Most Efficient Way to use a Laptop with the Lycan

seattlestargazer
New Member

Posts: 7

Most Efficient Way to use a Laptop with the Lycan Jul 23, 2017 20:35:40 GMT -8

Post by seattlestargazer on Jul 23, 2017 20:35:40 GMT -8

Hi! I'm going to be using my Lycan to power my astronomy rig while away from home. This includes telescope drive, camera, dew removal heater and a Surface book laptop. I have 3 100 watt panels for charging. Typical power draw for everything except the laptop is about 5 amps. Typical running time will be 7-8 hours a night.

My question is how to most efficiently power the laptop. I have a 12v power supply for it. I can run it about 6-7 hours on internal batteries. Should I charge it fully and keep it connected to the Lycan all night, or use it as long as I can before cutting in the Lycan? Should I then turn it off during the day and recharge it from the Lycan while the Lycan itself is getting charged? Any guidance would be appreciated!

Wayne

rabird
Solar Fanatic

Posts: 552

Most Efficient Way to use a Laptop with the Lycan Jul 24, 2017 3:36:25 GMT -8

Post by rabird on Jul 24, 2017 3:36:25 GMT -8

I hope it doesn't make much difference, don't know

I'd be more concerned about the lycan's battery capacity ??
5A x 8rs = 40 ah. Does that stuff 'run' all the time or does energy use go up and down over time?

seattlestargazer
New Member

Posts: 7

Most Efficient Way to use a Laptop with the Lycan Jul 24, 2017 10:05:09 GMT -8 via mobile

Post by seattlestargazer on Jul 24, 2017 10:05:09 GMT -8

Thanks! I hope not either.

I'm sure current goes up and down slightly, lower the first and last hours when the camera cooler isn't running. I did run the system for about 6 hours including the laptop and was still about 52% remaining on the Lycan. My understanding is the Lycan has a 1075watt-hour rating, so at 12v roughly 80+ amp-hours. I'm not sure how far down I should go, I had read that these LiFePO batteries are truer to useful capacity ratings than lead-acid. I figured no problem with making it through a night, just concerned with recharging it fully. If the weather conditions n Central Oregon is true to form in August I'll have a lot of sun to work with. If I can charge the Lycan and laptop during the day with the 3 100w panels, I'll be a happy camper.

rabird
Solar Fanatic

Posts: 552

Most Efficient Way to use a Laptop with the Lycan Jul 24, 2017 17:01:47 GMT -8

Post by rabird on Jul 24, 2017 17:01:47 GMT -8

well I thought 21ah and I thought that was @ 12v.
discharge deeeply is OK.

www.renogy.com/the-lycan-powerbox-solar-power-generator-pre-order/#tab_prd-specs

Li is charge profile is out of my pay grade, cool power pack!