Portable Laptop Computer Charger Plan

[SolarWatt]

Check this link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-WIND-TURBINE-GENERATOR-AIRE-50-WATT-BATTERY-CHARGER-4-BLADE-/271090224237?_trksid=p2045573.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D146%26meid%3D3373254261879073856%26pid%3D100034%26prg%3D1079%26rk%3D3%26sd%3D200739054519%26

Can it help ??

[bkbatts]

How to insure adequate cells are facing the sun at any given time to get enough power to use - unless you somehow install a tracker system that rotates your head or you walk in circles to follow the sun

LOL

[Sunny Solar]

Do you have any idea what a lightweight, fold up PV panel costs ? about $5K per sq foot, if you can find them for sale.[ATTACH=CONFIG]2128[/ATTACH]

Russ this might answer why I asked.Sunny Solar
I think its possible to buy roll up /fold up solar panels for less than $5k a sq ft. ??

[PNjunction]

Here is my plan, and I would like to get your feedback:

(1) PowerFilm F16-1800 30W Foldable Solar Panel Charger (Amazon) :
Operating voltage: 15.4V, Operating Current: 1.8A

(1) Energizer XP18000 Universal AC Adapter with External Battery for Laptops, Netbooks, and More : Rated Input: 19V, 3.5A

The PowerFilm folding panels are very high-quality. Yes, very expensive, but built like tanks. Takes 100F + temps on hot concrete well, although I don't recommend that. You won't regret it even if your wallet does. Accessory cables built to same standard. OCV's are typically 19-20 volts or so, and I feel that the 15.4v rating is a conservative VMP.

The Energizer XP18000 is another good quality product. I have the 8000. Also known as "XPAL". Note that the AH capacity rating is only at 5V. The problem is that the battery is not user-replaceable afaik, and by the time you get one off the shelf, it might already be 3 years old, so you are taking your chances there. I could not find a date-code on mine, so I'm playing on borrowed time not knowing how long it has been dying in transit/storage.

I never tried charging it via solar and have lent the unit to a friend. I think you'll have to be the mad scientist and take the risk. At the very least, if it does pop, the PowerFilm is a nice investment, although for the price one could obviously get MUCH more in a solid panel. Then again, a 60w rigid panel won't fit into the map-pocket of your car door.

[russ]

I think its possible to buy roll up /fold up solar panels for less than $5k a sq ft. ??

What does 5$ per sq ft have to do with anything?

[Sunny Solar]

I think its possible to buy roll up /fold up solar panels for less than $5k a sq ft. ??

[inetdog]

I consider any unit that is to produce when it moves a total waste - 99% of the time that will be correct

The only practical mobile solar power system I have ever seen was used for a cross country trip using a custom recumbent bicycle with a 200lb. (loaded) trailer. The solar panel was mounted to the trailer and provided power to a battery pack which ran the computer(s) for the system while traveling and the Internet satellite connection when stopped to camp. (Before the days of cell phones with data access.)
It was only practical because of several uncommon system characteristics:
1. The saving grace was that the weight of the panel and battery was carried by the trailer.
2. The motivation was that it might be days between opportunities to connect to the grid to recharge, or a grid connection to recharge might be available at a mid-day or overnight stop.
3. The electronics was all designed for low power consumption, so the battery did not need to be too large.

This was part of the 1%.

[ledsion]

Learn electronics

Learn electronics, I also like the landlord and yourself to do the LED lighting lamps

[ledsion]

you mind is so good!

LED lights make their own lighting tools is a good choice Oh, LED lights are bright enough, enough power

[Roil]

Gentlemen (and ladies?)

Modern computers are hight power consumers. The kids Macbooks are our biggest consumers when we are off Grid. The chargers typically consume 60-80W and needs charging for hours. I can not understand how any portable solution should be capable of producing that kind of power.

How about using an ipad?

[Mike90250]

I know this sounds crazy,,, (mabe it is) how about getting a bicycle helmut and make a very lightweight aluminium frame and stretch out a lightweight foldup solar panel on it. ?/......

Do you have any idea what a lightweight, fold up PV panel costs ? about $5K per sq foot, if you can find them for sale.640px-Earth_horizon_and_International_Space_Station_solar_panel_array_%28Expedition_17_crew%2C_A.jpg

[russ]

mabe. Do you have a viable alternative suggestion for the person ?

The old way - without electronics

[Sunny Solar]

mabe. Do you have a viable alternative suggestion for the person ?

[russ]

I consider any unit that is to produce when it moves a total waste - 99% of the time that will be correct

[Sunny Solar]

well if you are walking most of the time you are facing straight ahead. so if the panel is mounted flat on top of the helmut it would not matter which way you are walking.
Even if it worked only 76.347 % of the time it is still going to be better than no chargiing at all .. and really its the lightest solution. and it would make a great sun shade.And its easily placed on the ground whenever you need to rest.
Carrying a few extra laptop batteries is a lot more weight.