120vac timers - to reduce net load from phantom load devices

Posted by Keith Birchfield on May 07, 2008, 09:09:13 PM

120vac timers - to reduce net load from phantom load devices
Goal: Reduce total net consumption for a very specific set of devices. ( primarily battery chargers for tools )

Question: Is it possible to connect a power strip to an a/c timer, and set the timer to only run during specific hours during the day ( peek pv production times )

Here is part of what I have ...

I have 5 battery chargers that draw roughly between 6 watts and 30 watts during standby, trickle charge and full charge modes.

I want to put these chargers on a solar+battery powered circuit.

But, the chargers running 24x7, put quite a net load on the power supply. ( mostly phantom / standby power draw ).

So, my thoughts are that If I can find a timer that draws very little to none during standby, and then have it turn on while the solar panels are generating at near peak ( about 4 hrs per day ) ... then I would put the least possible load on the supply, while, hopefully, keeping the batteries charged and ready to go.

My worry is that any 'good' timer would end up drawing just as much power in standby as the chargers ... but I'm having a lot of trouble seeing that kind of specs associated with the timers for sale online.

Anyways ... Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 

Posted by John B on May 07, 2008, 10:22:12 PM

Re: 120vac timers - to reduce net load from phantom load devices (Reply #1)
Keith,

I believe the Intermatic electronic timers draw less than 3 watts, and they should be available at your local hardware store.
http://www.intermatic.com/

You just need to make sure that your chargers have good diodes to prevent the batteries from discharging back through the charger when the power is switched off.


John
 

Posted by James Rosenberger on May 07, 2008, 11:50:07 PM

Re: 120vac timers - X10 or smarthome... (Reply #2)
Personally I use X10 devices to control loads on a timer basis.  I use an appliance module which has a relay to switch the 120V device.  The only power draw is the controller unit.  Depending on the controller unit you get it can draw almost nothing. 
I use an alarm clock type of control unit which I just checked with my "kill A Watt" and it reports 1 Watt.  This can control up to 8 modules on different on/off time schedules or many more than 8 modules if you want to switch at the same time.

www.x10.com or www.smarthome.com  Radioshack used to sell them under the "Plug 'n Power" brand,  but not sure if they do anymore.
 

Posted by Keith Birchfield on May 08, 2008, 06:42:51 AM

Re: 120vac timers - to reduce net load from phantom load devices (Reply #3)
... You just need to make sure that your chargers have good diodes to prevent the batteries from discharging back through the charger when the power is switched off.

Thanks,

Since a couple of these are simple off the shelf black and decker chargers ... I wouldn't expect them to be expensively made.

So, how do I determine if I have 'good chargers'?

 

Posted by John D on May 08, 2008, 09:16:54 AM

Re: 120vac timers - to reduce net load from phantom load devices (Reply #4)
You might be better off with an Iota DLS-series battery charger.  Be sure to get the IQ-4 option.  These are three stage (bulk, absorption, and float) chargers.  I understand that you can leave them connected and power applied.  To protect your batteries, and to avoid wasting power, this seems like a much better option than to use timers.

 
 
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