The unbelievable pump in a box
TO WATCH VIDEO, Link here
I have produced a list of the items below, as you will need them to build this yourself. Please read the detail through carefully. If you need any help, email me or send in comments. If you would like me to build one for you, I can of course do that, please email me to start up the dialogue.
This is what you are going to need: (Highlighted text will link to items)
Solar Panels
Charge controller (MPT)
20 Amp Charge Controller #ad
MC 4 Cable
20m of MC4 cable #ad
These Mc4 cables will be the long run from solar panels to connect to the charge controller via another pair of MC4 connectors.
Please note, you will need two lengths. You can also extend them by simply clicking on another length using the mc4 connectors.
12v deep cycle AGM leisure Battery #ad
For this type of job and in conjunction with the PWM charge controller, this battery will be fine.
You will also need the screw on terminals #ad and clamps #ad that have a 8mm stud with nut. You will also need ring terminal, they are further down the page.
The MC4 cable below will be used to connect the battery to the charge controller. Read info below relating to MC4 cable.
Alternative batteries
12V 107Ah Deep Cycle Battery VRLA AGM Q-batteries 12LC-100 UK
Or this AGM battery here #ad below
1x pair of 3 meter MC 4 cables with connectors #ad
These are going to be used for connecting both the solar panels to the charge controller input. And from the Solar charge controller battery output to the battery. The cable must be cut down accordingly.
It would be a good idea to use a disconnect switch fuse #ad
(photo below) You will need 3 in total. One, on the solar panel mc4 cable. One for the solar charge controller to the battery. The other to switch the pump on.
You could also use 12v DC toggle switches, but you will have to make a mounting plate with holes to take the switches. It's your choice what you do. No links for products here.
Does it need a fuse?
Please note for a system this small a fuse is not needed for the solar panels, but for disconnecting purposes only this kind of trip switch fuse (30A minimum), will work fine. In the video, it did not have a switch fuse like this as it was switched using AC switches which was for demonstration purposes only, as AC switches are not recommended for DC.
Keep in mind that fuses protect cables from overheating and catching fire, they are not there to protect the source of the load. So if the cable amperage is rated smaller than the load amperage of the item being used, there is going to be a problem. So for this reason use a cable that can handle the amperage of the load + 15% then use a fuse that is rated less. The Eveflo pump used for this project has a 23 amp max rating. A 4mm2 cable can handle 37 amps. The pump already has an inline fuse that comes with it. So that is fine. Please bear in mind for any electricians out there who will pick me up on this method of cable calculation (I should say) that cable run lengths will determine how one works out the cable thickness, the longer the cable run the thicker the cable has to be. For this project, we will keep it simple and basic.
Disconnect switch fuse #ad
Disconnecting the battery
You will need another disconnect switch fuse #ad on the negative side only to act as a switch, making it easier to disconnect the battery when required.
To connect both the 4mm MC4 and the same MC4 4mm battery cable to the disconnect switch fuse. Ring terminal lugs are supplied with the disconnect switch fuse #ad .
Solar (PV) disconnect
Product Size: Approx. 120 x 55 x 90mm
You could also try an MCB PV breaker.
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| LINK HERE #ad |
You will also need to install it inside a small enclosure. LINK HERE #ad
You could get the all-in-one option, see pic below
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| LINK HERE #ad |
If you go with any of the PV breaker type then the MC4 cable from the solar array can connect directly to the input side and from the output side to the charge controller.
IMPORTANT
Make sure you know which is minus and plus. Using a multi meter will be the best way to achieve this.
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| Link Here #ad |
The pump
As I said in the video, the pump is "unbelievable.
Often when people tell you about their products doing xy and z you don't know if it's believable or not, but the Eveflo EF7000 12v pump exceeded my expectations.
It can be purchased from here #ad
The box
There are hundreds of boxes online, but this is the box type I used. Here
A lid would also be needed. For the demonstration video, I didn't have a proper lid, but you can get one to match this box here.
Other items
Ring terminals #ad will be needed to connect to 8mm battery stud. There is a minimum packet size of 20.
A crimping tool #ad will get the ring terminals fixed to the 4mm2/mc4 cable
Hose and hose connectors
This Hose #ad I found to be the best
Wood fixings and packing
You will need some batten approx 20mm x 40mm and some 18mm OSB board or exterior ply. You may also want to use some kind of packing foam under the pump to reduce vibration and around the battery to stop it moving around when transporting the box. Link here may help.
Please note that as many of the components required for this project have been provided, I apologise if there is anything I have missed.
Ask a question in the contact box if you need help.