Skip to content

Solar Trailer: Part 11 – Swivel Redesign

Solar Trailer: Part 11 -  Swivel Redesign

Author: BenjaminNelson via YouTube
Go to Source
Solar Trailer: Part 11 -  Swivel Redesign

For the second set of solar panels, I improved the design of the swivels and rotation locks at the end of the gas pipe that the solar panels mount to. Please click SHOW MORE!

On the first side, I used pipe end caps on the end of the gas pipe. One problem with that is that they are rounded, so they are more difficult to drill perfectly perpendicular and to weld to. On the second side, I’m using a 2 inch gas pipe for reduced flexing. Then I used a pipe COUPLER, which is flat on both ends. This makes it much easier to weld in place the plate that will lock the rotation in place. A 3/4" bolt is welded through the center of the pipe coupler and goes to a 3/4" pillow block bearing mounted on top of the uprights.

I did run into one issue. I already had the uprights welded in place, to match the length of the first side. Unfortunately, pipe couplers, especially going from 1.25" to 2", are LONGER than pipe caps! No matter how I tried, the entire assembly was too long! I ended up cutting the one pipe coupler short and re-welding it. Oh well, call that a learning experience!

This project is a bit of an experiment in building a portable, off-grid solar system using mostly what I already have. The Charge Controller is one that I’ve already had for years. The battery is made from 7 Nissan Leaf Cell modules. See the video on building the battery at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juk39…
The inverter is a repurposed Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) which ran on 48V and would have originally been used in a computer server room. I’m just using the inverter portion of this unit, but it could also be used as a battery charger if I connected it to wall AC power. I used this same unit to power my house during a blackout from my motorcycle. Learn more about that at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ydKi…

Tools and Materials used in this project:
2" Iron Pipe Coupling, 3/4" bolt
3/4" Pillow Block Bearings: https://amzn.to/3kOxan0
DC Circuit Breakers: https://amzn.to/3oeUkVL
Circuit Breaker DIN Box: https://amzn.to/2ZHjx0N
MC4 Tool: https://amzn.to/3BrCz9h
Xantrex C40 Solar Charge Controller: https://amzn.to/3F0pJ41
(I later upgraded the charge controller to an Outback Flexmax80. Find out why in a future video: https://amzn.to/3EYDoJ7 )
14S Lithium Battery (Leaf Cell Modules)
2200 Watt UPS (Recycled, Repurposed)
Solar Cable: https://amzn.to/3umPiHC
Replacement tool box gas lifts: https://amzn.to/3zMSVb7
DC Current/Power/Energy Multimeter Display: https://amzn.to/3ikkRwZ
Stainless Steel Cable Clips: https://amzn.to/3ATglwN
Anderson Disconnects: https://amzn.to/3oen7K1
Plug-In Electric Usage Monitor: https://amzn.to/3oeVZKZ
Weather-proof cord grip Cable Glands: https://amzn.to/3iinBej
DIN Rail Terminal Block Kit: https://amzn.to/3CZNBmr
Stainless Steel Zip Ties: https://amzn.to/3EYENiR
Outdoor Rated Metal 2-gang electric box: https://amzn.to/3oeqikV
Two-Gang Weather-proof outlet cover: https://amzn.to/3ojzWTu
Ryobi 18V Drill: https://amzn.to/3A3msxf
Step Drill Bits: https://amzn.to/3abVAAR
2.25" Exhaust clamps with u-bolts: https://amzn.to/3FviykT

If you like what I do you can support me at:
https://www.patreon.com/300MPG
Patrons see new videos a day before they go public on YouTube!

Or by shopping at Amazon anyways: www.amazon.com/shop/benjaminnelson

For more Information, visit:
https://300mpg.org

Most Popular Playlists:
Build Your Own Electric Car: https://bit.ly/2zMufmN
Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle: https://bit.ly/2AT7eOF
Solar Garage: https://bit.ly/2KgQpS5

Contact Ben Nelson:
Please just leave a comment for me at: https://300mpg.org/about/
and I’ll get right back to you.

Music by:
"Shaving Mirror" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b…

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon links help support this these videos.

Go to Source