Wiring Inverter

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Swhitney
Swhitney Registered Users Posts: 3 ✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
I have an older 91 class A RV which never had an inverter option. I would like to get something to go off grid but not sure the best route is for my application.

I am looking to wire an inverter to the system, does anyone have advice/diagrams on how to do this? It would be really nice to flip a switch from inside the RV to turn everything on except AC of course.

Thank you,
Sean
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  • westbranch
    westbranch Solar Expert Posts: 5,183 ✭✭✭✭
    #2
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    Welcome Sean, first we need to know about the loads you want to power and the amount of time they will run and also if you will have more than 1 running at the same time..?
     
    KID #51B  4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
    CL#29032 FW 2126/ 2073/ 2133 175A E-Panel WBjr, 3 x 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM 
    Cotek ST1500W 24V Inverter,OmniCharge 3024,
    2 x Cisco WRT54GL i/c DD-WRT Rtr & Bridge,
    Eu3/2/1000i Gens, 1680W & E-Panel/WBjr to come, CL #647 asleep
    West Chilcotin, BC, Canada
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  • Swhitney
    Swhitney Registered Users Posts: 3 ✭
    #3
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    My idea is to run a 1300 watt microwave and a 1500 watt keurig for short stints of course these would not be ran at the same time.

    I was looking at this one.

    https://www.amazon.com/PowerTech-Technology-Terminals-Protection-PS1004/dp/B0131PZ9J2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1476834062&sr=8-2&keywords=inverter+3000+w


      

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  • westbranch
    westbranch Solar Expert Posts: 5,183 ✭✭✭✭
    #4
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    What about lights and a water pump?

    The cheapest and most effective way of powering those 2 power mongers IMO is a 2000W inverter type generator like a Honda...  powering those loads with a 12 V setup is NOT recommended due to the massive Amperage draw from the battery bank.  You might want to consider a 24 Volt  bank at least or 48 volt. Just do the  math and you will see the cost of wire will probably shock you...
     
    KID #51B  4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
    CL#29032 FW 2126/ 2073/ 2133 175A E-Panel WBjr, 3 x 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM 
    Cotek ST1500W 24V Inverter,OmniCharge 3024,
    2 x Cisco WRT54GL i/c DD-WRT Rtr & Bridge,
    Eu3/2/1000i Gens, 1680W & E-Panel/WBjr to come, CL #647 asleep
    West Chilcotin, BC, Canada
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  • Swhitney
    Swhitney Registered Users Posts: 3 ✭
    #5
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    The loads are high but for only a short periods of time, which a battery can do. A generator isn't as practical for night time when I just want to kick on the TV or heat up a cup of water.

    When wiring an inverter I can keep it extremely close to the batteries which lowers cost of wire. The 120 side could be an extension cord or insulated house hold wire that has a 20 amp plug at the end.


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  • Marc Kurth
    Marc Kurth Solar Expert Posts: 1,144 ✭✭✭✭
    #6
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    Remember that some batteries take a serious dip in voltage under high loads, others not so much. For example:

    - One type of 100 ah battery at 60% state of charge will drop to 11.8v with a 125 amp load. When that battery reaches 50% state of charge, the reading will be 11.4v.

    - Another battery of a different type under the same conditions/load might be closer to 10.9v and 10.5v respectively.

    Also, take into account that as the battery voltage falls, the current will increase because the inverter is pulling a constant wattage - compounding the problem.

    Your approach is quite doable, if you plan for the above factors. Check the spec's for your battery.

    Marc
    I always have more questions than answers. That's the nature of life.
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