Tested: Projecta ICB2000 off-grid power system

A little over a year ago, when I was researching equipment to add to my canopy build, I had a long 'wish list' of items to make life on the road in my new ute easier, but a decent dual battery system was on my short 'must-have' list.

So I embarked on an extensive research exercise to find a suitable power system that could cater for all my power requirements when off-grid camping with my Isuzu D-MaAX 'adventure machine'.

Luckily, during my long career in the transport industry, I’d had pleasant experiences with Projecta power systems capable of driving large microwave ovens, portable fridges and freezers for weeks on end in the remote Outback. Sure, a big heavy-duty truck-style dual-battery power system would have more than enough grunt to power-up my ute, but it might be verging on overkill... 

System requirements 

So I decided to jump on the Projecta website and, scrolling through the site to the technical support tab, sent a message requesting some information and suggestions on a system that might be more suitable for me.

Some of the kit I wanted to run power to when camping off-grid included a 60-litre Engel fridge, camera and power tool batteries, a laptop computer, water pump, LED canopy lights and external work lights, mobile phones and a small portable induction cooktop.

I also needed an off-grid power system that was lithium battery compatible, and I wanted the flexibility to charge the system from the vehicle’s alternator, solar or shore power.

Within half an hour, I’d received a response from Projecta’s Technical Support Officer Benny Blood (he's the guy on the Projecta YouTube videos) with a few suggestions, ranging from a cheap system that would keep the beer cold in the fridge to a comprehensive power board capable of driving the 2000-watt induction cooktop I’d hoped to include in the build. I opted for latter... 

In the interest of full disclosure, I purchased this system using my hard-earned. It certainly wasn’t given to me free of charge as part of any media test package. 

There were several good reasons why I chose the 2000W powerboard. While running an induction cooktop was important, truth be told, secretly, my wife was hoping it was also capable of running the coffee machine. (Spoiler: it does this very well indeed!)

In fact, when we’re off-the-grid with our caravan, I often run a power lead from the caravan into the ute to get the 240-volt power points operational in the caravan. These mainly operate my office equipment and charge cameras, so I don’t power the fridge, hot water or air conditioning unit through the inverter.

The fridge and hot water run fine on gas when off-grid. Consequently, the power draw on the inverter is minimal. 

Heart of the system

At the heart of this power management board lies a robust-looking 2000W pure sine inverter. Pure sine wave inverters are designed for use with sensitive electrical appliances such as computers and televisions. However, the substantial power capacity of the 2000-watt output enables us to run a multitude of devices and appliances, from power tools to kitchen appliances, ensuring we can maintain creature comforts even in remote locations.

The IP2000 inverter also features an Eco-Mode. So when the inverter detects power is not being drawn from the inverter it will automatically switch to Eco-Mode, reducing power consumption to extend battery run time. It’s a terrific feature for those overcast days when the solar panel gets little sun to replenish the batteries.

It also includes a Residual Current Device (RCD) switch that detects if there's any earth leakage and will automatically disconnect all power sockets and protect users from electrocution. This meets Australian Standards for AS/NZS4763:2011 (portable inverters) and AS3001 (caravan installation).

Impressively, the IP2000 inverter is capable of delivering 4000 watts of peak power and 2000 watts continuously. The built-in automatic transfer switch ensures a quick transfer of power when switching between mains (shore) and battery power.

The automatic changeover function also eliminates the need to manually swap over AC plugs or switch dials between the two power sources. When mains power is available, mains power passes through the inverter to power the accessories directly. When the mains power is disconnected the appliance automatically switches across to inverter power.

I opted to install the inverter’s remote control display on the left-hand (kitchen) side of our ute canopy, so we can easily monitor and control the inverter when cooking without walking around to the right side of the ute where the inverter is located.

Smart charging capabilities

The inclusion of IDC25X 'smart charging' capabilities also enables efficient replenishment of battery reserves. The unit allows for simultaneous dual battery charging from both solar and alternator inputs with no manual switching required. It prioritises solar charging as its default and automatically adjusts to the alternator if sunlight is insufficient, thereby reducing the power usage placed on the vehicle’s electrical system.

The inbuilt multi-chemistry technology also allows users to tailor the charging profile to suit multiple battery types: AGM, GEL, WET, Calcium and LiFePO4 batteries. I’ve fitted two 135Ah lithium batteries in parallel.

The operator’s manual suggests checking the lithium battery datasheet to check whether the IDC25X is suitable for the charging profile before connecting.

There's a few other protective features worth mentioning, including over and under voltage protection where the charger will automatically shut down if there's an over-voltage or under-voltage problem.

There's also over-temperature protection, where the charger will lower its output current if the unit begins to overheat.

Integrated Monitoring System

The ICB2000 powerboard also comes equipped with the BM500-BT Bluetooth battery monitor kit that comprises a 500A 'smart shunt' and Bluetooth battery monitor to optimise battery performance and longevity.

The BM500-BT Bluetooth battery monitor offers a wealth of information and can cycle through the following measurements: Time to go, Voltage and Current for the auxiliary battery.

Alternatively, you can press the scroll up/down button to cycle through the screen. The screen will automatically turn off after 150 seconds and requires a press of the button before turning on again.

Another, more convenient way to monitor battery parameters is through the iPhone app. This is my preferred way as the power board is mounted in the middle of the canopy and is often hidden by camping or camera gear.

The LVD50 controller is another tough-looking and compact unit that protects our expensive deep-cycle lithium batteries from damage caused by over-discharging. The LVD50 turns off the system automatically when the load drains the battery bank to our pre-set low voltage of 10.5 volts.

The ICB2000 board also boasts multiple outputs including five 20-amp switched DC outputs, two 50amp heavy-duty Anderson plugs, 20amp and 10amp cigarette plugs and 5amp and 3.5amp USB sockets, to provide some flexibility when trying to power various devices simultaneously.

Probably the biggest installation decision you'll need to make is where to position the ICB2000 power board. At 828mm long by almost 500mm high and 200mm deep, it’s a substantial item to mount inside a dual-cab ute canopy.

To be honest, I’d have preferred to mount it up on the internal headboard of the canopy, but that spot was already taken up with the fridge, drawers and pantry installed during the canopy’s custom build.

In the end, I decided to mount it lengthways and made up a protective cover from a plyboard sheet to shield the electrical components from camping gear during the rigours of outback travel.

However, when it came to wiring the inputs, it proved a simple plug-and-play operation. I just had to connect the Anderson plug from the alternator into the ALT input and the Anderson plug from the solar panel into the solar input. The trick was running a lead from the battery under the bonnet along the chassis and up into the canopy. Also, you have to run a wire from the ignition to the IDC25X. Apart from that the pre-wired system is good to go.

Wiring up the fridge, LED canopy lights, DC and AC outlets on the left and right-hand side headboard took the best part of a day, including fabricating and cutting out the slots for switches and plugs in the mounting boards.

If you’re handy with tools and have a basic understanding of 12-volt wiring, installing the ICB2000 is a simple DIY project. However, a word of caution. Get a licensed electrician to complete any 240-volt wiring, as messing with 240 volts is not for DIYers.

All up, I'd have to say that Projecta’s ICB2000 12V DC Power Management Board with 2000W Inverter represents a paradigm shift in off-grid power solutions, with a comprehensive suite of features that are especially suited to the unique needs of ute and RV travellers.

I'd argue the substantial upfront cost for the system ($7898 for the Projecta ICB Powerboard 2000W and 2 x 135AH lithium batteries) is offset somewhat by the significant savings of the 'turnkey' and DIY installation. Through Projecta’s clever engineering and manufacturing processes the ICB2000 retails for around the same price that all the components would add up to individually, so you can have a high-quality power solution minus an auto-electrician’s eye-watering installation invoice!

In the 12 months I’ve had the the ICB2000, I can’t fault the unit’s performance: even when we’ve run the induction cooktop for lengthy periods, including cooking a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs followed by barista-made coffee and boiling water for dish washing.

For the most part, I rarely notice it’s there, because it works silently in the background. Occasionally I check the charge status on the phone app, but its been pretty much maintenance free and hasn't required any monitoring on my part.

One thing I discovered is when running two batteries in parallel, it pays to ensure that each battery lead is the same size, to ensure the batteries charge evenly.

Could the ICB2000 be improved? For my application, I’d like to trim about 200mm off the power board’s length and move the switches, Bluetooth battery monitor and power outlets to the side, so it fits better into the compact space inside my canopy.

While I’d like my compact power board mounted on the right-hand side of the canopy, I’m sure that a left-hand version would better suit other canopy designs.

Overall, the ICB2000’s combination of power, versatility, reliability, and convenience has made it an indispensable companion for my wife and I, as we seek to embrace a lifestyle of freedom and self-sufficiency in the great outdoors.