The Alternative Power Network - User contributions [en]

20210615 Virtual Meetup

2021-06-16T20:18:08Z

Tiefpunkt: DIYODE magazine articles

Virtual meetup, at 8pm CEST: https://meet.ffmuc.net/eventgrid

== What have people been up to? ==
* Chewie: Adding a new solar charge controller to his setup (Morningstar TriStar TS-MPPT-60).
** Setup will not be grid-tied, but connected with a atomatic transfer switch (Tripplite 7.4kW, like [https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384198452027 this one] ([https://www.tripplite.com/single-phase-pdu-to-2-iec-309-32a-blue-ats-monitored-1u-10-ft~PDUMNH32HVAT the newer version on the tripplite website]). ~10ms to switch over when batteries are drained, should be good enough
* Severin: Working on a DIY solar charge controller ([https://hackaday.io/project/178837-roadwork-warning-lamp-solar-power-station project on hackaday.io]) and a MicroGrid connection unit ([https://github.com/tiefpunkt/microgrid_connection_unit GitHub Repo])
* Uli: Working on his solar setup, it's not connected yet. Unsure about what to do with the energy, as he doesn't want to tap into the "regular" grid
* Nico: Setting up the solar system in his camper.

== Camps ==
Seems like nothing exciting is happening this year. But MCH and EMF are happening in 2022.

== Talks, articles etc. ==
* Martin did two talks
** [https://static.sched.com/hosted_files/lfenergyspringsummit2021/9f/Gula%20and%20J%C3%A4ger%20-%20ODG%20LFEnergy%20Spring%20Summit.pdf?utm_campaign=Zephyr%20Project&utm_content=162896785&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-4889353644 Slides from the first one]
*** interesting bit on connectors in the very end
*** Lots of safety discussions (slide 37ff)
*** Some interesting projects mention, might be worth digging deeper
** Video of the second one should be on YouTube some time soon -> ask him again
* Some interesting articles in DIYODE magazine:
** [https://diyodemag.com/projects/attiny85_arduino_solar_charge_controller DIY Solar Charge Controller]
** [https://diyodemag.com/columns/moonshots_low_voltage_mains Low Voltage Mains]

20210615 Virtual Meetup

2021-06-16T20:07:44Z

Tiefpunkt: some notes

Virtual meetup, at 8pm CEST: https://meet.ffmuc.net/eventgrid

== What have people been up to? ==
* Chewie: Adding a new solar charge controller to his setup (Morningstar TriStar TS-MPPT-60).
** Setup will not be grid-tied, but connected with a atomatic transfer switch (Tripplite 7.4kW, like [https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384198452027 this one] ([https://www.tripplite.com/single-phase-pdu-to-2-iec-309-32a-blue-ats-monitored-1u-10-ft~PDUMNH32HVAT the newer version on the tripplite website]). ~10ms to switch over when batteries are drained, should be good enough
* Severin: Working on a DIY solar charge controller ([https://hackaday.io/project/178837-roadwork-warning-lamp-solar-power-station project on hackaday.io]) and a MicroGrid connection unit ([https://github.com/tiefpunkt/microgrid_connection_unit GitHub Repo])
* Uli: Working on his solar setup, it's not connected yet. Unsure about what to do with the energy, as he doesn't want to tap into the "regular" grid
* Nico: Setting up the solar system in his camper.

== Camps ==
Seems like nothing exciting is happening this year. But MCH and EMF are happening in 2022.

== Talks etc. ==
* Martin did two talks
** [https://static.sched.com/hosted_files/lfenergyspringsummit2021/9f/Gula%20and%20J%C3%A4ger%20-%20ODG%20LFEnergy%20Spring%20Summit.pdf?utm_campaign=Zephyr%20Project&utm_content=162896785&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-4889353644 Slides from the first one]
*** interesting bit on connectors in the very end
*** Lots of safety discussions (slide 37ff)
*** Some interesting projects mention, might be worth digging deeper
** Video of the second one should be on YouTube some time soon -> ask him again

20210615 Virtual Meetup

2021-06-01T20:18:08Z

Tiefpunkt: new meetup?

Virtual meetup, at 8pm CET: https://meet.ffmuc.net/eventgrid

202100324 Virtual Meetup

2021-02-27T10:52:08Z

Tiefpunkt: Next meetup

Virtual meetup, at 8pm CET: https://meet.ffmuc.net/eventgrid

202100217 Virtual Meetup

2021-02-17T22:06:50Z

Tiefpunkt: meeting minutes

Virtual meetup, at 8pm CET: https://meet.ffmuc.net/eventgrid

Participants: ecki, martin, chewie, nico, tkteun, jeremail, uli

== Personal updates ==
=== Chewie ===
* Has one of Martins charge controllers to play with
* Added some information to the wiki, e.g. some information on [[Charge_Controllers]] he tried out

=== Martin ===
Working on [https://libre.solar/ Charge Controllers]
* still has some [https://libre.solar/devices/mppt-1210-hus/ 10A controllers] for sale
* waiting for the [https://libre.solar/devices/mppt-2420-lc/ 20A controllers] to arrive
* Over-the-air updates via ESP32
* Playing around with OpenEnergyMonitor, InfluxDB/Grafana, etc.

Looking for some information on LoRaWAN
* Severin has been at The Things Conference, there are some interesting [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM8eOeiKY7JUPeu23SJ3TPY9BfagiBFIT talks]

Looking into BMS - anyone have any experience with that? **crickets**

=== Nico ===
* Got an MCH camper ticket, but might be able to give it to someone who needs it
* Looking for a DC connector that is case mountable
** Ideas: [https://powerwerx.com/anderson-power-powerpole-sb-connectors Powerpole SB] (used by many amateur radio folks)

=== Jeremail ===
Got a [https://beaudens.com/products/380wh-lifepo4-portable-power-station Beaudens B3801] "Portable-Generator" Battery station
* LiFePo based - safer than LiIon
* Inverter produces a clean sinewave, even under load
* Uses quite a bit of power when idle though
* Quite cheap [https://www.ebay.de/itm/Beaudens-B3801-384Wh-Power-Generator-Stromgenerator-Power-Station-Auto-Ladegeraet-/184523435291]

Looking for an XT60 Hub
* We found some [http://www.omgfly.com/omg-high-voltage-high-current-power-hubintegrated-p-3381.html bad] [https://www.etsy.com/listing/785181615/1s-battery-charging-cable-tiny-hawk examples]
* Severin found a [https://github.com/jesseaster/xt60board PCB design] that's open source

=== Severin ===
* Built a Solar Charge Controller off a design he found online, with some weird design choices that got him thinking
** e.g. where to put fuses in the design?
* Put together the first prototype of his [https://hackaday.io/project/176914-lorawan-battery-pack-monitor LoRaWAN Batter Pack Monitor], which totally did not work as expected
* Submitted a proposal for a [https://wiki.munichmakerlab.de/images/7/75/Microgrid-connectors.png DC Grid connection box] to a Element14 Deisgn Competition (to force him to actually build something) - still waiting on feedback

== DC Connectors ==
Always a good topic
* Speakon - Quality issues with stuff from AliExpress, local stuff somewhat expensive, but apart from that quite interesting
* PowerCon - Similar to Speakon, but also used for mains power, which could lead to some unintended issues...
* XLR 4pin - there is a standard for professional AV equipment using these connectors for 12V

Plugs with the option for data connections?
* [https://www.weipuconnector.com/product/39 Weipu SP21] was recommended by Zoe some time ago
* Speakon has 4pins...

== Misc ==
* [https://blog.mi.com/en/2021/01/29/forget-about-cables-and-charging-stands-with-revolutionary-mi-air-charge-technology/ Wireless power by Xiaomi]

[[Category:Meeting Minutes]]

202100217 Virtual Meetup

2021-02-12T10:40:16Z

Tiefpunkt: meetup :)

Virtual meetup, at 8pm CET: https://meet.ffmuc.net/eventgrid

20210119 Virtual Meetup

2021-01-19T23:22:24Z

Tiefpunkt: /* Misc */

Virtual meetup on January 19th, 8pm CET

Participants: Chewie, hk, jeremail, tiefpunkt, Uli

== State of the wiki ==
* tiefpunkt did some work to clean up the Main Page and separate content into subpages
* Still lots of unlinked pages, we need more structure
* Also more content would be great
* List of hardware people could bring to $camp? See below

-> If you have something cool to share, even just to link to, that would be great. If anything's unclear, or you need help, just ask in the telegram group

== CCCamp Survey ==
Unclear who has any results of the survey, would still be interesting though.

== How do we get more people involved? ==
* Kits
* Workshops
** How to make a small solar panel
** Small solar system (battery + charger + maybe grid connection) - tiepfunkt wants to build a tiny system to fit into a [http://www.baulag.de/WebRoot/Store4/Shops/62465071/4F05/6C4D/8119/7A90/D0FD/C0A8/28BB/66AB/Warnleuchte_1.jpg construction site warning lamp]
** Power measurement for villages - we talked about Festival Grid last time

Also do Workshops even if camp doesn't happen -> online or in local hackerspaces.

== Camps ==
* MCH2021 https://mch2021.org/#/
** Camper tickets already sold out
* EMF Camp 2022 - https://emfcamp.org

== Misc ==
* Cheap PowerCon connectors: http_://de.aliexpress._om/item/32853645650.html
* Youtube chanel about eletrical stuff in the UK: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoVvd6bZ6LSKv-ePiow1evg

== Next Meetup ==
Sometime in February, try to have on e each month
[[Category:Meeting Minutes]]

20210119 Virtual Meetup

2021-01-19T23:22:09Z

Tiefpunkt: meeting minutes

Virtual meetup on January 19th, 8pm CET

Participants: Chewie, hk, jeremail, tiefpunkt, Uli

== State of the wiki ==
* tiefpunkt did some work to clean up the Main Page and separate content into subpages
* Still lots of unlinked pages, we need more structure
* Also more content would be great
* List of hardware people could bring to $camp? See below

-> If you have something cool to share, even just to link to, that would be great. If anything's unclear, or you need help, just ask in the telegram group

== CCCamp Survey ==
Unclear who has any results of the survey, would still be interesting though.

== How do we get more people involved? ==
* Kits
* Workshops
** How to make a small solar panel
** Small solar system (battery + charger + maybe grid connection) - tiepfunkt wants to build a tiny system to fit into a [http://www.baulag.de/WebRoot/Store4/Shops/62465071/4F05/6C4D/8119/7A90/D0FD/C0A8/28BB/66AB/Warnleuchte_1.jpg construction site warning lamp]
** Power measurement for villages - we talked about Festival Grid last time

Also do Workshops even if camp doesn't happen -> online or in local hackerspaces.

== Camps ==
* MCH2021 https://mch2021.org/#/
** Camper tickets already sold out
* EMF Camp 2022 - https://emfcamp.org

== Misc ==
* Cheap PowerCon connectors: http_://de.aliexpress._om/item/32853645650.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.54317625StEgBo&algo_pvid=27179aa8-d2e4-47c2-9ab1-3eb57696dd35&algo_expid=27179aa8-d2e4-47c2-9ab1-3eb57696dd35-0&btsid=2100bdec16110882198637240ed959&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_
* Youtube chanel about eletrical stuff in the UK: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoVvd6bZ6LSKv-ePiow1evg

== Next Meetup ==
Sometime in February, try to have on e each month
[[Category:Meeting Minutes]]

Main Page

2021-01-11T19:50:18Z

Tiefpunkt: Remove contact list in favor of Special:ListUsers, introduction paragraph

[[File:Image solarcells.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Solar Cells at the CCCamp 2019]]
We're an '''international group''' of people '''working on DC microgrid technology'''. We've been present at multiple Chaos camps and events, under different names like '''AltPwr''', '''EventGrid''', etc.

Our aim is to '''build technology and methods to connect small autonomous energy systems via DC microgrids''', to allow them to share energy production, storage and usage resource. We also want to provide the means to measure, monitor and visualize power consumption on regular AC grids and DC microgrids to create awareness on power usage and potential improvements.

= Participation =

If you have any ideas, want to share cool solutions or help out developing hardware or software:

* Setup an account (top right) and create pages, fix errors, discuss on discussion tabs, all very welcome!
* Use the telegram group.

'''IMPORTANT:''' Right now we need to improve the communication channels and connections with others like [https://hacc.uber.space/ Hackers against Climate Change]. If you would like to help send a mail to trailblazr(at)noxymo.com I will soon update the most recent info here. (Updated: 17th of Sep 2019)

== Telegram Group ==

Join our [https://t.me/joinchat/D2v4lRe3eQX4MuYHo2JdpQ group on Telegram]

== Social Media ==

Please use the twitter hash tag '''#eventgrid''' when referring to this workgroup. It is still a working title right now.

= Take part in the Survey! =

On CCCamp we had 5000 participants needing electrical power. To improve our future power grid we would like to ask you a few questions in regard to your personal use of power. Please take a few minutes to answer the anonymous survey and help us green the grid.

'''<big>→ [https://www.surveylegend.com/s/1obe Infrastructure Survey] ←</big>'''

[[File:Qr code survey.png|thumb|left|QR Code for Survey Participation]] 

= News =

We are right now preparing a summary of the activities aiming to '''reboot the whole power stack as a green power network''' which happened on the CCCamp 2019. Here re the most recent activities and results...

* We have a survey online we would like you to fill in. [https://www.surveylegend.com/s/1obe Check it out!]
* Part of the Infrastructure Review
* Our main bulletpoints summed up on a slide

== TL;DR ==

* WE ARE [[EventGrid]], JOIN US NOW to work on the '''next generation green power grid*!'''
* '''48V / 300-400V DC Power Grid''' to connect remote villages which have their own local microgrids.
* '''48V DC Power Outlet''' (2 lines + 1 token ring data bus for Outlet Load Balancing)
* '''Power Meters (for villages; 300-400V)''' for better visualization & awareness of consumption
* '''Power Meters (for participants; 48V)''' for logging 24x7, visualization & awareness of consumption
* '''Poll/Questionnaire'''-driven insights on '''power consumption''' of event/village/participant
* '''Gamification Concept''' to trigger more power input & power storage
* '''Public Relations''' activity for transparency & promotion of more green activity

'''WE MET HERE DURING CCCAMP'''
* Our Camp Sessions '''every day 1600''' at [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Village:Three_Headed_Monkey THM Village] / Lagerfeuer

== Some existing very low voltage standards to exchange power ==
* USB (5V, 2A) (10W)
* USB PD 1.0 (5V/2A, 12V/5A, 20V/5A) (100W)
* USB PD 3.2 (5…[ + 0.02 steps ]…20 V) 5A (100W)
* PoE …57V …100W

== What we plan to do ==

'''Following things are right now our focus and work in progress:'''

# A new technical approach to bootstrap '''[[EventGrid]] a new DC Power Network''' for running power networks on events like SHA and CCCamp in an environmentally friendly way (to be developed!)
# We want to raise awareness by making '''power consumption more transparent''' using a new power meter (to be developed!)
# We want to make it easy for single event participants to gain insight in one's own power consumption patterns by providing a '''DIY power meter hardware KIT''' to display/visualize and log power consumption (to be developed!)
# We want to gather research data from CCCamp participants on certain important questions setting up a '''poll/questionaire''' (to be developed!)
# We want add '''gamification to incentivize green power stacks''' (to be developed!) on future events like SHA, EMF, CCCamp, etc.
# We want to keep the community updated what we do and to which '''degree''' the community '''already reached''' their goal to shift the whole power stack towards a '''green power stack'''. We will do this with e.g. photos, statistics, proof-of-concept-installations and more...

== AltPwr / EventGrid at Chaos Events ==
=== SHA2017 and prior ===
Take a look at [[History]]

===CCCamp 2019 ===
Reignition as EventGrid. See [[CCCamp 2019]] for more details.

=== rC3 (2020) ===
[[User:Tiefpunkt|tiefpunkt]] organised two virtual meetups during the [https://rc3.world/rc3/ Remote Chaos Experience], December 2020.
Meeting minutes:
* [[20201228 rC3 Meetup]]
* [[20201229 rC3 Meetup]]

== Links ==

* [https://hacc.uber.space/ Hackers against Climate Change] (Wikipage)
* [https://libre.solar/ Libre Solar] (Web Page)

= The battery balancer =

Some people at the camp were handed out [[Lithium_batteries|balancers kits]].

= THINGS =

*) We know bringing all this heavy equipment is not helping keeping down CO2 much, but the idea is mostly about giving people the opportunity to get hands-on experience on building green solutions. This experience will hopefully lead to more permanent green solutions in other places.

''P.S.: At least we hope to add a new twist to the existing, currently in operation solution...''

[[File:Image breedenord.jpg|400px|thumb|left]]
If you have some useful DC-powered equipment, list them [[Wide Range Voltage Equipment|here]].

Have you successfully converted equipment to work directly from DC without inverters etc? If so, please list them [[Devices converted from AC to DC|here]] with instructions about the conversion process!

User:Fraxinas

2021-01-11T19:39:55Z

Tiefpunkt: Created page with "Contact: altpwr@repairfox.de"

Contact: altpwr@repairfox.de

User:Obri

2021-01-11T19:39:34Z

Tiefpunkt: Created page with "Contact: obri at chaostreff dot ch"

Contact: obri at chaostreff dot ch

User:Tiefpunkt

2021-01-11T19:38:51Z

Tiefpunkt:

Current homebase: Munich, Germany

Working on different low voltage DC grid gear over at https://wiki.munichmakerlab.de/wiki/DC_Microgrid

* [https://twitter.com/tiefpunkt Twitter]
* [https://social.tchncs.de/@tiefpunkt Mastodon]
* altpwr(at)tiefpunkt(dot)com

User:Benadski

2021-01-11T19:38:12Z

Tiefpunkt:

Builder of the SHA2017 altpwr.net microgrid!

Contact: mynick(at)gmail(dot)com

User:Trailblazr

2021-01-11T19:37:54Z

Tiefpunkt:

[[File:Image blazr small.jpg|250px|thumb|right]]

''I'm from Bremen, Germany. Together with many PWR-Nerds & Geeks I kicked off the EventGrid/AltPwr Workgroup at CCCamp 2019 in August 2019 in Mildenberg, Germany.''

-----

'''Usual Location:''' Germany / Europe (i.e. Hanseatic City of Bremen)

'''Previous Hacker Festivals visited:'''
* Change 02
* Change 03
* CCC Congress since 26c3
* CCC Camp 2015
* CCC Camp 2019

'''Interests:'''
* excellence at innovating away difficult problems
* digital hardcore music, dubstep, dnb, darkstep, speed metal
* swimming, skiing, arthouse cinema
* japan / asia
* hackerspace bremen e.V.
* ease of use geek
* motto: "you can't compete with excellence" and "we ourselves have to be the change we would like to see in the world. (Mahatma Gandhi)"

'''Contact''': trailblazr@noxymo.com

20210119 Virtual Meetup

2021-01-05T18:19:10Z

Tiefpunkt: Created page with "Planning a virtual meetup for January 19th, 8pm CET * Conference: https://bbb.bluit.de/b/sev-fzm-mre-sd7 == Topics == * State of the wiki * CCCamp Survey -> Results?"

Planning a virtual meetup for January 19th, 8pm CET
* Conference: https://bbb.bluit.de/b/sev-fzm-mre-sd7

== Topics ==
* State of the wiki
* CCCamp Survey -> Results?

Power Measurement

2021-01-05T13:00:19Z

Tiefpunkt: link to prototype fund

It would be interesting to see how much power we need, both in 230V "regular grid" and the DC side of things.

== Festival Grid ==
[https://festivalgrid.org/index.html Festival Grid] was suggested as a solution for this.
* Central server
* Smartphone app
* Sensors

The sensors are normally based on Tasmota devices. There are no sensors for 12/24/48VDC out of the box, but it supports a few different sensors that would work with DC:
* [https://tasmota.github.io/docs/Components/ list of supported sensors]
* [https://www.belling.com.cn/media/file_object/bel_product/BL0937/datasheet/BL0937_V1.02_en.pdf BL0937] sensor datasheet -> they're also available on AliExpress

But it seems Festival Grid uses MQTT to "gather" the data, so you could just imitate a tasmota device, or even implement your own Template in Festival Grid to read custom sensors.

You could also use the Tasmota Devices for AC devices like in villages etc.

Festival grid was funded by [https://prototypefund.de/project/festival-grid/ PrototypeFund], which might come in handy if we need some information on it.

Power Measurement

2021-01-05T12:59:10Z

Tiefpunkt: festival grid as an option

History

2021-01-05T09:47:51Z

Tiefpunkt: /* What happened to the old website? */

Things that happened before and where the latest workgroup formed.

== The Alternative Power Network ==

How it started...

At [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2015/wiki/Main_Page CCCamp2015] we had the idea to build a small DC grid suitable for being used at events where normally diesel generators supply most of the power. We started designing for two years in our spare time. We wanted something safe, simple and transparent where everybody can be a supplier or a user of electric energy. For safety reasons we chose a voltage of 42V (+/- 15%), a bit below the "safe to touch" voltage maximum of 60VDC ([https://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/iec-62368-1-an-introduction-to-the-new-safety-standard-for-ict-and-av-equipment.pdf IEC 62368-1:ES1]). This way there is a bit of headroom for the over-voltage protection circuit which is needed to protect the users. Still leaving some extra volts headroom for cable losses was a thing we wanted to have just in case too. Simpleness was achieved by not doing too much complicated stuff with end-user connections. No monitoring of energy consumption or under-voltage protection was implemented. Just the basic necessities such as over-current protection (4A type C 300VDC circuit breakers) and over-voltage protection. (The last being a 600A peak capable thyristor based crowbar that shorts and isolates a node above a 52V voltage peak on the grid. The crowbar has a 0.16F 63V capacitor bank for guaranteed triggering that doubles as a smoothing capacitor for the node as well! A bonus is that it really helps keeping it ES1 as it keeps AC ripple to a minimum!) Transparency is important, the old website explained how the grid works and what users can and can't do with it. People started building nice things at home before the SHA event, connected them to the grid and all of it worked after maybe some finetuning!

At "Still Hacking Anyway 2017" the first test grid was laid out. It was running for the duration of the camp without any big issues. Solar panels were attached, tea was made with solar power, bread was toasted, lithium batteries were charged and even a 48-300V (2500W) bi-directional DC-DC converter setup was tested. TDK-Lambda was kind enough to supply us with two of those fantastic units. [https://dsrp.eu/post/165047832948/altpwr More about that here!]

[https://hackaday.com/2017/09/08/that-decentralised-low-voltage-local-dc-power-grid-how-did-it-do/ On Hackaday] there is a nice article too about how the grid was used. Of course there was much to improve, battery backup would have been nice for instance, but it did work as expected and nobody got electrocuted!

Now the whole setup is dismantled again. It just was too heavy, took up too much storage space and it's just what should happen to an experiment for new and improved experiments to follow. So we'll be back!

== What happened to the old website? ==
Due to a personal error of mine, the website was not backed up properly... I didn't realize my error and took the site down. This site will be held up as long as possible. Backups will be tested for completeness too. Fortunately the [https://web.archive.org/web/*/ALTPWR.NET Wayback Machine] has backed up a good deal of pages! Still relevant data will be put on this wiki too!

'''Update''': There is a almost complete resurrection of the old webiste available at http://altpwr.archive.tiefpunkt.com/

20201229 rC3 Meetup

2021-01-05T09:47:37Z

Tiefpunkt: /* Old AltPwr Website */

[https://rc3.world/rc3/event/eventgrid-dc-micro-grid-meetup-day-3/ EventGrid // DC MicroGrid Meetup Day 3]
== Introductions ==
skipping people who were at [[20201228 rC3 Meetup|yesterday's meetup]]
* Martin: Libre Solar
* hk: modular battery based on 18650s in euroboxes, with DC-DC charge controllers for each box. Has a lot of 18650 batteries for use in a battery system.
* ecki: built own BMS, started PWM DC-DC Controller, using same TI chip as libre.solar, slightly smaller in terms of power. No documentation (yet?)
* Jeremail: Has a small setup with multiple dc-dc-converters

== LibreSolar DC Grid ==
DC Grid for Rural electrification
* today: tiny home systems, >=50W, usually proprietary
** Interconnect those systems?
* Test run in UK, w/ 4 participants
* Another Project planned in Ruanda
* Some of the developments are supposed to go back into Libre Solar
* Solar charger 12V/24V, grid 48V
* Working on new version of the [https://github.com/LibreSolar/mppt-2420-hc 20A controller], potentially available ready built then. ETA maybe Jan/Feb 2021 - Martin will post costs in Telegram channel if anyone would like to order one. The more orders, the cheaper it will be, although there is no minimum order.
* Plans for a bigger charge controller (120V input) for wind generators (https://windempowerment.com/) -> Send a message to Martin if you want to be involved
* Has some 400WH second-hand e-scooter batteries he wants to use but has not had time yet.

== DC-DC-Converter by Zoe and Elen ==
* https://fully.automated.ee/raccoon.html
* Not available yet, but maybe/hopefully for MCH? -> https://twitter.com/tachiniererin/status/1343955837258248192
* Maybe ask them for an earlier version?

== Old AltPwr Website ==
[[User:Tiefpunkt|tiefpunkt]] tried to recover the old-old altpwr Website from the Internet Archive. Partial success:
* [http://altpwr.archive.tiefpunkt.com/ Website mirror]
* [https://github.com/tiefpunkt/altpwr.net-archive GitHub repo] if you can help fix some broken links

== Festival Grid ==
Power metering using tasmota-compatible smart home devices. Were funded by Prototype Fund.
* [https://festivalgrid.org/ Website]
* Might be also possible for 48VDC
* Worth to take a look, for MCH?

== Portable power-mesh nodes ==
* based on hk's battery modules
* Goal Zero Yeti do some "meshing" which is more a daisy chaining, but isn't very efficient. The systems do communication between each other, probably via the charging cable.

== Jeremail's setup ==
Could e-bike batteries be used so that an entirely new battery system does not need to be created and the focus can be on connectivity and DC-DC converters/chargers etc?
Bought a few hundred bosch lawnmower 9s2p battery packs, and have no BMS!

== MCH Prep ==
Monthly/bimonthly meetings to prep for MCH
* Make a list of stuff people can bring
* tiefpunkt will set something up and post it in the telegram group

== Wind Energy ==
* Chewie has a setup: [http://www.gogreenit.net/index.php?page=silentwind-400w-marine-wind-turbine blog post]
* Braking: by shorting the generator
* tiefpunkt read a book about microgrids recently, with a pretty good section on WECS: [https://cdn.munichmakes.de/altpwr/2018_Book_Off-GridElectricalSystemsInDev.epub epub] [https://cdn.munichmakes.de/altpwr/2018_Book_Off-GridElectricalSystemsInDev.pdf pdf]

== Misc notes ==
* DC-DC converters usually one low-voltage side, one high-voltage side, so it's easer to have a 48V grid with a 24V battery. Adapting a 48V battery to a 48V grid is much harder.
* Open source DC-DC converter for "small" power sources?

[[Category:Meeting Minutes]]

Main Page

2021-01-02T23:27:54Z

Tiefpunkt: Move history over to History

History

2021-01-02T23:27:40Z

Tiefpunkt: move story over from Main Page

CCCamp 2019

2021-01-01T23:23:14Z

Tiefpunkt: content moved over here from Main Page

[[File:CCCamp19 logo colors RGB.png|CCCamp Logo 2019|thumb|200px|right]]

At [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Main_Page Chaos Communication Camp 2019] we launched a new workgroup being ignited by the already existing core group of the SHA2017. This workgroup is currently working on the shift towards a green power stack called '''[[EventGrid]]''' as a working title.

== Camp systems ==
Anyone that had a renewable power setup at the camp is invited to document their system [[CCCamp 2019 Participant setups|here]], and what worked / what didn't etc.

== Environmental Statistics (Power) ==

We did some number crunching on the camp's ... see [[CCCamp 2019 Power Statistics]] top learn more.

== More Sustainability Aspects (c3sus) ==

A parallel group taking care about overall sustainability met during CCCamp 2019. They compiled some very interesting information, too.

Please have a look at the [https://media.ccc.de/v/Camp2019-10390-infrastructure_review#t=1985 Infrastructure Review CCCamp 2019] to get to know more about their subjects and future plans.

See also '''CCC Sustainability Operation Center'''

* on twitter [https://twitter.com/c3sus @c3sus]
* on mastodon https://chaos.social/@c3sustainability
* on the [https://hacc.uber.space/wiki/index.php?title=CCC_Sustainability Hackers Against Climate Change] website
* as a [https://hacc.uber.space/mailman/listinfo/c3sustainability mailing list]

== Infocard for Infobeamer ==

[[File:CCCamp19_Infobeamer_Eventgrid_Slide_(v02).jpg|440px|CCCamp19 Infobeamer Eventgrid Slide]]
[[File:CCCamp19_Infobeamer_Survey_Eventgrid_(v01).jpg|440px|CCCamp19 Infobeamer Survey Eventgrid]]

== Links ==

* Statistics for [http://c3power.top c3 Power Network] (Grafana Dashboard; online/available only during camp times)
* [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Projects:Microgrid Chaos Microgrid Working Group] (Wikipage)
* [https://www.surveylegend.com/s/1obe CCC Microgrid Survey] (Wikipage)
* [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Village:Infuanfu Infuanfu Village at CCCamp 2019] (Wikipage)
* [https://media.ccc.de/v/Camp2019-10390-infrastructure_review Infrastructure Review CCCamp 2019] (Video)

Main Page

2021-01-01T23:21:36Z

Tiefpunkt: Cleanup of the mainpage, part 1

[[File:Image solarcells.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Solar Cells at the CCCamp 2019]]
= Participation =

If you have any ideas, want to share cool solutions or help out developing hardware or software:

* Setup an account (top right) and create pages, fix errors, discuss on discussion tabs, all very welcome!
* Use the telegram group.

'''IMPORTANT:''' Right now we need to improve the communication channels and connections with others like [https://hacc.uber.space/ Hackers against Climate Change]. If you would like to help send a mail to trailblazr(at)noxymo.com I will soon update the most recent info here. (Updated: 17th of Sep 2019)

== List of participants ==

We provide a list of participants to get in contact with each other after the camp. Please create a wiki account and add yourself to be included into updates (we will check changes to this list regularly).

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Nickname !! E-Mail !! Comment
|-
| '''[[User:trailblazr]] / blazr''' || trailblazr@noxymo.com || Representing Workgroup on CCCamp 2019
|-
| [[User:Benadski]] || mynick(at)gmail(dot)com || Developed the grid for SHA
|-
| [[User:Chewie]] || mail || altpwr groupie
|-
| [[User:Teun]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Jule]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Thejeremail]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:emergy]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Raphael]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Maesto]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Tiefpunkt]] || altpwr(at)tiefpunkt(dot)com || Initiated Microgrid project at CCCamp2019 (with people from Infuanfu and /dev/lol)
|-
| [[User:Jackie]] || c3 at chaosfield dot at || comment
|-
| [[User:Obri]] || obri at chaostreff dot ch || comment
|-
| [[User:Fraxinas]] || altpwr@repairfox.de || comment
|-
| [[User:unknown]] || mail ||
|}

== Telegram Group ==

Join our [https://t.me/joinchat/D2v4lRe3eQX4MuYHo2JdpQ group on Telegram]

== Social Media ==

Please use the twitter hash tag '''#eventgrid''' when referring to this workgroup. It is still a working title right now.

= Take part in the Survey! =

On CCCamp we had 5000 participants needing electrical power. To improve our future power grid we would like to ask you a few questions in regard to your personal use of power. Please take a few minutes to answer the anonymous survey and help us green the grid.

'''<big>→ [https://www.surveylegend.com/s/1obe Infrastructure Survey] ←</big>'''

[[File:Qr code survey.png|thumb|left|QR Code for Survey Participation]] 

= News =

We are right now preparing a summary of the activities aiming to '''reboot the whole power stack as a green power network''' which happened on the CCCamp 2019. Here re the most recent activities and results...

* We have a survey online we would like you to fill in. [https://www.surveylegend.com/s/1obe Check it out!]
* Part of the Infrastructure Review
* Our main bulletpoints summed up on a slide

== TL;DR ==

* WE ARE [[EventGrid]], JOIN US NOW to work on the '''next generation green power grid*!'''
* '''48V / 300-400V DC Power Grid''' to connect remote villages which have their own local microgrids.
* '''48V DC Power Outlet''' (2 lines + 1 token ring data bus for Outlet Load Balancing)
* '''Power Meters (for villages; 300-400V)''' for better visualization & awareness of consumption
* '''Power Meters (for participants; 48V)''' for logging 24x7, visualization & awareness of consumption
* '''Poll/Questionnaire'''-driven insights on '''power consumption''' of event/village/participant
* '''Gamification Concept''' to trigger more power input & power storage
* '''Public Relations''' activity for transparency & promotion of more green activity

'''WE MET HERE DURING CCCAMP'''
* Our Camp Sessions '''every day 1600''' at [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Village:Three_Headed_Monkey THM Village] / Lagerfeuer

== Some existing very low voltage standards to exchange power ==
* USB (5V, 2A) (10W)
* USB PD 1.0 (5V/2A, 12V/5A, 20V/5A) (100W)
* USB PD 3.2 (5…[ + 0.02 steps ]…20 V) 5A (100W)
* PoE …57V …100W

== What we plan to do ==

'''Following things are right now our focus and work in progress:'''

# A new technical approach to bootstrap '''[[EventGrid]] a new DC Power Network''' for running power networks on events like SHA and CCCamp in an environmentally friendly way (to be developed!)
# We want to raise awareness by making '''power consumption more transparent''' using a new power meter (to be developed!)
# We want to make it easy for single event participants to gain insight in one's own power consumption patterns by providing a '''DIY power meter hardware KIT''' to display/visualize and log power consumption (to be developed!)
# We want to gather research data from CCCamp participants on certain important questions setting up a '''poll/questionaire''' (to be developed!)
# We want add '''gamification to incentivize green power stacks''' (to be developed!) on future events like SHA, EMF, CCCamp, etc.
# We want to keep the community updated what we do and to which '''degree''' the community '''already reached''' their goal to shift the whole power stack towards a '''green power stack'''. We will do this with e.g. photos, statistics, proof-of-concept-installations and more...

== AltPwr / EventGrid at Chaos Events ==
=== SHA2017 ===
===CCCamp 2019 ===
Reignition as EventGrid. See [[CCCamp 2019]] for more details.

== rC3 Meetings ==
[[User:Tiefpunkt|tiefpunkt]] organised two virtual meetups during the [https://rc3.world/rc3/ Remote Chaos Experience], December 2020.
Meeting minutes:
* [[20201228 rC3 Meetup]]
* [[20201229 rC3 Meetup]]

= Links =

* [https://hacc.uber.space/ Hackers against Climate Change] (Wikipage)
* [https://libre.solar/ Libre Solar] (Web Page)

= History =

Things that happened before and where the latest workgroup formed.

== The Alternative Power Network ==

How it started...

At [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2015/wiki/Main_Page CCCamp2015] we had the idea to build a small DC grid suitable for being used at events where normally diesel generators supply most of the power. We started designing for two years in our spare time. We wanted something safe, simple and transparent where everybody can be a supplier or a user of electric energy. For safety reasons we chose a voltage of 42V (+/- 15%), a bit below the "safe to touch" voltage maximum of 60VDC ([https://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/iec-62368-1-an-introduction-to-the-new-safety-standard-for-ict-and-av-equipment.pdf IEC 62368-1:ES1]). This way there is a bit of headroom for the over-voltage protection circuit which is needed to protect the users. Still leaving some extra volts headroom for cable losses was a thing we wanted to have just in case too. Simpleness was achieved by not doing too much complicated stuff with end-user connections. No monitoring of energy consumption or under-voltage protection was implemented. Just the basic necessities such as over-current protection (4A type C 300VDC circuit breakers) and over-voltage protection. (The last being a 600A peak capable thyristor based crowbar that shorts and isolates a node above a 52V voltage peak on the grid. The crowbar has a 0.16F 63V capacitor bank for guaranteed triggering that doubles as a smoothing capacitor for the node as well! A bonus is that it really helps keeping it ES1 as it keeps AC ripple to a minimum!) Transparency is important, the old website explained how the grid works and what users can and can't do with it. People started building nice things at home before the SHA event, connected them to the grid and all of it worked after maybe some finetuning!

At "Still Hacking Anyway 2017" the first test grid was laid out. It was running for the duration of the camp without any big issues. Solar panels were attached, tea was made with solar power, bread was toasted, lithium batteries were charged and even a 48-300V (2500W) bi-directional DC-DC converter setup was tested. TDK-Lambda was kind enough to supply us with two of those fantastic units. [https://dsrp.eu/post/165047832948/altpwr More about that here!]

[https://hackaday.com/2017/09/08/that-decentralised-low-voltage-local-dc-power-grid-how-did-it-do/ On Hackaday] there is a nice article too about how the grid was used. Of course there was much to improve, battery backup would have been nice for instance, but it did work as expected and nobody got electrocuted!

Now the whole setup is dismantled again. It just was too heavy, took up too much storage space and it's just what should happen to an experiment for new and improved experiments to follow. So we'll be back!

== But now what?! ==

First of all: Use this wiki to share bright solutions for planetary health improvement. It doesn't even to be something electric! If you have an idea to save a tiny bit of energy, or if you have a reuse, recycle, upcycle tip, or something else, post it on the tips page or make a page of your own explaining your idea! If a lot of people do small good things it makes a huge difference!

So just start editing! On the top right of any page you can create an account and become an editor.

'''Share this website, the more people are helping the better!'''

== What happened to the old website? ==

Due to a personal error of mine, the website was not backed up properly... I didn't realize my error and took the site down. This site will be held up as long as possible. Backups will be tested for completeness too. Fortunately the [https://web.archive.org/web/*/ALTPWR.NET Wayback Machine] has backed up a good deal of pages! Still relevant data will be put on this wiki too!

= The battery balancer =

Some people at the camp were handed out [[Lithium_batteries|balancers kits]].

= THINGS =

*) We know bringing all this heavy equipment is not helping keeping down CO2 much, but the idea is mostly about giving people the opportunity to get hands-on experience on building green solutions. This experience will hopefully lead to more permanent green solutions in other places.

''P.S.: At least we hope to add a new twist to the existing, currently in operation solution...''

[[File:Image breedenord.jpg|400px|thumb|left]]
If you have some useful DC-powered equipment, list them [[Wide Range Voltage Equipment|here]].

Have you successfully converted equipment to work directly from DC without inverters etc? If so, please list them [[Devices converted from AC to DC|here]] with instructions about the conversion process!

20201228 rC3 Meetup

2020-12-30T11:10:53Z

Tiefpunkt: gc90 update

[https://rc3.world/rc3/event/eventgrid-dc-micro-grid-meetup/ EventGrid // DC MicroGrid Meetup Day 2]

== Introductions ==
* Severin //tiefpunkt: https://wiki.munichmakerlab.de/wiki/DC_Microgrid
* Chewie: playing around with some gear that accumulated. Panels on the house, some EP.. controller. Looking at LibreSolar controllers
** Charge Controller - https://www.western.it/en/products/wrm15-dual-battery/ - looks good, but android app is useless, and their support is not helpful in fixing the problem. comments in the Italian play store also say it doesn't work, and has a poor rating.

* bitsandbytes: interested in how camp solves power
* mc_leeck: interested mostly in motors, but looking at the power side of things as well
* cfr34k: interested in ren. energy, esp. solar power. had built an mppt charger (12V,50W).
** not really documented, but would build it similar to the LibreSolar MPPT 12V 10A device (see below)
* HeNeArXn: just checking in what has happened

notes from camp:
https://altpwr.net/index.php?title=Main_Page#CCCamp_2019

interesting MPTT modules: https://libre.solar/devices/mppt-1210-hus/

== DIY Charge Controllers ==
tiefpunkt found these projects by OpenGreenEnergy:
* https://www.instructables.com/ARDUINO-SOLAR-CHARGE-CONTROLLER-PWM/
* https://www.instructables.com/ARDUINO-SOLAR-CHARGE-CONTROLLER-Version-20/
* https://www.instructables.com/ARDUINO-SOLAR-CHARGE-CONTROLLER-Version-30/

== "old" altPwr Team ==
[[User:Benadski|Benadski]] and doktorbob
* Old Website was interesting, but seems gone
* Maybe restore it somehow?

== DC Power Meters ==
tiefpunkt talks about GC-90 power meters, which are fairly cheap and easy to use DC power meters out of China, that can be read out using a TTL interface
* [https://github.com/tiefpunkt/gc9x-reader Python example]
* [https://github.com/tiefpunkt/gc9x-reader Arduino code]
* [https://github.com/makervan/powermeter-lorawan-connector PCB & Firmware to transmit readings via LoRaWAN]

== LiPo Batteries ==
tiefpunkt shows 7S LiPo board (sort-of matches 24V lead) -> https://wiki.munichmakerlab.de/wiki/24V_18650_LiIon_Battery_System

=== MCH2021 ===
Camp in Netherlands - [https://mch2021.org/ Website] - Tickets available
* Do a village or cluster close together so we can test our setups
* [[User:Benadski|Benadski]] involved in the power grid
* There are plans to power it from the grid: [https://mch2021.org/#/Blog/power-to-the-field-how-to-get-renewable-energy-on-the-terrain blog post]

[[Category:Meeting Minutes]]

20201229 rC3 Meetup

2020-12-30T00:35:26Z

Tiefpunkt: wecs

[https://rc3.world/rc3/event/eventgrid-dc-micro-grid-meetup-day-3/ EventGrid // DC MicroGrid Meetup Day 3]
== Introductions ==
skipping people who were at [[20201228 rC3 Meetup|yesterday's meetup]]
* Martin: Libre Solar
* hk: modular battery based on 18650s in euroboxes, with DC-DC charge controllers for each box. Has a lot of 18650 batteries for use in a battery system.
* ecki: built own BMS, started PWM DC-DC Controller, using same TI chip as libre.solar, slightly smaller in terms of power. No documentation (yet?)
* Jeremail: Has a small setup with multiple dc-dc-converters

== LibreSolar DC Grid ==
DC Grid for Rural electrification
* today: tiny home systems, >=50W, usually proprietary
** Interconnect those systems?
* Test run in UK, w/ 4 participants
* Another Project planned in Ruanda
* Some of the developments are supposed to go back into Libre Solar
* Solar charger 12V/24V, grid 48V
* Working on new version of the [https://github.com/LibreSolar/mppt-2420-hc 20A controller], potentially available ready built then. ETA maybe Jan/Feb 2021 - Martin will post costs in Telegram channel if anyone would like to order one. The more orders, the cheaper it will be, although there is no minimum order.
* Plans for a bigger charge controller (120V input) for wind generators (https://windempowerment.com/) -> Send a message to Martin if you want to be involved
* Has some 400WH second-hand e-scooter batteries he wants to use but has not had time yet.

== DC-DC-Converter by Zoe and Elen ==
* https://fully.automated.ee/raccoon.html
* Not available yet, but maybe/hopefully for MCH? -> https://twitter.com/tachiniererin/status/1343955837258248192
* Maybe ask them for an earlier version?

== Old AltPwr Website ==
[[User:Tiefpunkt|tiefpunkt]] tried to recover the old-old altpwr Website from the Internet Archive. Partial success:
* [http://altpwr-archive.tiefpunkt.com/ Website mirror]
* [https://github.com/tiefpunkt/altpwr.net-archive GitHub repo] if you can help fix some broken links

== Festival Grid ==
Power metering using tasmota-compatible smart home devices. Were funded by Prototype Fund.
* [https://festivalgrid.org/ Website]
* Might be also possible for 48VDC
* Worth to take a look, for MCH?

== Portable power-mesh nodes ==
* based on hk's battery modules
* Goal Zero Yeti do some "meshing" which is more a daisy chaining, but isn't very efficient. The systems do communication between each other, probably via the charging cable.

== Jeremail's setup ==
Could e-bike batteries be used so that an entirely new battery system does not need to be created and the focus can be on connectivity and DC-DC converters/chargers etc?
Bought a few hundred bosch lawnmower 9s2p battery packs, and have no BMS!

== MCH Prep ==
Monthly/bimonthly meetings to prep for MCH
* Make a list of stuff people can bring
* tiefpunkt will set something up and post it in the telegram group

== Wind Energy ==
* Chewie has a setup: [http://www.gogreenit.net/index.php?page=silentwind-400w-marine-wind-turbine blog post]
* Braking: by shorting the generator
* tiefpunkt read a book about microgrids recently, with a pretty good section on WECS: [https://cdn.munichmakes.de/altpwr/2018_Book_Off-GridElectricalSystemsInDev.epub epub] [https://cdn.munichmakes.de/altpwr/2018_Book_Off-GridElectricalSystemsInDev.pdf pdf]

== Misc notes ==
* DC-DC converters usually one low-voltage side, one high-voltage side, so it's easer to have a 48V grid with a 24V battery. Adapting a 48V battery to a 48V grid is much harder.
* Open source DC-DC converter for "small" power sources?

[[Category:Meeting Minutes]]

20201228 rC3 Meetup

2020-12-30T00:24:51Z

Tiefpunkt: mch blog post

[https://rc3.world/rc3/event/eventgrid-dc-micro-grid-meetup/ EventGrid // DC MicroGrid Meetup Day 2]

== Introductions ==
* Severin //tiefpunkt: https://wiki.munichmakerlab.de/wiki/DC_Microgrid
* Chewie: playing around with some gear that accumulated. Panels on the house, some EP.. controller. Looking at LibreSolar controllers
** Charge Controller - https://www.western.it/en/products/wrm15-dual-battery/ - looks good, but android app is useless, and their support is not helpful in fixing the problem. comments in the Italian play store also say it doesn't work, and has a poor rating.

* bitsandbytes: interested in how camp solves power
* mc_leeck: interested mostly in motors, but looking at the power side of things as well
* cfr34k: interested in ren. energy, esp. solar power. had built an mppt charger (12V,50W).
** not really documented, but would build it similar to the LibreSolar MPPT 12V 10A device (see below)
* HeNeArXn: just checking in what has happened

notes from camp:
https://altpwr.net/index.php?title=Main_Page#CCCamp_2019

interesting MPTT modules: https://libre.solar/devices/mppt-1210-hus/

== DIY Charge Controllers ==
tiefpunkt found these projects by OpenGreenEnergy:
* https://www.instructables.com/ARDUINO-SOLAR-CHARGE-CONTROLLER-PWM/
* https://www.instructables.com/ARDUINO-SOLAR-CHARGE-CONTROLLER-Version-20/
* https://www.instructables.com/ARDUINO-SOLAR-CHARGE-CONTROLLER-Version-30/

== "old" altPwr Team ==
[[User:Benadski|Benadski]] and doktorbob
* Old Website was interesting, but seems gone
* Maybe restore it somehow?

== DC Power Meters ==
tiefpunkt talks about GC-90 power meters
* https://github.com/tiefpunkt/gc9x-reader
* https://github.com/makervan/powermeter-lorawan-connector

== LiPo Batteries ==
tiefpunkt shows 7S LiPo board (sort-of matches 24V lead)

=== MCH2021 ===
Camp in Netherlands - [https://mch2021.org/ Website] - Tickets available
* Do a village or cluster close together so we can test our setups
* [[User:Benadski|Benadski]] involved in the power grid
* There are plans to power it from the grid: [https://mch2021.org/#/Blog/power-to-the-field-how-to-get-renewable-energy-on-the-terrain blog post]

[[Category:Meeting Minutes]]

20201228 rC3 Meetup

2020-12-30T00:04:31Z

Tiefpunkt: sort notes

[https://rc3.world/rc3/event/eventgrid-dc-micro-grid-meetup/ EventGrid // DC MicroGrid Meetup Day 2]

== Introductions ==
* Severin //tiefpunkt: https://wiki.munichmakerlab.de/wiki/DC_Microgrid
* Chewie: playing around with some gear that accumulated. Panels on the house, some EP.. controller. Looking at LibreSolar controllers
** Charge Controller - https://www.western.it/en/products/wrm15-dual-battery/ - looks good, but android app is useless, and their support is not helpful in fixing the problem. comments in the Italian play store also say it doesn't work, and has a poor rating.

* bitsandbytes: interested in how camp solves power
* mc_leeck: interested mostly in motors, but looking at the power side of things as well
* cfr34k: interested in ren. energy, esp. solar power. had built an mppt charger (12V,50W).
** not really documented, but would build it similar to the LibreSolar MPPT 12V 10A device (see below)
* HeNeArXn: just checking in what has happened

notes from camp:
https://altpwr.net/index.php?title=Main_Page#CCCamp_2019

interesting MPTT modules: https://libre.solar/devices/mppt-1210-hus/

== DIY Charge Controllers ==
tiefpunkt found these projects by OpenGreenEnergy:
* https://www.instructables.com/ARDUINO-SOLAR-CHARGE-CONTROLLER-PWM/
* https://www.instructables.com/ARDUINO-SOLAR-CHARGE-CONTROLLER-Version-20/
* https://www.instructables.com/ARDUINO-SOLAR-CHARGE-CONTROLLER-Version-30/

== "old" altPwr Team ==
[[User:Benadski|Benadski]] and doktorbob
* Old Website was interesting, but seems gone
* Maybe restore it somehow?

== DC Power Meters ==
tiefpunkt talks about GC-90 power meters
* https://github.com/tiefpunkt/gc9x-reader
* https://github.com/makervan/powermeter-lorawan-connector

== LiPo Batteries ==
tiefpunkt shows 7S LiPo board (sort-of matches 24V lead)

=== MCH2021 ===
Camp in Netherlands - [https://mch2021.org/ Website] - Tickets available
* Do a village or cluster close together so we can test our setups
* [[User:Benadski|Benadski]] involved in the power grid

[[Category:Meeting Minutes]]

20201229 rC3 Meetup

2020-12-30T00:00:37Z

Tiefpunkt: Sorting through this mess ;)

[https://rc3.world/rc3/event/eventgrid-dc-micro-grid-meetup-day-3/ EventGrid // DC MicroGrid Meetup Day 3]
== Introductions ==
skipping people who were at [[20201228 rC3 Meetup|yesterday's meetup]]
* Martin: Libre Solar
* hk: modular battery based on 18650s in euroboxes, with DC-DC charge controllers for each box. Has a lot of 18650 batteries for use in a battery system.
* ecki: built own BMS, started PWM DC-DC Controller, using same TI chip as libre.solar, slightly smaller in terms of power. No documentation (yet?)
* Jeremail: Has a small setup with multiple dc-dc-converters

== LibreSolar DC Grid ==
DC Grid for Rural electrification
* today: tiny home systems, >=50W, usually proprietary
** Interconnect those systems?
* Test run in UK, w/ 4 participants
* Another Project planned in Ruanda
* Some of the developments are supposed to go back into Libre Solar
* Solar charger 12V/24V, grid 48V
* Working on new version of the [https://github.com/LibreSolar/mppt-2420-hc 20A controller], potentially available ready built then. ETA maybe Jan/Feb 2021 - Martin will post costs in Telegram channel if anyone would like to order one. The more orders, the cheaper it will be, although there is no minimum order.
* Plans for a bigger charge controller (120V input) for wind generators (https://windempowerment.com/) -> Send a message to Martin if you want to be involved
* Has some 400WH second-hand e-scooter batteries he wants to use but has not had time yet.

== DC-DC-Converter by Zoe and Elen ==
* https://fully.automated.ee/raccoon.html
* Not available yet, but maybe/hopefully for MCH? -> https://twitter.com/tachiniererin/status/1343955837258248192
* Maybe ask them for an earlier version?

== Old AltPwr Website ==
[[User:Tiefpunkt|tiefpunkt]] tried to recover the old-old altpwr Website from the Internet Archive. Partial success:
* [http://altpwr-archive.tiefpunkt.com/ Website mirror]
* [https://github.com/tiefpunkt/altpwr.net-archive GitHub repo] if you can help fix some broken links

== Festival Grid ==
Power metering using tasmota-compatible smart home devices. Were funded by Prototype Fund.
* [https://festivalgrid.org/ Website]
* Might be also possible for 48VDC
* Worth to take a look, for MCH?

== Portable power-mesh nodes ==
* based on hk's battery modules
* Goal Zero Yeti do some "meshing" which is more a daisy chaining, but isn't very efficient. The systems do communication between each other, probably via the charging cable.

== Jeremail's setup ==
Could e-bike batteries be used so that an entirely new battery system does not need to be created and the focus can be on connectivity and DC-DC converters/chargers etc?
Bought a few hundred bosch lawnmower 9s2p battery packs, and have no BMS!

== MCH Prep ==
Monthly/bimonthly meetings to prep for MCH
* Make a list of stuff people can bring
* tiefpunkt will set something up and post it in the telegram group

== Misc notes ==
* DC-DC converters usually one low-voltage side, one high-voltage side, so it's easer to have a 48V grid with a 24V battery. Adapting a 48V battery to a 48V grid is much harder.
* Open source DC-DC converter for "small" power sources?

[[Category:Meeting Minutes]]

RC3

2020-12-29T23:51:42Z

Tiefpunkt: move notes to separate pages

Two meetups - thanks for Chewie and tiefpunkt for organizing

* [[20201228_rC3_Meetup|First Meeting - Day 2 (2020-12-28)]]
* [[20201229_rC3_Meetup|Second Meeting - Day 3 (2020-12-29)]]

[[Category:Events]]

20201229 rC3 Meetup

2020-12-29T23:49:51Z

Tiefpunkt: Created page with "[https://rc3.world/rc3/event/eventgrid-dc-micro-grid-meetup-day-3/ EventGrid // DC MicroGrid Meetup Day 3] * Martin: Libre Solar ** DC Grid for Rural electrification -> today..."

[https://rc3.world/rc3/event/eventgrid-dc-micro-grid-meetup-day-3/ EventGrid // DC MicroGrid Meetup Day 3]

* Martin: Libre Solar
** DC Grid for Rural electrification
-> today: tiny home systems, >=50W, usually proprietary
-> Interconnect those systems?
* Test run in UK, w/ 4 participants
* Project planned in Ruanda
* Some of the developments are supposed to go back into Libre Solar
* Solar charger 12V/24V, grid 48V
* Working on new version of the [https://github.com/LibreSolar/mppt-2420-hc 20A controller], potentially available ready built then. ETA maybe Jan/Feb 2021 - Martin will post costs in Telegram channel if anyone would like to order one. The more orders, the cheaper it will be, although there is no minimum order.
Plans for a bigger charge controller (120V input) for wind generators (https://windempowerment.com/) -> Send a message to Martin if you want to be involved
* Has some 400WH second-hand e-scooter batteries he wants to use but has not had time yet.

hk: modular battery based on 18650s in euroboxes, with DC-DC charge controllers for each box. Has a lot of 18650 batteries for use in a battery system.

DC-DC usually one low-voltage side, one high-voltage side, so it's easer to have a 48V grid with a 24V battery. Adapting a 48V battery to a 48V grid is much harder.

DC-DC-Converter by Zoe and Elen
https://fully.automated.ee/raccoon.html
https://twitter.com/tachiniererin/status/1343955837258248192

[https://festivalgrid.org/ Festival Grid] - Power metering using tasmota-compatible smart home devices. Might be also possible for 48VDC

Old AltPwr Website
* http://altpwr-archive.tiefpunkt.com/user-information/
* https://github.com/tiefpunkt/altpwr.net-archive

Monthly/bimonthly meetings to prep for MCH
* Make a list of stuff people can bring
* tiefpunkt will set something up and post it in the telegram group

Open source DC-DC converter for "small" power sources

Portable power-mesh nodes
* based on hk's battery modules
* Goal Zero Yeti do some "meshing" which is more a daisy chaining, but isn't very efficient. The systems do communication between each other, probably via the charging cable.

Jeremail: Has a small setup with multiple dc-dc-converters
Could e-bike batteries be used so that an entirely new battery system does not need to be created and the focus can be on connectivity and DC-DC converters/chargers etc?
Bought a few hundred bosch lawnmower 9s2p battery packs, and have no BMS!

ecki: done own BMS, started PWM DC-DC Controller, using same TI chip as libre.solar, slightly smaller in terms of power.

[[Category:Meeting Minutes]]

20201228 rC3 Meetup

2020-12-29T23:49:24Z

Tiefpunkt: Created page with "[https://rc3.world/rc3/event/eventgrid-dc-micro-grid-meetup/ EventGrid // DC MicroGrid Meetup Day 2] * Severin //tiefpunkt: https://wiki.munichmakerlab.de/wiki/DC_Microgrid *..."

[https://rc3.world/rc3/event/eventgrid-dc-micro-grid-meetup/ EventGrid // DC MicroGrid Meetup Day 2]

* Severin //tiefpunkt: https://wiki.munichmakerlab.de/wiki/DC_Microgrid
* Chewie: playing around with some gear that accumulated. Panels on the house, some EP.. controller. Looking at LibreSolar controllers
Charge Controller - https://www.western.it/en/products/wrm15-dual-battery/ - looks good, but android app is useless, and their support is not helpful in fixing the problem. comments in the Italian play store also say it doesn't work, and has a poor rating.

* bitsandbytes: interested in how camp solves power
* mc_leeck: interested mostly in motors, but looking at the power side of things as well
* cfr34k: interested in ren. energy, esp. solar power. had built an mppt charger (12V,50W).
** not really documented, but would build it similar to the LibreSolar MPPT 12V 10A device (see below)
* HeNeArXn: just checking in what has happened

notes from camp:
https://altpwr.net/index.php?title=Main_Page#CCCamp_2019

interesting MPTT modules: https://libre.solar/devices/mppt-1210-hus/

Projects by OpenGreenEnergy:
* https://www.instructables.com/ARDUINO-SOLAR-CHARGE-CONTROLLER-PWM/
* https://www.instructables.com/ARDUINO-SOLAR-CHARGE-CONTROLLER-Version-20/
* https://www.instructables.com/ARDUINO-SOLAR-CHARGE-CONTROLLER-Version-30/

[[User:Benadski|Benadski]] and doktorbob
* Old Website was interesting, but seems gone
*

tiefpunkt talks about GC-90 power meters
* https://github.com/tiefpunkt/gc9x-reader
* https://github.com/makervan/powermeter-lorawan-connector
shows 7S LiPo board (sort-of matches 24V lead)

=== [https://mch2021.org/ MCH 2021] ===
* Do a village or cluster close together so we can test our setups
* [[User:Benadski|Benadski]] involved in the power grid

[[Category:Meeting Minutes]]

Main Page

2019-09-24T08:00:28Z

Tiefpunkt: telegram group

[[File:Image solarcells.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Solar Cells at the CCCamp 2019]]
= Participation =

If you have any ideas, want to share cool solutions or help out developing hardware or software:

* Setup an account (top right) and create pages, fix errors, discuss on discussion tabs, all very welcome!
* Use the telegram group.

'''IMPORTANT:''' Right now we need to improve the communication channels and connections with others like [https://hacc.uber.space/ Hackers against Climate Change]. If you would like to help send a mail to trailblazr(at)noxymo.com I will soon update the most recent info here. (Updated: 17th of Sep 2019)

== List of participants ==

We provide a list of participants to get in contact with each other after the camp. Please create a wiki account and add yourself to be included into updates (we will check changes to this list regularly).

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Nickname !! E-Mail !! Comment
|-
| '''[[User:trailblazr]] / blazr''' || trailblazr@noxymo.com || Representing Workgroup on CCCamp 2019
|-
| [[User:Benadski]] || mynick(at)gmail(dot)com || Developed the grid for SHA
|-
| [[User:Chewie]] || mail || altpwr groupie
|-
| [[User:Teun]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Jule]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Thejeremail]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:emergy]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Raphael]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Maesto]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Tiefpunkt]] || altpwr(at)tiefpunkt(dot)com || Initiated Microgrid project at CCCamp2019 (with people from Infuanfu and /dev/lol)
|-
| [[User:Jackie]] || c3 at chaosfield dot at || comment
|-
| [[User:Obri]] || obri at chaostreff dot ch || comment
|-
| [[User:Fraxinas]] || altpwr@repairfox.de || comment
|-
| [[User:unknown]] || mail ||
|}

== Telegram Group ==

Join our [https://t.me/joinchat/D2v4lRe3eQX4MuYHo2JdpQ group on Telegram]

== Social Media ==

Please use the twitter hash tag '''#eventgrid''' when referring to this workgroup. It is still a working title right now.

= Take part in the Survey! =

On CCCamp we had 5000 participants needing electrical power. To improve our future power grid we would like to ask you a few questions in regard to your personal use of power. Please take a few minutes to answer the anonymous survey and help us green the grid.

'''<big>→ [https://www.surveylegend.com/s/1obe Infrastructure Survey] ←</big>'''

[[File:Qr code survey.png|thumb|left|QR Code for Survey Participation]] 

= News =

We are right now preparing a summary of the activities aiming to '''reboot the whole power stack as a green power network''' which happened on the CCCamp 2019. Here re the most recent activities and results...

* We have a survey online we would like you to fill in. [https://www.surveylegend.com/s/1obe Check it out!]
* Part of the Infrastructure Review
* Our main bulletpoints summed up on a slide

== TL;DR ==

* WE ARE [[EventGrid]], JOIN US NOW to work on the '''next generation green power grid*!'''
* '''48V / 300-400V DC Power Grid''' to connect remote villages which have their own local microgrids.
* '''48V DC Power Outlet''' (2 lines + 1 token ring data bus for Outlet Load Balancing)
* '''Power Meters (for villages; 300-400V)''' for better visualization & awareness of consumption
* '''Power Meters (for participants; 48V)''' for logging 24x7, visualization & awareness of consumption
* '''Poll/Questionnaire'''-driven insights on '''power consumption''' of event/village/participant
* '''Gamification Concept''' to trigger more power input & power storage
* '''Public Relations''' activity for transparency & promotion of more green activity

'''WE MET HERE DURING CCCAMP'''
* Our Camp Sessions '''every day 1600''' at [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Village:Three_Headed_Monkey THM Village] / Lagerfeuer

== Some existing very low voltage standards to exchange power ==
* USB (5V, 2A) (10W)
* USB PD 1.0 (5V/2A, 12V/5A, 20V/5A) (100W)
* USB PD 3.2 (5…[ + 0.02 steps ]…20 V) 5A (100W)
* PoE …57V …100W

== What we plan to do ==

'''Following things are right now our focus and work in progress:'''

# A new technical approach to bootstrap '''[[EventGrid]] a new DC Power Network''' for running power networks on events like SHA and CCCamp in an environmentally friendly way (to be developed!)
# We want to raise awareness by making '''power consumption more transparent''' using a new power meter (to be developed!)
# We want to make it easy for single event participants to gain insight in one's own power consumption patterns by providing a '''DIY power meter hardware KIT''' to display/visualize and log power consumption (to be developed!)
# We want to gather research data from CCCamp participants on certain important questions setting up a '''poll/questionaire''' (to be developed!)
# We want add '''gamification to incentivize green power stacks''' (to be developed!) on future events like SHA, EMF, CCCamp, etc.
# We want to keep the community updated what we do and to which '''degree''' the community '''already reached''' their goal to shift the whole power stack towards a '''green power stack'''. We will do this with e.g. photos, statistics, proof-of-concept-installations and more...

== Infocard for Infobeamer ==

[[File:CCCamp19_Infobeamer_Eventgrid_Slide_(v02).jpg|440px|CCCamp19 Infobeamer Eventgrid Slide]]
[[File:CCCamp19_Infobeamer_Survey_Eventgrid_(v01).jpg|440px|CCCamp19 Infobeamer Survey Eventgrid]]

* Slide EventGrid [https://altpwr.net/images/3/30/CCCamp19_Infobeamer_Eventgrid_Slide_%28v02%29.jpg DOWNLOAD]
* Slide Survey [https://altpwr.net/images/8/8b/CCCamp19_Infobeamer_Survey_Eventgrid_%28v01%29.jpg DOWNLOAD]

== CCCamp 2019 ==

<gallery>
File:CCCamp19 logo colors RGB.png|CCCamp Logo 2019
</gallery>

On the [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Main_Page Chaos Communication Camp 2019] we launched a new workgroup being ignited by the already existing core group of the SHA2017. This workgroup is currently working on the shift towards a green power stack called '''[[EventGrid]]''' as a working title.
Join our [https://t.me/joinchat/D2v4lRe3eQX4MuYHo2JdpQ telegram group] if you like.

=== Camp systems ===

Anyone that had a renewable power setup at the camp is invited to document their system [[CCCamp 2019 Participant setups|here]], and what worked / what didn't etc.

=== Environmental Statistics (Power) ===

We did some number crunching on the camp's ... see [[CCCamp 2019 Power Statistics]] top learn more.

=== More Sustainability Aspects (c3sus) ===

A parallel group taking care about overall sustainability met during CCCamp 2019. They compiled some very interesting information, too.

Please have a look at the [https://media.ccc.de/v/Camp2019-10390-infrastructure_review#t=1985 Infrastructure Review CCCamp 2019] to get to know more about their subjects and future plans.

See also '''CCC Sustainability Operation Center'''

* on twitter [https://twitter.com/c3sus @c3sus]
* on mastodon https://chaos.social/@c3sustainability
* on the [https://hacc.uber.space/wiki/index.php?title=CCC_Sustainability Hackers Against Climate Change] website
* as a [https://hacc.uber.space/mailman/listinfo/c3sustainability mailing list]

= Links =

* Statistics for [http://c3power.top c3 Power Network] (Grafana Dashboard; online/available only during camp times)
* [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Projects:Microgrid Chaos Microgrid Working Group] (Wikipage)
* [https://www.surveylegend.com/s/1obe CCC Microgrid Survey] (Wikipage)
* [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Village:Infuanfu Infuanfu Village at CCCamp 2019] (Wikipage)
* [https://altpwr.net Alt Power Wiki] (Wikipage)
* [https://media.ccc.de/v/Camp2019-10390-infrastructure_review Infrastructure Review CCCamp 2019] (Video)
* [https://hacc.uber.space/ Hackers against Climate Change] (Wikipage)

= History =

Things that happened before and where the latest workgroup formed.

== The Alternative Power Network ==

How it started...

At [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2015/wiki/Main_Page CCCamp2015] we had the idea to build a small DC grid suitable for being used at events where normally diesel generators supply most of the power. We started designing for two years in our spare time. We wanted something safe, simple and transparent where everybody can be a supplier or a user of electric energy. For safety reasons we chose a voltage of 42V (+/- 15%), a bit below the "safe to touch" voltage maximum of 60VDC ([https://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/iec-62368-1-an-introduction-to-the-new-safety-standard-for-ict-and-av-equipment.pdf IEC 62368-1:ES1]). This way there is a bit of headroom for the over-voltage protection circuit which is needed to protect the users. Still leaving some extra volts headroom for cable losses was a thing we wanted to have just in case too. Simpleness was achieved by not doing too much complicated stuff with end-user connections. No monitoring of energy consumption or under-voltage protection was implemented. Just the basic necessities such as over-current protection (4A type C 300VDC circuit breakers) and over-voltage protection. (The last being a 600A peak capable thyristor based crowbar that shorts and isolates a node above a 52V voltage peak on the grid. The crowbar has a 0.16F 63V capacitor bank for guaranteed triggering that doubles as a smoothing capacitor for the node as well! A bonus is that it really helps keeping it ES1 as it keeps AC ripple to a minimum!) Transparency is important, the old website explained how the grid works and what users can and can't do with it. People started building nice things at home before the SHA event, connected them to the grid and all of it worked after maybe some finetuning!

At "Still Hacking Anyway 2017" the first test grid was laid out. It was running for the duration of the camp without any big issues. Solar panels were attached, tea was made with solar power, bread was toasted, lithium batteries were charged and even a 48-300V (2500W) bi-directional DC-DC converter setup was tested. TDK-Lambda was kind enough to supply us with two of those fantastic units. [https://dsrp.eu/post/165047832948/altpwr More about that here!]

[https://hackaday.com/2017/09/08/that-decentralised-low-voltage-local-dc-power-grid-how-did-it-do/ On Hackaday] there is a nice article too about how the grid was used. Of course there was much to improve, battery backup would have been nice for instance, but it did work as expected and nobody got electrocuted!

Now the whole setup is dismantled again. It just was too heavy, took up too much storage space and it's just what should happen to an experiment for new and improved experiments to follow. So we'll be back!

== But now what?! ==

First of all: Use this wiki to share bright solutions for planetary health improvement. It doesn't even to be something electric! If you have an idea to save a tiny bit of energy, or if you have a reuse, recycle, upcycle tip, or something else, post it on the tips page or make a page of your own explaining your idea! If a lot of people do small good things it makes a huge difference!

So just start editing! On the top right of any page you can create an account and become an editor.

'''Share this website, the more people are helping the better!'''

== What happened to the old website? ==

Due to a personal error of mine, the website was not backed up properly... I didn't realize my error and took the site down. This site will be held up as long as possible. Backups will be tested for completeness too. Fortunately the [https://web.archive.org/web/*/ALTPWR.NET Wayback Machine] has backed up a good deal of pages! Still relevant data will be put on this wiki too!

= The battery balancer =

Some people at the camp were handed out [[Lithium_batteries|balancers kits]].

= THINGS =

*) We know bringing all this heavy equipment is not helping keeping down CO2 much, but the idea is mostly about giving people the opportunity to get handson experience on building green solutions. This experience will hopefully lead to more permanent green solutions in other places.

''P.S.: At least we hope to add a new twist to the existing, currently in operation solution...''

[[File:Image breedenord.jpg|400px|thumb|left]]

Connectors

2019-09-23T06:15:20Z

Tiefpunkt: /* XLR */

One current problem we need to address is to choose a capable standard connector so that everyone can participate and prepare equipment before the next camp so that time is not wasted trying to connect everything together.

The discussion tab can be used to debate the various types of connectors.

It would be worth listing the connectors that have been tried but are not suitable with reasons too, for example, car cigarette connectors. Although rated for 10A, [https://altpwr.net/index.php?title=File:20190822_174525.jpg this] happened at 30V@5A.

== Connector requirements ==
We have some requirements on our connectors which need to be met with varying importance. Key Words according to rfc2119. Please expand this list. :

=== High Voltage Connectors ===
* Must have at least 3 Pins (PE, GND, V+)
* Must be lockable to prevent unplugging when loaded or alternatively this must be prevented by a different measure.
* Must be able to handle the load and voltages
* Should not be commonly used for different applications in a Camp context. If this cant be prevented damage to the different application and ours must not occur when connected with each other.
* Should be Waterproof
* May have added pins for communication. <- This may change to a "must have" depending on our implementation of load sharing.
* Must prevent touchable live connections. This may be implemented by a different measures.

=== Low Voltage (< 50VDC) Connectors ===
* Should have at least 3 Pins (PE, GND, V+)
* Must be lockable to prevent unplugging when loaded or alternatively this must be prevented by a different measure.
* Must be able to handle the load and voltages
* Should not be commonly used for different applications in a Camp context. If this cant be prevented damage to the different application and ours must not occur when connected with each other.
* May have added pins for communication. <- This may change to a "must have" depending on our implementation of load sharing.
* Should prevent touchable live connections. This may be implemented by different measures

== Suggested Connectors ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center; font-size: 85%; width: auto; table-layout: fixed;"
|-
! Name !! Amps !! Volts !! Mating !! Contacts !! Lockable !! Water proof !! Finger safe !! 3 Pin !! Data !! Not Confusing !! Extendable !! Available
|-
| MC4 || 104 || 1500 || 100 || 1 || + || ++ || ++ || O || - || + || + || ++
|-
| XT60 || 30 || 500 || 1000 || 2 || O || -- || -- || - || - || O || + || +
|-
| Speakon || 20 || 250 || 5000 || 8 || ++ || + || ++ || + || + || -- || O || ++
|-
| XLR || 10 || 50 || 1000 || 7 || ++ || O || + || + || + || -- || + || ++
|-
| Wieland RST || 50 || 250 || 100 || 5 || ++ || ++ || ++ || ++ || + || + || + || -
|-
| Hirschmann CA || 10 || 230 || 500 || 6 || + || ++ || + || + || + || + || O || O
|-
| SELV || 16 || 50 || 250 || 2 || O || - || + || - || - || ++ || - || --
|-
| Anderson PP || 180 || 600 || 5000 || 10 || + || - || + || + || + || ++ || ++ || +
|-
| Anderson MP || 350 || 600 || 5000 || 2 || + || - || + || O || ++ || ++ || ++ || -
|}

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MC4_connector Multi-Contact 4] ===
[https://ec.staubli.com/AcroFiles/Technical%20Info/PV_SOL-LVDC_(en).pdf datasheet]

Technical Specifications:
* Max Amps: 39~104A (depends on cable)
* Max Volts: 600~1500V (12kV surge)
* Mating cycles: 100x
* Number contacts: 1
* Ingress: IP65

Pros:
* Approved for high voltage DC applications (IEC, TUV, UL)
* Waterproof IP65
* Availability / Fairly cheap
* Difficult to disconnect by accident
* While not recommended, designed to stop potential arcing on disconnect (an advantage over the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MC3_connector MC3 connectors])
* Extension cords are possible

Cons:
* PE, + and - connectors are separate cables.
* Should not be disconnected under load
* Difficult to disconnect without tools (can break)
* Low mating cycle count

=== [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qEdysiZAYZ4 XT60] ===
[https://media.digikey.com/pdf/Data%20Sheets/DFRobot%20PDFs/FIT0587_Web.pdf datasheet]

Technical Specifications:
* Max Amps: 30A (60A peak)
* Max Volts: 500VDC
* Mating cycles: 1000x
* Number contacts: 2
* Ingress: IP00

Pros:
* Availability / Cheap
* Small size
* 2 pole, one connector does both + and - wires
* Extension cords are possible

Cons:
* Unsafe, contacts open when disconnected and possibly when connected
* Should not be disconnected under load
* Not waterproof / outdoor
* No 3 pin version with PE

Suggested by [https://wiki.munichmakerlab.de/wiki/DC_Microgrid Munich Maker Lab] during camp
Page creator has no experience with this type of connector.

=== [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speakon_connector Speakon] / [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/PowerCon PowerCon] ===
[https://www.neutrik.com/media/10094/download/product-guide---section-loundspeaker-connectors.pdf?v=1 datasheet]

Technical Specifications:
* Max Amps: 20A (40A AC continuous)
* Max Volts: 250V (4kV surge)
* Mating cycles: >5000x
* Number contacts: 4 or 8
* Ingress: IP54 (IP20 disconnected)

Pros:
* Availability / Reasonable price
* Outdoor design UL/CSA approved (IP54 when connected)
* 4 or 8 pin versions
* Disconnect under load
* Locking
* High mating cycle count

Cons:
* Designed/approved for AC
* No female plug (chassis/coupler only)
* Used for all sorts of stuff. Mistakes are more likely.
* Most cables only have 2 wires

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XLR_connector XLR] ===
[https://www.neutrik.com/media/10098/download/product-guide---section-xlr.pdf?v=1 datasheet]

Technical Specifications:
* Max Amps: 16A 3p / 10A 4p / 7,5A 5~6p / 5A 7p
* Max Volts: 50V (1,5 kV surge)
* Mating cycles: >1000x
* Number contacts: 3~7 or 8+2 (Ethernet+power) -> 4-pin version used for DC applications
* Ingress: IP20 Female

Pros:
* Availability
* Number of contacts (PE, data)
* Outdoor (IP40 or IP65)
* Extension cords are possible

Cons:
* Low voltage / metal case
* Varying quality (fakes)
* Often used for small signals and stage equipment (audio / dmx etc.)

=== [https://www.wieland-electric.com/en-gb/products/circular-connector-system-industry Wieland Gesis RST series] ===
[https://eshop.wieland-electric.com/categorie/en/circular-connector-system-in-raised-degree-of-protection-ip6x-gesis-rst/1000008683 specifications]

Technical Specifications:
* Max Amps: 16A (20A and 50A versions available)
* Max Volts: 250V (4kV surge)
* Mating cycles: 50~100x
* Number contacts: 3~5
* Ingress: IP68 (IP20 disconnected)

Pros:
* Waterproof (IP66/68)
* Multiple contacts available (PE, data)
* Not commonly used (only 3p is sometimes used for 230VAC)
* Lots of accessories available (male / female / chassis / splitters etc.)
* Locking
* Extension cords are possible

Cons:
* Availability, proprietary in Germany
* Not cheap
* Low mating cycle count
* No disconnect under load

=== [http://www.hirschmann.de/en/Hirschmann_Produkte/Industrial_Connectors/Power_Connectors/CA_Series/index.phtml Hirschmann CA Series] ===
[https://catalog.belden.com//prodimgs/AllAssets-approved/EN/39/86/PDF_183986.pdf datasheet]

[[File:Hirschmann CA-Series.png|thumb]]

Technical Specifications:
* Max Amps: 10A
* Max Volts: 230V (6kV surge)
* Mating cycles: 100~500x
* Number contacts: 3 or 6
* Ingress: IP67 (IP20 Disconnected Female)

Pros:
* Waterproof (IP65, IP67)
* Multiple connectors
* Not commonly used
* Locking

Cons:
* Availability, proprietary in Germany
* Not cheap (7€ plug, 3€ socket for 4 pole, 10€ plug, 7€ socket)
* No disconnect under load
* Extension and connection cords are different

=== [https://www.breve.pl/pliki/2016/01/SELV-EN.pdf SELV Connectors] ===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_connector#IEC_60906-3:1994 Details on the specs]

Technical Specifications:
* Max Amps: 16A
* Max Volts: 50V
* Mating cycles: Unknown
* Number contacts: 2
* Ingress: IP20 Female

Pros:
* 48V version specific for this purpose

Cons:
* Only 2 pins
* Extremely rare
* Not water proof
* No female plug

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anderson_Powerpole Anderson Powerpole] ===
[http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1922225.pdf datasheet]

Technical Specifications:
* Max Amps: 45A(55A) / 75A(120A) / 120A(240A) / 180A(350A)
* Max Volts: 600V (2200V dielectric)
* Mating cycles: >250x under load (>5000x probably)
* Number contacts: stackable in 2 dimensions
* Ingress: IP20 up to 45A version

Pros:
* Availability (Ubiquitous worldwide, lot's of clones)
* Low price
* Disconnect under load
* Number of contacts, virtually unlimited
* Genderless, no male/female or direction exist
* Lots of versions (cable, chassis, pcb, rubber shroud, T-splitter)
* Colors available
* Pretty much touch-proof on both sides (rated IP20 up to 45A version)

Cons:
* Not waterproof (except the shrouded premade connectors)
* Not touch-safe bigger versions
* Often used for 12 Volt DC (Amateur radio)

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anderson_Powerpole Anderson Multipole SBE] ===
[http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1922225.pdf datasheet]

Technical Specifications:
* Max Amps: 70A+20A / 175A+20A / 350A+20A
* Max Volts: 600V+200V (2200V dielectric)
* Mating cycles: >250x under load (>5000x probably)
* Number contacts: 2x Power and 2x PowerPole 20A or 2x PPMX (4x 5A pins)
* Ingress: IP20

Pros:
* Often used in electric vehicles (durable)
* Disconnect under load
* High power
* Number of contacts, 8 data pins possible
* Genderless, no male/female or direction exist
* Lots of versions (cable, chassis, pcb, rubber shroud, T-splitter)
* Colors available
* Touch-proof on both sides (rated IP20)

Cons:
* Not waterproof
* Not cheap

Main Page

2019-09-17T11:46:43Z

Tiefpunkt:

[[File:Image solarcells.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Solar Cells at the CCCamp 2019]]
= Participation =

If you have any ideas, want to share cool solutions or help out developing hardware or software:

* Setup an account (top right) and create pages, fix errors, discuss on discussion tabs, all very welcome!
* Use the telegram group.

'''IMPORTANT:''' Right now we need to improve the communication channels and connections with others like [https://hacc.uber.space/ Hackers against Climate Change]. If you would like to help send a mail to trailblazr(at)noxymo.com I will soon update the most recent info here. (Updated: 17th of Sep 2019)

== List of participants ==

We provide a list of participants to get in contact with each other after the camp. Please create a wiki account and add yourself to be included into updates (we will check changes to this list regularly).

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Nickname !! E-Mail !! Comment
|-
| '''[[User:trailblazr]] / blazr''' || trailblazr@noxymo.com || Representing Workgroup on CCCamp 2019
|-
| [[User:Benadski]] || mynick(at)gmail(dot)com || Developed the grid for SHA
|-
| [[User:Chewie]] || mail || altpwr groupie
|-
| [[User:Teun]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Jule]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Thejeremail]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:emergy]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Raphael]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Maesto]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Tiefpunkt]] || altpwr(at)tiefpunkt(dot)com || Initiated Microgrid project at CCCamp2019 (with people from Infuanfu and /dev/lol)
|-
| [[User:Jackie]] || c3 at chaosfield dot at || comment
|-
| [[User:Obri]] || obri at chaostreff dot ch || comment
|-
| [[User:Fraxinas]] || altpwr@repairfox.de || comment
|-
| [[User:unknown]] || mail ||
|}

== Telegram Channel ==

Please join our '''public channel''' on Telegram here

https://t.me/eventgrid

== Social Media ==

Please use the twitter hash tag '''#eventgrid''' when referring to this workgroup. It is still a working title right now.

= Take part in the Survey! =

On CCCamp we had 5000 participants needing electrical power. To improve our future power grid we would like to ask you a few questions in regard to your personal use of power. Please take a few minutes to answer the anonymous survey and help us green the grid.

'''<big>→ [https://www.surveylegend.com/s/1obe Infrastructure Survey] ←</big>'''

[[File:Qr code survey.png|thumb|left|QR Code for Survey Participation]] 

= News =

We are right now preparing a summary of the activities aiming to '''reboot the whole power stack as a green power network''' which happened on the CCCamp 2019. Here re the most recent activities and results...

* We have a survey online we would like you to fill in. [https://www.surveylegend.com/s/1obe Check it out!]
* Part of the Infrastructure Review
* Our main bulletpoints summed up on a slide

== TL;DR ==

* WE ARE [[EventGrid]], JOIN US NOW to work on the '''next generation green power grid*!'''
* '''48V / 300-400V DC Power Grid''' to connect remote villages which have their own local microgrids.
* '''48V DC Power Outlet''' (2 lines + 1 token ring data bus for Outlet Load Balancing)
* '''Power Meters (for villages; 300-400V)''' for better visualization & awareness of consumption
* '''Power Meters (for participants; 48V)''' for logging 24x7, visualization & awareness of consumption
* '''Poll/Questionnaire'''-driven insights on '''power consumption''' of event/village/participant
* '''Gamification Concept''' to trigger more power input & power storage
* '''Public Relations''' activity for transparency & promotion of more green activity

'''WE MET HERE DURING CCCAMP'''
* Our Camp Sessions '''every day 1600''' at [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Village:Three_Headed_Monkey THM Village] / Lagerfeuer

== Some existing very low voltage standards to exchange power ==
* USB (5V, 2A) (10W)
* USB PD 1.0 (5V/2A, 12V/5A, 20V/5A) (100W)
* USB PD 3.2 (5…[ + 0.02 steps ]…20 V) 5A (100W)
* PoE …57V …100W

== What we plan to do ==

'''Following things are right now our focus and work in progress:'''

# A new technical approach to bootstrap '''[[EventGrid]] a new DC Power Network''' for running power networks on events like SHA and CCCamp in an environmentally friendly way (to be developed!)
# We want to raise awareness by making '''power consumption more transparent''' using a new power meter (to be developed!)
# We want to make it easy for single event participants to gain insight in one's own power consumption patterns by providing a '''DIY power meter hardware KIT''' to display/visualize and log power consumption (to be developed!)
# We want to gather research data from CCCamp participants on certain important questions setting up a '''poll/questionaire''' (to be developed!)
# We want add '''gamification to incentivize green power stacks''' (to be developed!) on future events like SHA, EMF, CCCamp, etc.
# We want to keep the community updated what we do and to which '''degree''' the community '''already reached''' their goal to shift the whole power stack towards a '''green power stack'''. We will do this with e.g. photos, statistics, proof-of-concept-installations and more...

== Infocard for Infobeamer ==

[[File:CCCamp19_Infobeamer_Eventgrid_Slide_(v02).jpg|440px|CCCamp19 Infobeamer Eventgrid Slide]]
[[File:CCCamp19_Infobeamer_Survey_Eventgrid_(v01).jpg|440px|CCCamp19 Infobeamer Survey Eventgrid]]

* Slide EventGrid [https://altpwr.net/images/3/30/CCCamp19_Infobeamer_Eventgrid_Slide_%28v02%29.jpg DOWNLOAD]
* Slide Survey [https://altpwr.net/images/8/8b/CCCamp19_Infobeamer_Survey_Eventgrid_%28v01%29.jpg DOWNLOAD]

== CCCamp 2019 ==

<gallery>
File:CCCamp19 logo colors RGB.png|CCCamp Logo 2019
</gallery>

On the [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Main_Page Chaos Communication Camp 2019] we launched a new workgroup being ignited by the already existing core group of the SHA2017. This workgroup is currently working on the shift towards a green power stack called '''[[EventGrid]]''' as a working title.
Join our [https://t.me/joinchat/D2v4lRe3eQX4MuYHo2JdpQ telegram group] if you like.

=== Camp systems ===

Anyone that had a renewable power setup at the camp is invited to document their system [[CCCamp 2019 Participant setups|here]], and what worked / what didn't etc.

=== Environmental Statistics (Power) ===

We did some number crunching on the camp's ... see [[CCCamp 2019 Power Statistics]] top learn more.

=== More Sustainability Aspects (c3sus) ===

A parallel group taking care about overall sustainability met during CCCamp 2019. They compiled some very interesting information, too.

Please have a look at the [https://media.ccc.de/v/Camp2019-10390-infrastructure_review#t=1985 Infrastructure Review CCCamp 2019] to get to know more about their subjects and future plans.

See also '''CCC Sustainability Operation Center'''

* on twitter [https://twitter.com/c3sus @c3sus]
* on mastodon https://chaos.social/@c3sustainability
* on the [https://hacc.uber.space/wiki/index.php?title=CCC_Sustainability Hackers Against Climate Change] website
* as a [https://hacc.uber.space/mailman/listinfo/c3sustainability mailing list]

= Links =

* Statistics for [http://c3power.top c3 Power Network] (Grafana Dashboard; online/available only during camp times)
* [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Projects:Microgrid Chaos Microgrid Working Group] (Wikipage)
* [https://www.surveylegend.com/s/1obe CCC Microgrid Survey] (Wikipage)
* [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Village:Infuanfu Infuanfu Village at CCCamp 2019] (Wikipage)
* [https://altpwr.net Alt Power Wiki] (Wikipage)
* [https://media.ccc.de/v/Camp2019-10390-infrastructure_review Infrastructure Review CCCamp 2019] (Video)
* [https://hacc.uber.space/ Hackers against Climate Change] (Wikipage)

= History =

Things that happened before and where the latest workgroup formed.

== The Alternative Power Network ==

How it started...

At [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2015/wiki/Main_Page CCCamp2015] we had the idea to build a small DC grid suitable for being used at events where normally diesel generators supply most of the power. We started designing for two years in our spare time. We wanted something safe, simple and transparent where everybody can be a supplier or a user of electric energy. For safety reasons we chose a voltage of 42V (+/- 15%), a bit below the "safe to touch" voltage maximum of 60VDC ([https://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/iec-62368-1-an-introduction-to-the-new-safety-standard-for-ict-and-av-equipment.pdf IEC 62368-1:ES1]). This way there is a bit of headroom for the over-voltage protection circuit which is needed to protect the users. Still leaving some extra volts headroom for cable losses was a thing we wanted to have just in case too. Simpleness was achieved by not doing too much complicated stuff with end-user connections. No monitoring of energy consumption or under-voltage protection was implemented. Just the basic necessities such as over-current protection (4A type C 300VDC circuit breakers) and over-voltage protection. (The last being a 600A peak capable thyristor based crowbar that shorts and isolates a node above a 52V voltage peak on the grid. The crowbar has a 0.16F 63V capacitor bank for guaranteed triggering that doubles as a smoothing capacitor for the node as well! A bonus is that it really helps keeping it ES1 as it keeps AC ripple to a minimum!) Transparency is important, the old website explained how the grid works and what users can and can't do with it. People started building nice things at home before the SHA event, connected them to the grid and all of it worked after maybe some finetuning!

At "Still Hacking Anyway 2017" the first test grid was laid out. It was running for the duration of the camp without any big issues. Solar panels were attached, tea was made with solar power, bread was toasted, lithium batteries were charged and even a 48-300V (2500W) bi-directional DC-DC converter setup was tested. TDK-Lambda was kind enough to supply us with two of those fantastic units. [https://dsrp.eu/post/165047832948/altpwr More about that here!]

[https://hackaday.com/2017/09/08/that-decentralised-low-voltage-local-dc-power-grid-how-did-it-do/ On Hackaday] there is a nice article too about how the grid was used. Of course there was much to improve, battery backup would have been nice for instance, but it did work as expected and nobody got electrocuted!

Now the whole setup is dismantled again. It just was too heavy, took up too much storage space and it's just what should happen to an experiment for new and improved experiments to follow. So we'll be back!

== But now what?! ==

First of all: Use this wiki to share bright solutions for planetary health improvement. It doesn't even to be something electric! If you have an idea to save a tiny bit of energy, or if you have a reuse, recycle, upcycle tip, or something else, post it on the tips page or make a page of your own explaining your idea! If a lot of people do small good things it makes a huge difference!

So just start editing! On the top right of any page you can create an account and become an editor.

'''Share this website, the more people are helping the better!'''

== What happened to the old website? ==

Due to a personal error of mine, the website was not backed up properly... I didn't realize my error and took the site down. This site will be held up as long as possible. Backups will be tested for completeness too. Fortunately the [https://web.archive.org/web/*/ALTPWR.NET Wayback Machine] has backed up a good deal of pages! Still relevant data will be put on this wiki too!

= The battery balancer =

Some people at the camp were handed out [[Lithium_batteries|balancers kits]].

= THINGS =

*) We know bringing all this heavy equipment is not helping keeping down CO2 much, but the idea is mostly about giving people the opportunity to get handson experience on building green solutions. This experience will hopefully lead to more permanent green solutions in other places.

''P.S.: At least we hope to add a new twist to the existing, currently in operation solution...''

[[File:Image breedenord.jpg|400px|thumb|left]]

CCCamp 2019 Participant setups

2019-09-06T18:16:28Z

Tiefpunkt: tiefpunkts setup

Please use this page to link to individual pages for each participant that brought their own renewable system to CCCamp 2019.

* [[CCCamp 2019 - Chewie's Setup]]
* [[CCCamp 2019 - Emergy's Setup]]
* [[CCCamp 2019 - tiefpunkt's Setup]]

CCCamp 2019 - tiefpunkt's Setup

2019-09-06T18:13:06Z

Tiefpunkt: our setup

[[File:cccamp19_munichmakerlab01.jpg|300px|thumb|right]]
At the Munich Maker Lab village, we brought 6 100W panels, which we connected in three separate setups.
* 1 panel connected to a Goal Zero Yeti 400
* 3 panels connected to a cheap PWM charger and 2 12V 24Ah batteries
* 2 panels connected to a cheap PWM charger and 1 12V 80Ah batteries

Setups were build in succession, as batteries and charges arrived, so they might not make sense from a configuration standpoint. We used those setups to power a number of different devices:

* 1 cheap thermoelectric coolbox (~60W)
* 1 decent compressor coolbox
* Small sound system
* Charging phones and gear via USB from the Yeti, the two charge controllers, or dedicated car USB adapters
* USB-C laptop charger for 12V [https://www.amazon.de/Lenovo-40AK0065WW-DrNetzteilucker-Schwarz/dp/B079TM49YN]
* MagSafe 2 charger for 12V
* DECT batteries via NiMh battery charger
* Some 230V gear via the Yeti's inverter

File:Cccamp19 munichmakerlab01.jpg

2019-09-06T17:49:19Z

Tiefpunkt: Tiefpunkt uploaded a new version of File:Cccamp19 munichmakerlab01.jpg

File:Cccamp19 munichmakerlab01.jpg

2019-09-06T17:44:06Z

Tiefpunkt:

User:Tiefpunkt

2019-08-31T21:57:42Z

Tiefpunkt: Created page with "Current homebase: Munich, Germany Working on different low voltage DC grid gear over at https://wiki.munichmakerlab.de/wiki/DC_Microgrid * [https://twitter.com/tiefpunkt Twi..."

Connectors

2019-08-31T21:52:48Z

Tiefpunkt: Added some specs for various connectors, and added the SELV connector as well

Main Page

2019-08-31T21:33:35Z

Tiefpunkt: /* List of participants */

[[File:Image solarcells.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Solar Cells at the CCCamp 2019]]
= Participation =

If you have any ideas, want to share cool solutions or help out developing hardware or software:

* Setup an account (top right) and create pages, fix errors, discuss on discussion tabs, all very welcome!
* Use the telegram group.

== List of participants ==

We provide a list of participants to get in contact with each other after the camp. Please create a wiki account and add yourself to be included into updates (we will check changes to this list regularly).

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Nickname !! E-Mail !! Comment
|-
| '''[[User:trailblazr]] / blazr''' || trailblazr@noxymo.com || Representing Workgroup on CCCamp 2019
|-
| [[User:Benadski]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Chewie]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Teun]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Jule]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Thejeremail]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:emergy]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Raphael]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Maesto]] || mail || comment
|-
| [[User:Tiefpunkt]] || altpwr(at)tiefpunkt(dot)com ||
|-
| [[User:unknown]] || mail || comment
|}

== Telegram Channel ==

Please join our '''public channel''' on Telegram here

https://t.me/eventgrid

== Social Media ==

Please use the twitter hash tag '''#eventgrid''' when referring to this workgroup. It is still a working title right now.

= Take part in the Survey! =

On CCCamp we had 5000 participants needing electrical power. To improve our future power grid we would like to ask you a few questions in regard to your personal use of power. Please take a few minutes to answer the anonymous survey and help us green the grid.

'''<big>→ [https://www.surveylegend.com/s/1obe Infrastructure Survey] ←</big>'''

[[File:Qr code survey.png|thumb|left|QR Code for Survey Participation]] 

= News =

We are right now preparing a summary of the activities aiming to '''reboot the whole power stack as a green power network''' which happened on the CCCamp 2019. Here re the most recent activities and results...

* We have a survey online we would like you to fill in. [https://www.surveylegend.com/s/1obe Check it out!]
* Part of the Infrastructure Review
* Our main bulletpoints summed up on a slide

== TL;DR ==

* WE ARE [[EventGrid]], JOIN US NOW to work on the '''next generation green power grid*!'''
* '''48V / 300-400V DC Power Grid''' to connect remote villages which have their own local microgrids.
* '''48V DC Power Outlet''' (2 lines + 1 token ring data bus for Outlet Load Balancing)
* '''Power Meters (for villages; 300-400V)''' for better visualization & awareness of consumption
* '''Power Meters (for participants; 48V)''' for logging 24x7, visualization & awareness of consumption
* '''Poll/Questionnaire'''-driven insights on '''power consumption''' of event/village/participant
* '''Gamification Concept''' to trigger more power input & power storage
* '''Public Relations''' activity for transparency & promotion of more green activity

'''WE MET HERE DURING CCCAMP'''
* Our Camp Sessions '''every day 1600''' at [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Village:Three_Headed_Monkey THM Village] / Lagerfeuer

== Some existing very low voltage standards to exchange power ==
* USB (5V, 2A) (10W)
* USB PD 1.0 (5V/2A, 12V/5A, 20V/5A) (100W)
* USB PD 3.2 (5…[ + 0.02 steps ]…20 V) 5A (100W)
* PoE …57V …100W

== What we plan to do ==

'''Following things are right now our focus and work in progress:'''

# A new technical approach to bootstrap '''[[EventGrid]] a new DC Power Network''' for running power networks on events like SHA and CCCamp in an environmentally friendly way (to be developed!)
# We want to raise awareness by making '''power consumption more transparent''' using a new power meter (to be developed!)
# We want to make it easy for single event participants to gain insight in one's own power consumption patterns by providing a '''DIY power meter hardware KIT''' to display/visualize and log power consumption (to be developed!)
# We want to gather research data from CCCamp participants on certain important questions setting up a '''poll/questionaire''' (to be developed!)
# We want add '''gamification to incentivize green power stacks''' (to be developed!) on future events like SHA, EMF, CCCamp, etc.
# We want to keep the community updated what we do and to which '''degree''' the community '''already reached''' their goal to shift the whole power stack towards a '''green power stack'''. We will do this with e.g. photos, statistics, proof-of-concept-installations and more...

== Infocard for Infobeamer ==

[[File:CCCamp19_Infobeamer_Eventgrid_Slide_(v02).jpg|440px|CCCamp19 Infobeamer Eventgrid Slide]]
[[File:CCCamp19_Infobeamer_Survey_Eventgrid_(v01).jpg|440px|CCCamp19 Infobeamer Survey Eventgrid]]

* Slide EventGrid [https://altpwr.net/images/3/30/CCCamp19_Infobeamer_Eventgrid_Slide_%28v02%29.jpg DOWNLOAD]
* Slide Survey [https://altpwr.net/images/8/8b/CCCamp19_Infobeamer_Survey_Eventgrid_%28v01%29.jpg DOWNLOAD]

== CCCamp 2019 ==

<gallery>
File:CCCamp19 logo colors RGB.png|CCCamp Logo 2019
</gallery>

On the [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Main_Page Chaos Communication Camp 2019] we launched a new workgroup being ignited by the already existing core group of the SHA2017. This workgroup is currently working on the shift towards a green power stack called '''[[EventGrid]]''' as a working title.
Join our [https://t.me/joinchat/D2v4lRe3eQX4MuYHo2JdpQ telegram group] if you like.

=== Environmental Statistics (Power) ===

We did some number crunching on the camp's ... see [[CCCamp 2019 Power Statistics]] top learn more.

=== More Sustainability Aspects (c3sus) ===

A parallel group taking care about overall sustainability met during CCCamp 2019. They compiled some very interesting information, too.

Please have a look at the [https://media.ccc.de/v/Camp2019-10390-infrastructure_review#t=1985 Infrastructure Review CCCamp 2019] to get to know more about their subjects and future plans.

See also '''CCC Sustainability Operation Center'''

* on twitter [https://twitter.com/c3sus @c3sus]
* on mastodon https://chaos.social/@c3sustainability
* on the [https://hacc.uber.space/wiki/index.php?title=CCC_Sustainability Hackers Against Climate Change] website

= Links =

* Statistics for [http://c3power.top c3 Power Network] (Grafana Dashboard; online/available only during camp times)
* [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Projects:Microgrid Chaos Microgrid Working Group] (Wikipage)
* [https://www.surveylegend.com/s/1obe CCC Microgrid Survey] (Wikipage)
* [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2019/wiki/Village:Infuanfu Infuanfu Village at CCCamp 2019] (Wikipage)
* [https://altpwr.net Alt Power Wiki] (Wikipage)
* [https://media.ccc.de/v/Camp2019-10390-infrastructure_review Infrastructure Review CCCamp 2019] (Video)

= History =

Things that happened before and where the latest workgroup formed.

== The Alternative Power Network ==

How it started...

At [https://events.ccc.de/camp/2015/wiki/Main_Page CCCamp2015] we had the idea to build a small DC grid suitable for being used at events where normally diesel generators supply most of the power. We started designing for two years in our spare time. We wanted something safe, simple and transparent where everybody can be a supplier or a user of electric energy. For safety reasons we chose a voltage of 42V (+/- 15%), a bit below the "safe to touch" voltage maximum of 60VDC ([https://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/iec-62368-1-an-introduction-to-the-new-safety-standard-for-ict-and-av-equipment.pdf IEC 62368-1:ES1]). This way there is a bit of headroom for the over-voltage protection circuit which is needed to protect the users. Still leaving some extra volts headroom for cable losses was a thing we wanted to have just in case too. Simpleness was achieved by not doing too much complicated stuff with end-user connections. No monitoring of energy consumption or under-voltage protection was implemented. Just the basic necessities such as over-current protection (4A type C 300VDC circuit breakers) and over-voltage protection. (The last being a 600A peak capable thyristor based crowbar that shorts and isolates a node above a 52V voltage peak on the grid. The crowbar has a 0.16F 63V capacitor bank for guaranteed triggering that doubles as a smoothing capacitor for the node as well! A bonus is that it really helps keeping it ES1 as it keeps AC ripple to a minimum!) Transparency is important, the old website explained how the grid works and what users can and can't do with it. People started building nice things at home before the SHA event, connected them to the grid and all of it worked after maybe some finetuning!

At "Still Hacking Anyway 2017" the first test grid was laid out. It was running for the duration of the camp without any big issues. Solar panels were attached, tea was made with solar power, bread was toasted, lithium batteries were charged and even a 48-300V (2500W) bi-directional DC-DC converter setup was tested. TDK-Lambda was kind enough to supply us with two of those fantastic units. [https://dsrp.eu/post/165047832948/altpwr More about that here!]

[https://hackaday.com/2017/09/08/that-decentralised-low-voltage-local-dc-power-grid-how-did-it-do/ On Hackaday] there is a nice article too about how the grid was used. Of course there was much to improve, battery backup would have been nice for instance, but it did work as expected and nobody got electrocuted!

Now the whole setup is dismantled again. It just was too heavy, took up too much storage space and it's just what should happen to an experiment for new and improved experiments to follow. So we'll be back!

== But now what?! ==

First of all: Use this wiki to share bright solutions for planetary health improvement. It doesn't even to be something electric! If you have an idea to save a tiny bit of energy, or if you have a reuse, recycle, upcycle tip, or something else, post it on the tips page or make a page of your own explaining your idea! If a lot of people do small good things it makes a huge difference!

So just start editing! On the top right of any page you can create an account and become an editor.

'''Share this website, the more people are helping the better!'''

== What happened to the old website? ==

Due to a personal error of mine, the website was not backed up properly... I didn't realize my error and took the site down. This site will be held up as long as possible. Backups will be tested for completeness too. Fortunately the [https://web.archive.org/web/*/ALTPWR.NET Wayback Machine] has backed up a good deal of pages! Still relevant data will be put on this wiki too!

= THINGS =

*) We know bringing all this heavy equipment is not helping keeping down CO2 much, but the idea is mostly about giving people the opportunity to get handson experience on building green solutions. This experience will hopefully lead to more permanent green solutions in other places.

''P.S.: At least we hope to add a new twist to the existing, currently in operation solution...''

[[File:Image breedenord.jpg|400px|thumb|left]]

The Alternative Power Network - User contributions [en]

20210615 Virtual Meetup

20210615 Virtual Meetup

20210615 Virtual Meetup

202100324 Virtual Meetup

202100217 Virtual Meetup

202100217 Virtual Meetup

20210119 Virtual Meetup

20210119 Virtual Meetup

Main Page

User:Fraxinas

User:Obri

User:Tiefpunkt

User:Benadski

User:Trailblazr

20210119 Virtual Meetup

Power Measurement

Power Measurement

History

20201229 rC3 Meetup

Archives

Archives

Archives

Main Page

History

CCCamp 2019

Main Page

20201228 rC3 Meetup

20201229 rC3 Meetup

20201228 rC3 Meetup

20201228 rC3 Meetup

20201229 rC3 Meetup

RC3

20201229 rC3 Meetup

20201228 rC3 Meetup

Main Page

Connectors

Main Page

CCCamp 2019 Participant setups

CCCamp 2019 - tiefpunkt's Setup

File:Cccamp19 munichmakerlab01.jpg

File:Cccamp19 munichmakerlab01.jpg

User:Tiefpunkt

Connectors

Main Page