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--- electrical:inverter [2023/04/09 18:24]
frater_secessus [Sizing your inverter]
+++ electrical:inverter [2023/11/22 14:34]
frater_secessus [Inverters]
@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 AC-only items will require an inverter.  [[electrical:12v:wallwart|Devices that run off a "wall wart" adapter]] almost never require an inverter.
+===== efficiency =====
+Inverting from DC to your local shore power spec will necessarily incur losses.  These might be 10-30%, depending on the inverter, the inverter's efficiency spec, etc.  In the absence of hard information you might use 20% losses as a rule of thumb.  This means it will require 20% more power to run your load than the rating spec.
+w * 0.8 efficiency = 60w demanded from the system
@@ Line 66: / Line 72: @@
 Not all PSW are prohibitively expensive.  Bestek makes [[https://amzn.to/3N4YE3S|a 300w PSW for about $50]].  See [[https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3UKQ7A0GQ196N/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B07KQ4Q2L5|the top-rated review]] for oscilloscope testing and limitations.
 ===== inverter chargers =====
 {{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61wb7PGYPNL._AC_UL320_.jpg?150}} \\
-An //inverter charger// performs several functions:
+//Inverter/chargers// are most often found on rigs that are on shore power much of the time and run heavy AC loads
+It provides several functions:
   - invert 12v battery power to 120vac
-  - pass-through shore power when available
+  - pass-through shore power when available, with auto-switching
   - some can bond shore and battery power to support heavy 120vac loads
   - charge battery banks like a [[electrical:converter|converter]]
+  - some also handle solar charging
 They tend to be [[https://amzn.to/2KMcImw|expensive]], some over $1000.
+Note:  the Victron Multiplus line has outputs for maintaining the starter battery:
+>> The main DC terminal can supply the full output current. The second output, intended for charging  starter battery, is limited to 4A and has a slightly lower output voltage.((https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Manual-MultiPlus-3k-120V-(firmware-xxxx4xx)-EN.pdf))
 ===== Sizing your inverter =====
@@ Line 84: / Line 100: @@
 You will need to know the largest draws you will need to meet **at the same time**.  If your TV is 40w, and your your laptop is 100w you would need (40w + 100w) * 1.10((inverter losses)), or an inverter that can power at least **154w**.
-Note that motorized equipment like drills likely have **greater current requirements for startup and for running**.  Be sure to measure both startup and running (see below).    There are tricks you can use to minimize the start load, like starting a sewing machine at a low-load position((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Is-it-possible-to-Boondock-with-an-electric-sewing-machine?pid=165956#pid165956)), or //easing// into the trigger of a variable-speed power tool.
+Motorized equipment like drills likely have **greater current requirements for startup and for running**.  Be sure to measure both startup and running (see below).    There are tricks you can use to minimize the start load, like starting a sewing machine at a low-load position((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Is-it-possible-to-Boondock-with-an-electric-sewing-machine?pid=165956#pid165956)), or //easing// into the trigger of a variable-speed power tool.
+Note that to **actually power the inverter** without voltage sag or dipping so much into battery capacity you may want need something like a 1:1 ratio of panel:inverter on flooded lead and 1:2 on AGM or lithium.((https://www.solarpaneltalk.com/forum/off-grid-solar/solar-living/15554-how-to-increase-solar-panel-output-amps?p=181738#post181738))  This would mean 400w of solar to run a 400w inverter (dipping into the battery as needed) or 400w of solar for 800w of inverter on AGM/Lithium, which have greater throughput.

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