What is an Inverter?
Controlled by a sophisticated microprocessor, it converts DC power from an
energy source into AC Power.
What is an Inverter/Charger?
Many systems incorporate an inverter/charger, which is a combination of an
inverter, battery charger and transfer switch in one. The inverter portion
converts DC power from an energy source into AC Power. The battery
charger processes incoming AC power into DC power and recharges batteries using
a multi-stage process, which helps assure maximum battery life. Some models are
also able to automate supplementary power production with automatic generator
start and stop capabilities.
Do I need to install my inverter near my batteries?
Ideally an
inverter should be installed within 10 feet of the battery bank. If you increase
this distance, you will need to use larger DC cables to compensate for a drop in
voltage and DC ripple.
Can I install my inverter/charger in a gasoline engine compartment?
All Xantrex Inverter/Chargers are not ignition protected and therefore should
not be installed in a gasoline engine compartment. They are approved for
installation in a diesel engine compartment.
What type of environmental conditions must I consider when installing an
inverter/charger?
All Xantrex Inverter/Chargers must be installed
in a dry, well-ventilated compartment. While most units are designed to
withstand corrosion from the salty air, they are not splash proof. The units
also require a fresh air supply to operate properly.
Inverter Selection Worksheet
This worksheet
will help you determine the inverter and battery bank required to operate your
specific loads:
|
Load
(Sample) |
Qty |
Wattage
(w)
|
Conversion to
DC Amps
(c)
|
Actual DC Amps
(a)
|
Appliance Run
Time
(hours – h) |
Amp Hours
Consumed Between Charge Cycles |
| |
|
|
w / 12
|
c X 1.1
|
|
a X h
|
|
19’ TV
|
1 |
100 |
8.3 |
9.1 |
4.0 |
36.4
|
|
Coffee Maker
|
1 |
1000
|
83.3
|
91.7
|
0.5 |
45.9
|
|
Microwave
|
1 |
1200
|
100.0
|
110 |
0.17
|
18.7
|
|
Hair Dryer
|
1 |
1600
|
133.3
|
146.7
|
0.17
|
24.9
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
3900
|
|
|
Total Ah
|
125.9
|
Choosing the
right inverter
When sizing your
inverter, calculate the total wattage required at any one time and choose the
inverter with a slightly higher power output. (Start up surge should be
considered for compressive loads.)
Determining
your battery bank requirements
1. Converting AC
amps to Watts: AC amps x 120 Volts = Watts
2. Convert Watts
to Actual DC amps: (Watts / 12) x 1.1 = actual DC amps
3. amp hours
consumed between charge cycles:
run-time of
appliance (hours) X actual DC amps = amp hours consumed
4. Number of
batteries required:
(Total amp hours
consumed X 2*) / amp hour rating of battery = Number of batteries required
*Since deep
cycle batteries should only be discharged to 50% total capacity, the total amp
hours consumed between charge cycles should be multiplied by 2.
Example:
amp hours
consumed between charge cycle = 126
amp hour rating
of battery = 90 (Group 27)
(126X2) / 90
= 2.8
(Round up to the
nearest whole number.)
Therefore, the
minimum number of batteries required is three with the above values.
|
Typical
Battery Amp Hour Rating |
|
Battery Size
|
Amp Hour
Rating |
|
Group 27
|
90 |
|
Group 31
|
105 |
|
4D |
160 |
|
8D |
220 |
|
6V Golf Cart
|
225 |
What size of inverter do I need?
Choosing the
right size of inverter depends on the power requirements of the appliances you
expect to operate at any given time. You should consider both the continuous and
surge power rating of your appliance. The continuous rating must be high enough
to handle all the loads that may run at the same time. The inverter must also be
capable of handling the starting surge of all loads that may start at the same
time. Loads typically take many times their continuous rating to start.
How long can I operate my inverter?
The length of time you can operate an inverter
depends on the amp-hour capacity of your battery bank.
Can I use my computer with an inverter?
Both sine-wave and modified sine-wave inverter
output will operate a computer. However, some monitors and laser printers can
only be powered by sine wave output.
Is it possible to run an air conditioner on an inverter?
Yes, it is possible to operate a small air
conditioner in the 5000-9000 BTU range using a higher-powered inverter and
battery bank with the right capacity for power. Select an inverter and battery
combination that takes into account the startup surge required by the air
conditioner.
Should I leave my inverter ON or OFF when shorepower is available?
When shorepower is available, you may leave
your inverter ON or OFF. There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods.
If the inverter is left ON, you have immediate backup AC power if you lose
shorepower. You may not be aware shorepower is lost until your batteries are
fully discharged. If you choose to leave your inverter OFF you have the
advantage of knowing when you have lost shorepower. This, however, is at the
expense of losing automatic backup power capabilities.
What is automatic AC transfer switching?
All Xantrex Inverter/Chargers incorporate an
automatic transfer switch. This switch senses when outside AC Power is present
and transfers the load from the inverter to the source of incoming power (shore
or generator). The unit also automatically switches from invert mode to charge
mode.
