Run A/C from inverter?

Given that a Honda eu2000i is supposed to be capable of starting/running a 13.5 kBtu A/C -- Especially with a good soft start conversion--It certainly sound possible.

If a flooded cell lead acid battery, suggest a minimum of 400 AH @ 24 volts for a 2 kWatt AC inverter.

A 12 volt battery bank would have to be in the 800 AH range, and even then, getting much more than 1,800 Watt inverter running on 12 volts is a bit of a pain. 12 volt systems, design for ~0.5 volt drop for DC wiring, and the circuit should be designed for:

• 1,800 Watt * 1/10.5 volt battery cutoff * 1/0.85 AC inverter eff = 202 Amps @ 12 volt battery bank (0.5 volt 12 VDC wiring drop max)
• 2,000 Watt * 1/21.0 volt battery cutoff * 1/0.84 AC inverter eff = 112 Amps @ 24 volt battery bank (1.0 volt 24 VDC wiring drop max)

Remember the typical good quality AC inverter will surge ~2x its name plate Watt rating.

But from a practical point of view--I do not have any experience to answer yes or no... Hopefully somebody else here does.

Given that this is an RV--You might be looking at LiFePO4 or similar batteries--The AH rating of a lithium bank would be much less needed to support the surge current--But you have to look at the battery bank specifications to ensure that it can handle the running and starting surge current. You might be able to get down to 200 AH @ 24 volts pretty easily with Li Ion (light/small battery, but nowhere close to inexpensive).

Some of the newer RVs are using Li Ion banks and dumping propane all together and using induction cook tops--And then have enough energy/power to also run the A/C for a while just from the battery bank.

If you look at some of the RV forums, you can probably find the answer there.

Of course, a smaller AH battery bank will run less hours in a day than a big old heavy lead acid bank.

-Bill