Step down converter to run 1000 watt 12v inverter on 24v bank

chriselks
chriselks Registered Users Posts: 13 ✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
Is it possible to run a 1000 watt 12v inverter on a 24v bank if I use a step down converter rated for 20 amps?
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  • littleharbor2
    littleharbor2 Solar Expert Posts: 2,102 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Seeing as how a 1000 watt 12 volt inverter would draw up to 160 amps while surging to peak output, no.

    2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old  but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric,  460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.

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  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2018 #3
    I suppose you could if you put a 20a (dc rated) breaker between the converter and inverter, and a 10a between converter and bank. Hopefully at least one breaker would open before the converter blew up or wire melted.

    There's also a risk that the converter fails in a way that exposes the inverter to 24v bank voltage (say low 30s in EQ), which may not make for a happy inverter.

    All things considered, there may be better solutions.
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
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  • chriselks
    chriselks Registered Users Posts: 13 ✭✭
    #4
    If I don’t have dc rated breakers available might I be able to use fusible links? I’m only going to be doing this temporarily until my new inverter arrives in one week. My old 24v inverter failed on me
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  • Raj174
    Raj174 Solar Expert Posts: 795 ✭✭✭✭
    #5
    Can you rewire the batteries temporarily for 12 volts? 
    4480W PV, MNE175DR-TR, MN Classic 150, Outback Radian GS4048A, Mate3, 51.2V 360AH nominal LiFePO4, Kohler Pro 5.2E genset.
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  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #6
    It would help to know what you're trying to do. Running a 12v inverter in a pinch off a 24v bank might be feasible for a bit. Not something you'd want to do for long, but might get you through a week or so. Do you have 12v charging available? What size is the 24v bank? What loads do you need to run off the 12v inverter?
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
    · Share on Twitter

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