Appliance inlet
The MegaDumper is fitted with an IP66-rated appliance socket on the right-hand side of the
machine (opposite the control panel). This allows the machine to be charged using a regular
1-phase mains extension lead.
Isolator switch
The MegaDumper is fitted with an isolator switch on the forward side of the powerpack
cover. This switch isolates the batteries from the electrical systems, and should be turned OFF
if the machine is to be placed in storage, or if the powerpack cover needs to be removed.
Circuit breaker
The MegaDumper has an auto-resetting 75A circuit breaker fitted to the main battery cable.
This cuts power to the machine if excessive current is being drawn, helping to protect the
electrical systems. It automatically resets after a period of 1-2 minutes.
Because electric motors draw more current as the voltage decreases, operating the
machine with a flat battery may trigger the circuit breaker.
Machines produced prior to 2020 were fitted with an 60A automotive blade-fuse instead
of a circuit breaker. Fuses are available from Simpro
Solar panel kit
If you do not operate a machine with a solar panel, please disregard this section.
The MegaDumper can be fitted with a solar panel kit for use in off-grid locations. The two
80W monocrystalline solar panels (dimensions 930x673x35mm) are mounted on adjustable
steel brackets at the top of the mast, and charge the battery via a 12V/24V digital regulator.
, in ideal conditions the solar panels provide enough power to dump
about 6,000kg of material each day, which is equivalent to about 20 full 660-litre wheelie
bins. There are many factors affecting this figure, including the season, the amount of sunlight
available, cloud cover, panel alignment and cleanliness, and the condition of the batteries.
To deliver maximum power, both solar panels must be correctly aligned, clean, and
exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day.
4.5.9.1
Solar panel alignment
The solar panels are mounted on steel H-frames
, which in turn are mounted on
adjustable brackets
offering one axis of movement. To deliver maximum power,
the panels should both be aligned to cast the largest-possible shadow when the sun is at its
highest point in the sky. However, because the brackets have only one axis of movement,
the orientation of the machine itself affects the optimum panel alignment.
Use the following guidelines to align the solar panels:
1.
Ideally, orient the machine so that adjustment arc of the panel mounting brackets
runs from North to South.
2.
If the adjustment arcs cannot be oriented North-South, the panels should be angled
at 0° degrees (vertical). While this is suitable close to the equator, it will progressively
reduce the power output at latitudes beyond
±20° degrees
.
