Using a 1000W inverter

[supersingle]

Got on of these on my van and very useful it is too!

Obviously I run the engine when I'm using it so as not to flatten the battery. If I'm using all the wattage on a vacuum cleaner or heat gun there's a noticeable load on the engine. The alternator must be working hard. Am I going to melt it/set fire to it or other such calamity? I think the alternator is rated at 150amps.

Anyone any experience using a large inverter?

[stevieturbo]

As long as wiring is sized properly etc, there shouldnt be a problem.

[toger13]

I wouldnt use it through the cig lighter lol

Si

[supersingle]

Thanks for replying. It's connected directly to the battery with thick copper cable supplied with the inverter. I'm more worried about the alternator really. Sounds like it should be ok anyway.

By my school physics, a 150amp alternator at 12V should supply 1800Watts. So I should have a spare 800Watts to run the engine ancillaries.

I just wonder how it'll fail if overloaded, with a whimper or a bang.

[stevesingo]

You might need a mechanism to raise the engine revs whilst using heavy loads. This will ensure the voltage up to the regulated voltage. The higher the voltage the lower the current needed to make 240v/100w at the inverter.

Your 150a alternator will be more efficient at about 1500-2000rpm than idle speed.

Steve

[supersingle]

Good advice on raising the revs to keep the current down. I hadn't thought of that. I shall be investing in a brick.

[mph1977]

really good set ups i.e proper emergency vehicles / proper workshop/ office vehicles with a need for an inverter tend to use a battery bank as well as the inverter... - it's like a hybrid powertrain use the spare capacity when the load is low to charge the batteries ...

for ultimate reliability of your 240 v you want the emergency service comms vehicle set up of a battery bank and inverter, independent genset (underslung or in a external locker) and a 'shoreline' supply whic you can plus the mains or another genset into

[supersingle]

That sounds amazing and completely inappropriate to my needs. Where do I sign up!

[mph1977]

supersingle said:

That sounds amazing and completely inappropriate to my needs. Where do I sign up!

the battery bank you could do with a split charge relay, a couple of yellow top optimas wired in parallel in a battery box ...

[supersingle]

Ah, just googled that, interesting setup. Set of deep cycle batteries and relays to control changing/discharge. Shouldn't cost too much either.

My sister was asking about a power setup for her VW camper. I can feel a project coming on.