It's not that accurate yet, I need to tweak some of the sensor values once I fill the tank up all the way:


I left the pump on overnight too and no leaks; Pex is great stuff. I'm waiting on a fitting for the tank vent and then the system will be ready to use. Now I just need to build the kitchen and shower.
Bruce

[Staryder61]

Yesterday was a big day,

I left the pump on overnight too and no leaks; Pex is great stuff. I'm waiting on a fitting for the tank vent and then the system will be ready to use. Now I just need to build the kitchen and shower.
Bruce

On your system Bruce.. do you do contract work? I pay in food..
I'm sure the kitchen and shower will be awesome.. can't wait for the updates on those..

Now, on the Pex. Just something some of us full time RV'ers learn. Pex is awesome. Though after some time, with the hot water.
Probably due to the expanding, contracting of the cold and hot water. Adding movement while driving.
A hot water leak shows up sometimes at a crimp joint.
This can ruin an evening of relaxing, whether you are in the camper or not.
Having a leak show up, or a full blow off of the joint with water pressure, if a leak is ignored..
Be sure to check and recheck those joints when traveling, and using the hot water.
Carry extra crimp rings and crimper.. couple pieces of Pex as long as the longest piece you have used in your plumbing. (IMHO)

[bdosborn]

I've had good luck with the trailer, its all pex and no leaks after 12 years or so. I do carry one of these and some stainless steel wire, just in case. It works great on Pex joints. I'll throw some Pex and unions in too.




https://clamptitetools.com/

Bruce
P.S. I've got a one-line diagram of the plumbing system around here somewhere if you want it. I had our chief plumbing engineer review it so you know its got to be good.

[tony.latham]

It works great on Pex joints.

Well, damn. You just cost me $30 (on eBay). I'll throw it in my lost-tool drawer. They're pretty slick.

We've got that same water heater under our kitchen sink.

Tony

[bdosborn]

Well, damn. You just cost me $30 (on eBay).

It's just money, you'll make more writing books.

Bruce

[Capebuild]

I do carry one of these and some stainless steel wire,

Nice tool! "Do it right with ClampTite"...

Although I've mentioned it in previous post,I"ll say it again.... real nice layout, Bruce, with the water heater setup.

[bdosborn]

Thanks guys for the nice comments.
Bruce

[lfhoward]

Bruce, just catching up and am super impressed with the Victron system you put together with a hot water heater and tank sensor! That’s just cool.

[bdosborn]

Bruce, just catching up and am super impressed with the Victron system you put together with a hot water heater and tank sensor!

Thanks! I just found a use for the Ruuvi wireless temperature sensor that I wasn't quite sure what to do with. I strapped it to the pressure relief valve of the water heater and insulated it with thinsulate. Now I can monitor the hot water temperature; it holds decent temperature overnight without having the heater being on.


I'm not impressed with the tank sensor, it varies wildly with temperature (50% over the day). I might need to insulate the sensor or something. I guess just being able to see some kind of level is nice. I didn't add or use any water today and you can see how the level varies:


But everything else has come together nicely.
Bruce

[Spotman]

I've had the original brass ClampTite tool for about 20 years now. Comes in handy. Picked it up at an RV show that many years ago.

[lfhoward]

Now you have me looking up RuuviTags. I could monitor interior & exterior temperature and humidity on the VRM. How cool is that?

[Philip]

Looks good Bruce.