To establish a solar DC cooktop system with a backup for 6 hours of cooking, requiring 48V and 1200W, it is essential to assess the energy needs, battery specifications, solar panel dimensions, and additional components such as the charge controller and wiring. Below is a comprehensive guide:

1. Assess Energy Requirements
Power Requirement (P): 1200W

Usage Duration (T): 6 hours

Total Energy Needed (E):

E = P × T = 1200W × 6h = 7200Wh

2. Determine Battery Capacity

System Voltage (V): 48V

Battery Capacity (Ah):
Battery Capacity (Ah) = Total Energy (Wh) / System Voltage (V) = 7200Wh / 48V = 150Ah

Recommended Battery Type: Deep-cycle lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries suitable for solar applications.

Depth of Discharge (DoD): For lithium-ion, assume 80% DoD; for lead-acid, assume 50% DoD.

Lithium-ion Battery Capacity:

150Ah × 0.8 = 187.5Ah (Round up to 200Ah)

Lead-acid Battery Capacity:

150Ah × 0.5 = 300Ah

Battery Recommendation: Use either a 48V, 200Ah lithium-ion battery or a 48V, 300Ah lead-acid battery.

3. Calculate Solar Panel Size
Daily Energy Requirement: 7200Wh

Sunlight Hours (H): Assume 5 hours of peak sunlight (adjust according to location).

Solar Panel Power (W):

Solar Panel Power (W) = Daily Energy Requirement (Wh) / Sunlight Hours (H) = 7200Wh / 5h = 1440W

Solar Panel Recommendation: Use a total of 1440W in solar panels, for instance:

4 x 360W panels, or 6 x 240W panels.

4. Charge Controller Sizing

Total Solar Panel Power: 1440W

System Voltage: 48V
Charge Controller Current (A):

Charge Controller Current (A) = Solar Panel Power (W) / System Voltage (V) = 1440W / 48V = 30A

Safety Margin: Incorporate a safety margin of 20-25%.

30A × 1.2 = 36A

Charge Controller Recommendation: Opt for a 48V, 40A MPPT charge controller, as MPPT is more efficient than PWM for larger systems.

5. Cable Sizing
Current (I):
I = Power (W) / Voltage (V) = 1200W / 48V = 25A

Cable Length: Assume a cable run of 10 feet.

Voltage Drop: Aim for less than 3% voltage drop.
Cable Size: Utilize a cable size calculator or consult NEC tables. For 25A at 48V, 6 AWG copper cables are recommended for short distances.

6. Inverter (Optional)
If AC power is required for other devices, include a 48V to 120V/230V inverter. However, an inverter is not necessary for this DC cooktop.

7. Summary of Components
Battery: 48V, 200Ah lithium-ion or 48V, 300Ah lead-acid.

Solar Panels: 1440W total (e.g., 4 x 360W or 6 x 240W).

Charge Controller: 48V, 40A MPPT.

Cables: 6 AWG copper cables for DC connections.

Cooktop: 48V, 1200W DC cooktop.

8. Additional Considerations
Mounting Structure: Ensure proper mounting for solar panels.

Fuses and Breakers: Include appropriate fuses/breakers for safety.
Monitoring System: Implement a battery monitor to evaluate performance.
This system is designed to provide reliable backup for 6 hours of cooking with a 1200W DC cooktop. Adjust the solar panel and battery specifications according to local sunlight conditions and usage patterns.

The Rise of Eco-Friendly Cooking Appliances