Running A/C Unit off of an inverter

[k0rpl]

I am questioning the ability to run an A/C Unit off of a Inverter. Haven't done much research into Inverters Recently, but a long time ago, I had one, and I could not run a Standard Motor with it. It was a Very early Modified Sine Wave, and would just wreak havoc with a standard VSR Drill... I am looking at running a Climate Right: http://www.KeepYourPetCool.com/ I am looking at an inverter in the 2000-3000 Watt Range with Surge Capacity of 3000-4000 Watts. This A/C Unit requires about 400 watts at load, and they suggest 3 times that for compressor start. I know this will draw down the Deep Cycle Battery Fairly quick, but will only be using it sparingly, and if we are at a site that has power, all the better.

Anybody try this unit? If so, how is it working for you?

I am in the Electronics/Electrical field, so wiring this up, and getting everything going, won't be a problem.

Justin

[eamarquardt]

If Tumbleweed Tex were here with us he'd want me to cut to the chase.

It won't work.

You may get it to work for a few minutes but to run a 400 watt air conditioner will take 40 amps (rounded off) of 12 volt dc. If the duty cycle is 25% in 24 hours it will use 240 amp hours. That will take roughly 5 100 amp/hour batteries (you shouldn't draw more than about 10% of the batteries amp/hour capacity in amps and down more than about half its capacity). They will weigh (guesstimate) 300#. It will take you 50 amps for about 5 hours to put the juice back into your batteries. That is some serious juice and you have to have a way to get it (shore power) or generate it (solar, generator, wind, cow dung, nuclear, or whatever).

In addition, an air conditioner may not like "modified sine waves" and might require a true sine wave inverter. Pure sine wave inverters are far more expensive than "modified sine wave" inverters.

The only practical ways to run an air conditioner are from "shore power" or off of a generator.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Gus
ab6ks

[MtnDon]

I agree with eamarquardt; trying to run an A/C off batteries and an inverter requires lots of batteries. For the record we have an off grid cabin in NM. With all the great sunshine we can run a split mini type of heat pump air conditioner. Those are much more efficient, especially the ones by Sanyo. But the only way it is really viable is running it with 1000 watts of PV modules in full sun at the same time. And 12 6 volt golf cart batteries. And we're only 430 sq ft, not a McMansion. Also even motors that will run on modified sine wave inverter (I call them square wave, call a spade a spade) will run hotter and noisier, using more power then they would off a pure sine wave inverter. Added drain that is not needed. Plus the motor life is shorter due to the self generated heat. IMO not a good idea to implement.

[k0rpl]

Yep, I understand the Current draw, which Is why I said Only sparingly! Couldn't afford the batteries to keep it going long term. This would only have been used for a few minutes at a crack. Doesn't hurt to ask the question to see if it had been done before! I do know that some things do not like the Modified sinewave, which as stated, is a Square wave, with sharp cuts. Thanks for the info!

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Im running a 500 watt - 5,000 Btu ac on a MSW 1500
......with 840 watts solar panels & 400 L16 amp hour batteries
so far so good

http://www.wholesalesolar.com/products. ... 512AE.html

see more details on my blog....
P.S. most all of those cheap generators under $500 bucks are MSW
The $999 honda is PSW

http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/

[GuitarPhotog]

'scuze me, but what are

400 L16 amp hour batteries

do you really have four hundred batteries?

<Chas>

[Dale M.]

http://www.sunelec.com/us-battery-deep- ... p-112.html

You think....

Whole house system completely off the grid 400 batteries may not be unusual if you want "power" for all appliances and whatever over 24 hour period and during stormy weather where sunlight is not at its peak.... Its called "capacity"....

Dale

[GuitarPhotog]

A little heavy for mounting in a trailer however??

<Chas>

[eamarquardt]

A little heavy for mounting in a trailer however??

<Chas>

Depends upon the size of your trailer and tow vehicle. Anything is possible if you throw enough money at it (but our current economic situation is an egregious exception to that rule of thumb).

Gus