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RV is your outdoor home, water and electricity are top priorities. Today, we will take a look at the rv electrical system. A rv electrical system is an important component that supports its operation, and it's important to know how to check your rv electrical system and prevent it from catching fire.
1. Brief introduction of rv
A rv is a vehicle that combines accommodation and transportation functions. Mobile, the RV has complete internal support facilities, with household infrastructure such as power supply systems, air conditioning and refrigerators, which can meet the basic needs of dining, sleeping, bathing and leisure and entertainment. Then rv electrical system we talked about today is the most important components of it.
The global RV market is mainly distributed in the North American market and the European market, and the Asia-Pacific market, mainly Japan and China, has also grown rapidly in recent years.
When traveling by rv, water and electricity are essential elements of life. For most RVs, water supply is no longer a problem, but the solution to an on-board power supply requires more thought and investment costs.
2. How to choose the type of rv batteries
Lead-acid battery energy storage system is relatively mature and has been widely used by finished rv electrical system. RV energy storage is mainly divided into lead-acid battery and lithium battery, of which lead-acid batteries account for 97%.
Since the introduction of lithium iron phosphate as a backup energy storage power source, the system has continued to mature and the cost has gradually decreased. Although the current price is still higher than lead-acid batteries, it is because of its long battery life. At present, it has been possible to initially compare the cost of using the entire life cycle with lead-acid batteries.
● Lithium batteries and lead-acid batteries
Click on the picture for product details of Tycorun Lithium Deep Cycle Battery
Lithium iron phosphate battery pack does not contain any heavy metals and rare metals, which is more environmentally friendly. There is a large amount of lead in lead-acid batteries, and if it is not properly disposed of after disposal, it is easy to cause secondary pollution to the environment.
- Volumetric energy density
The bulk capacity density of lithium batteries is usually about 1.5 times that of lead-acid batteries, so in the case of the same capacity, lithium batteries are about 30% smaller than lead-acid batteries.
- Usage period
The cycle times of lithium iron phosphate batteries are more than 2000 times, and the cycle times of lead-acid batteries are usually only about 300~350 times. The service life of lithium batteries is 3-6 times that of lead-acid batteries.
- Weight density
Lithium batteries are 3 to 5 times the lead acid, which means that in the case of the same capacity, lithium batteries occupy an absolute advantage in the lightweight of energy storage devices.
In short, lithium batteries have more advantages than lead-acid batteries in energy storage applications, and as the cost falls, they will be more and more widely used in energy storage systems. Depending on the individual's actual needs, it is only a matter of how to make a trade-off.
3. Classification of rv electrical system
Just as RVs rely on water tanks, RVs also rely on batteries for electricity. The difference is that it is very simple to add water to the tank. As long as you connect the outdoor faucet, you can add clean water directly.
The charging, conversion, and energy storage of the circuit are much more complex than the waterway system. And it is not a level of security importance. The rv electrical system is mainly divided into two parts: the on-board battery and the external power supply.
● On-board battery
RVs are usually equipped with one or more batteries that provide power to the rv electrical system equipment. These batteries can be charged by means such as engine charging or solar charging panels. It then provides direct current for lighting, refrigerators, water pumps, air conditioners and other equipment in the RV.
● External power supply
At the stop, the RV can be powered by an external power source. This is usually done by connecting to an external outlet or the campite's power supply facility. An external power supply can provide alternating current (AC) power to the RV to use higher power equipment such as air conditioners and microwave ovens. In addition to them, the rv electrical system also includes a number of other important components and equipment.
● Inverter
An inverter is a device that converts direct current into alternating current in the rv electrical system. To supply household appliances in the RV, such as TVs, chargers, etc.
● Generator
An engine generator is an independent power generation device that generates alternating current or direct current from fuel power. It can provide a stable power supply to the rv electrical system when no external power source is available.
● Solar panel
Solar charging panels can use solar energy to convert light energy into direct current and store it in the onboard battery. It is an environmentally friendly and renewable energy source that provides continuous and clean energy for the rv electrical system.
● Heating system
RVs are usually equipped with a heating system to maintain a comfortable temperature. These systems can be heated using gas, diesel or connected to an external natural gas pipeline and use heat storage units or fans to transfer heat inside the RV.
● Air conditioning system
The RV's air conditioning system can be cooled by connecting to an external power source or using a separate generator. It can keep the interior cool and comfortable in summer. Together, these components and equipment form the rv electrical system, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply for the rv electrical system in different environments.
4. How to check rv electrical system
Safety is always the first thing to consider when traveling by car. In the process of RV self-driving, fire safety is particularly important. Once a rv fire, it is one of the biggest fears for rv players, and there are several RV fires every year.
Despite our best efforts to stop such disasters, they continue to occur. RV fires occur for many reasons, so based on the data we have obtained, here are a few points on how to check the rv electrical system and the causes of rv fires:
● The battery
As the use of lithium batteries becomes more and more popular, rv fire incidents caused by them also continue to occur with the problem of probability. There are actually two main points to consider when it comes to lithium batteries. You can go to the battery stores nearby for more information.
- Types and characteristics of lithium batteries
Lithium batteries are divided into ternary lithium and lithium iron phosphate. In general, ternary lithium batteries have a high density and have more electricity than lithium iron phosphate. And its performance at low temperatures is better than lithium iron phosphate, but it itself is not resistant to high temperatures. In extreme cases, oxygen molecules are released, and few rvs use ternary lithium batteries.
Lithium iron phosphate is relatively stable, not easy to decompose, and will not collapse its structure at high temperature or overcharge. Therefore, it is difficult to be released by oxidation. However, compared to ternary lithium batteries, its specific discharge capacity is lower and the average voltage is also low. It does not perform well at low temperatures, so lithium iron phosphate generally needs low temperature protection.
- Lithium battery protection board
As the name suggests, it is to protect the lithium battery circuit board, and its main function is to prevent lithium battery overcharge, overdischarge, overcurrent and reverse connection. Once the protective plate is damaged, overcharging the lithium battery cell will cause the rv electrical system to catch fire. And because the lithium battery packs are all packed, we can't see inside. So when we buy lithium batteries, we can't just look at the price.
● Electrical power overload
As battery capacity grows, more household appliances are being moved to rvs. But then comes the problem of power overload, and the instantaneous use of multiple high-power electrical appliances will lead to excessive current. If the wire is too thin, it will generate a lot of heat and melt the outer insulation material, resulting in a short circuit and causing a fire.
If you have a large number of high-power electrical appliances such as household air conditioners, induction cookers, pipe machines, that is, hot water faucets, hair dryers, etc., it is recommended to use a 48V circuit system. In addition, you should also pay attention to the power cable of the solar panel and rv electrical system, now as the solar panel is being laid more and more, so the cable with a large square value should also be considered.
● Line short circuit
There are many reasons, such as overload, aging of the line, etc. are the causes of short circuit fire. Insufficient experience in retrofitting and irregular installation are the result.
● Retrofit generators
Driving power generation is an important parameter that rvs must have today. However, if the generator is modified, its reliability and stability cannot be guaranteed. Once modified, the main engine factory has no warranty, even the modification company can not make the corresponding warranty commitment, the driving generator for a long time at full load, if there is a problem with heat dissipation, there will be a potential danger of engine compartment fire.
● Extreme temperature
The high temperatures in summer, causing heat dissipation problems in electrical appliances, is also another major cause of rv fires. For example, outdoor units of household air conditioners, inverter cabins and other places are important places to pay attention to. Use in winter rv fires such as electric blankets and electric heaters also occur every winter.
● Driving accidents
Accidents can also occur while driving. For example, some car friends encountered a large truck in front of them that dropped tires, dodged and stuck under the car, resulting in the leak of the rv fuel tank, frictional sparks ignited gasoline, and the RV was engulfed in fire in an instant.
● Parking accidents
When you park, the leakage of liquefied petroleum gas and the accident during cooking may also lead to an RV fire. Today's diesel vehicles have a DPF regeneration procedure, so when your vehicle needs DPF regeneration, pay attention to the environment at that time to prevent hot gases from igniting the surrounding flammables.
5. How to prevent a rv fire
● Fire extinguishing devices
Some of them can still reduce losses through fire extinguishing devices in the early stages of a fire, and fire extinguishing devices must be placed in an easily accessible place. Regular maintenance RVs are not only for car maintenance, but also need to maintain the room. Maintenance of the rv electrical system, inspection of various alarm devices is the best way to reduce the risk of fire.
● Flammable and explosive things
For example, in the heat of the hot summer, do not put lighters, sprays on the cockpit's central console. To prevent the deflagration of such items caused by exposure to the sun.
● Control electrical load
Understand the basic knowledge of rv electrical system and pay attention to the control of the use of electrical appliances. Especially mind the car battery voltage to prevent some unnecessary problems.
● Don't install casually
Install lithium batteries, solar panels or modify electrical circuits. If you do not have the relevant knowledge, please leave it to a professional modification company, sometimes it is not just a matter of installing one, but to change the entire cable, is to match.
● Value for money does not equal cheapness
Now many people have misunderstandings. One is that cost performance is cheap, and the other is that it is cheap to be close to people, but cheap is not necessarily good quality. RV players want high quality and cheap products, definitely not cheap defective products. Especially in the electrical appliances and circuits of RVs. Even a cheap socket may be the cause of an RV fire. So try to choose big brands and products with a certain guarantee.
● Find an organization
If you're a new rv player, try to gain experience with rvs by joining the RV Club. Always maintain a sense of safety precautions and recognize the hazards and severity of RV fires.
6. Conclusion
To understand the rv electrical system, healthy and safe travel can be guaranteed. Although RV fires are reported every year, RV fires are actually uncommon. Pay more attention to maintenance on weekdays and carry out the corresponding rv electrical system inspection before traveling, you can solve the problem in advance without causing trouble on the trip.
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