The data below is our power consumption for 2019. All of the data collected has been gathered by using an energy meter and power collection meter connected to our AC mains electrical input generator and our engine leisure battery alternator. This also includes our solar power energy monitor, Victron battery monitor and an external thermometer.
We have started collecting this data to show our power collection and consumption and to estimate our diesel costs for future budgeting. Please note that this is our example and we are not saying this is typical of all narrowboat usage,however we do live aboard full time and continuously cruise.
We have five 165 Amp/hr AGM batteries giving us a total of 710Amp/hr for domestic use, a 70 amp/hr engine driven alternator, a 4.4 Kw Whisper diesel generator and 5 x 100 watt solar panels. We use the Victron battery monitor to monitor the battery percentage and voltage levels.
During January, we were running the generator 1 to 1.5 hours in the morning and 1 hour in the evening. Every 2 weeks we returned the battery voltage to 14.4 volts then we would run until this voltage is reached which is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. This is to prevent the batteries from sulphating and to keep them in tip top condition.
As you can see from the above graph for January our solar energy is a small percentage of our total energy generated. Also our engine generation includes propulsion and hot water, although during Dec, Jan and Feb our cruising is minimal due to stoppages and weather conditions. A Webasto diesel boiler provides hot water and central heating via radiators.
We are intending to publish future monthly power consumption figures as we continue our journey. If this is useful data please let us know by commenting in our contact page. If you have any questions please leave your comments in our contact page and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as we can.
We have started collecting this data to show our power collection and consumption and to estimate our diesel costs for future budgeting. Please note that this is our example and we are not saying this is typical of all narrowboat usage,however we do live aboard full time and continuously cruise.
We have five 165 Amp/hr AGM batteries giving us a total of 710Amp/hr for domestic use, a 70 amp/hr engine driven alternator, a 4.4 Kw Whisper diesel generator and 5 x 100 watt solar panels. We use the Victron battery monitor to monitor the battery percentage and voltage levels.
During January, we were running the generator 1 to 1.5 hours in the morning and 1 hour in the evening. Every 2 weeks we returned the battery voltage to 14.4 volts then we would run until this voltage is reached which is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. This is to prevent the batteries from sulphating and to keep them in tip top condition.
As you can see from the above graph for January our solar energy is a small percentage of our total energy generated. Also our engine generation includes propulsion and hot water, although during Dec, Jan and Feb our cruising is minimal due to stoppages and weather conditions. A Webasto diesel boiler provides hot water and central heating via radiators.
We are intending to publish future monthly power consumption figures as we continue our journey. If this is useful data please let us know by commenting in our contact page. If you have any questions please leave your comments in our contact page and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as we can.
