running a/c on inverter

[coreyg67]

I'm trying to figure out a way to run 1 of my A/C units on the inverters and
alternator. I
would think with the two 2500 watt inverters, and the 300amp alternator, this
would be a
doable venture. Can someone tell me if, and how to do this task?

Thanks
Corey & Jenni
1996 PT42'
Prosper, TX

[bumpersbird]

Corey,

I'm working on that. I have two new inverters that need to be installed
in the next few weeks. There is a tech in Knoxville TN @ Buddy Gregg's
that said he could add a relay and make one A/C run off the batts. I
just don't know where that relay is. Probably behind the rear closet
wall there are a bunch of relays and electrics behind that wall. I do
have some blue prints, I'll try to look them over in the AM.

Kurt Horvath
95 PT-42 WLWB
10AC

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "coreyg67" wrote:
>
> I'm trying to figure out a way to run 1 of my A/C units on the
inverters and alternator. I
> would think with the two 2500 watt inverters, and the 300amp
alternator, this would be a
> doable venture. Can someone tell me if, and how to do this task?
>
> Thanks
> Corey & Jenni
> 1996 PT42'
> Prosper, TX
>

[Wilhelmus Schreurs]

David:

Are you sure that running your big generator is more efficient to run onea/c, from the standpoint of burning fuel to the output of thea/c?

With your engines you have two alternators, so each one would put out 50 percent only and then have 50 percent left over for other items.

Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge"
Terrace, B.C. Canada

----- Original Message ----
From: David Brady
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 1, 2008 8:25:03 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] running a/c on inverter

My LXi is set up to run one AC off an inverter and the alternator, but
conventional wisdom is that you shouldn't do it. Steadystate current
draw from the alternator is 150Amps. I want to preserve my precious
alternator, so I always run the generator when I need my AC's.
Another point of view to consider the inefficiencies of the alternator
in generating DC and to add on to that the inefficiency of the inverter
to convert to AC to run the air conditioning. The generator is more
efficient at generating the needed AC.

David Brady
'02 LXi, NC

coreyg67 wrote:

I'm trying to figure out a way to run 1 of my A/C units on the inverters and alternator. I
would think with the two 2500 watt inverters, and the 300amp alternator, this would be a
doable venture. Can someone tell me if, and how to do this task?

Thanks
Corey & Jenni
1996 PT42'
Prosper, TX

---

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1527 - Release Date: 6/30/2008 6:07 PM

[coreyg67]

I agree with you to some degree, BUT, you have to take into consideration the
capacity of
the batteries on the coach. At which, the alternator is not required to
completely supply
the power for the A/C. I'm just guessing, I know absolutely NOTHING about
12volt
systems, or converting D/C to A/C.

David, have you ever run a single A/C with the switch as the coach came
equipped? If
so, what type of draw did you see on the Alt. output meter? Mine runs at very
low levels
the majority of the time, unless I've really drained the 12volt system.

Corey & Jenni
1996 PT42
Prosper, TX


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, David Brady wrote:
>
> Hi Bill,
>
> No I'm not sure, but my gut feel is that the generator is more
> efficient. I'll have to look more deeply to see if I can come up w/
> numbers. I have one 300 amp alternator on my Series-60. Typically
> alternators are 50% efficient. When generating electricity you're
> better off generating high voltage and low current, which is what
> you'll do with the generator, and not do with the alternator.
> Add into this the losses at the inverter. This gives me the feeling that
> the genny will offer more economy. But I might be wrong...
>
> David Brady
> '02 LXi, NC
>
> Wilhelmus Schreurs wrote:
> > David:
> > Are you sure that running your big generator is more efficient to run
> > one a/c, from the standpoint of burning fuel to the output of the a/c?
> > With your engines you have two alternators, so each one would put out
> > 50 percent only and then have 50 percent left over for other items.
> >
> > Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge"
> > Terrace, B.C. Canada
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message ----
> > From: David Brady
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Tuesday, July 1, 2008 8:25:03 PM
> > Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] running a/c on inverter
> >
> > My LXi is set up to run one AC off an inverter and the alternator, but
> > conventional wisdom is that you shouldn't do it. Steadystate current
> > draw from the alternator is 150Amps. I want to preserve my precious
> > alternator, so I always run the generator when I need my AC's.
> > Another point of view to consider the inefficiencies of the alternator
> > in generating DC and to add on to that the inefficiency of the inverter
> > to convert to AC to run the air conditioning. The generator is more
> > efficient at generating the needed AC.
> >
> > David Brady
> > '02 LXi, NC
> >
> > coreyg67 wrote:
> >
> >> I'm trying to figure out a way to run 1 of my A/C units on the
> >> inverters and alternator. I
> >> would think with the two 2500 watt inverters, and the 300amp
> >> alternator, this would be a
> >> doable venture. Can someone tell me if, and how to do this task?
> >>
> >> Thanks
> >> Corey & Jenni
> >> 1996 PT42'
> >> Prosper, TX
> >>
> >> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
--
> >>
> >> No virus found in this incoming message.
> >> Checked by AVG.
> >> Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1527 - Release Date: 6/30/2008
6:07
PM
> >>
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > *Yahoo! Canada Toolbar :* Search from anywhere on the web and bookmark
> > your favourite sites. Download it now! <http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com/>
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG.
> > Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1527 - Release Date: 6/30/2008
6:07
PM
> >
>

[David Brady]

My LXi is set up to run one AC off an inverter and the alternator, but

conventional wisdom is that you shouldn't do it. Steadystate current

draw from the alternator is 150Amps. I want to preserve my precious

alternator, so I always run the generator when I need my AC's.

Another point of view to consider the inefficiencies of the alternator

in generating DC and to add on to that the inefficiency of the inverter

to convert to AC to run the air conditioning. The generator is more

efficient at generating the needed AC.



David Brady

'02 LXi, NC



coreyg67 wrote:

I'm trying to figure out a way to run 1 of my A/C units on the
inverters and alternator. I

would think with the two 2500 watt inverters, and the 300amp
alternator, this would be a

doable venture. Can someone tell me if, and how to do this task?



Thanks

Corey & Jenni

1996 PT42'

Prosper, TX

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1527 - Release Date: 6/30/2008 6:07 PM

[coreyg67]

AMMETER!! I couldnt think of that for the life of me. As I said, I have no clue
about
electrical systems, so I ask dumbly, but openly!

I still cant help but think that the alt/inverter would be somewhat more
economical than
the genset, but I could certainly be wrong.

Thanks for the input!!

Corey & Jenni
1996 PT42
Prosper, TX


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, David Brady wrote:
>
> Hi Corey,
>
> I have run one air conditioner from an inverter, but on the LXi
> the inverter amperage draw occurs before the shunt for the
> ammeter, so the draw doesn't show on the ammeter (I thought
> all Wanderlodges were set up this way).
>
> When the engine is running, as soon as the battery voltage
> drops below 14.7V (or so), the alternator will start to put
> out some serious current to bring the battery banks back up
> to 14.7V. So you may get a few milliseconds of free battery
> buffer powering your AC when the AC first kicks in, but the
> alternator will power the AC from that point on.
>
> David
> '02 LXi, NC
>
> coreyg67 wrote:
> >
> > I agree with you to some degree, BUT, you have to take into
> > consideration the capacity of
> > the batteries on the coach. At which, the alternator is not required
> > to completely supply
> > the power for the A/C. I'm just guessing, I know absolutely NOTHING
> > about 12volt
> > systems, or converting D/C to A/C.
> >
> > David, have you ever run a single A/C with the switch as the coach
> > came equipped? If
> > so, what type of draw did you see on the Alt. output meter? Mine runs
> > at very low levels
> > the majority of the time, unless I've really drained the 12volt system.
> >
> > Corey & Jenni
> > 1996 PT42
> > Prosper, TX
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > , David Brady
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Bill,
> > >
> > > No I'm not sure, but my gut feel is that the generator is more
> > > efficient. I'll have to look more deeply to see if I can come up w/
> > > numbers. I have one 300 amp alternator on my Series-60. Typically
> > > alternators are 50% efficient. When generating electricity you're
> > > better off generating high voltage and low current, which is what
> > > you'll do with the generator, and not do with the alternator.
> > > Add into this the losses at the inverter. This gives me the feeling that
> > > the genny will offer more economy. But I might be wrong...
> > >
> > > David Brady
> > > '02 LXi, NC
> > >
> > > Wilhelmus Schreurs wrote:
> > > > David:
> > > > Are you sure that running your big generator is more efficient to run
> > > > one a/c, from the standpoint of burning fuel to the output of the a/c?
> > > > With your engines you have two alternators, so each one would put out
> > > > 50 percent only and then have 50 percent left over for other items.
> > > >
> > > > Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge"
> > > > Terrace, B.C. Canada
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ----- Original Message ----
> > > > From: David Brady
> > > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > > > Sent: Tuesday, July 1, 2008 8:25:03 PM
> > > > Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] running a/c on inverter
> > > >
> > > > My LXi is set up to run one AC off an inverter and the alternator, but
> > > > conventional wisdom is that you shouldn't do it. Steadystate current
> > > > draw from the alternator is 150Amps. I want to preserve my precious
> > > > alternator, so I always run the generator when I need my AC's.
> > > > Another point of view to consider the inefficiencies of the alternator
> > > > in generating DC and to add on to that the inefficiency of the
> > inverter
> > > > to convert to AC to run the air conditioning. The generator is more
> > > > efficient at generating the needed AC.
> > > >
> > > > David Brady
> > > > '02 LXi, NC
> > > >
> > > > coreyg67 wrote:
> > > >
> > > >> I'm trying to figure out a way to run 1 of my A/C units on the
> > > >> inverters and alternator. I
> > > >> would think with the two 2500 watt inverters, and the 300amp
> > > >> alternator, this would be a
> > > >> doable venture. Can someone tell me if, and how to do this task?
> > > >>
> > > >> Thanks
> > > >> Corey & Jenni
> > > >> 1996 PT42'
> > > >> Prosper, TX
> > > >>
> > > >> ----------------------------------------------------------
> > --
> > > >>
> > > >> No virus found in this incoming message.
> > > >> Checked by AVG.
> > > >> Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1527 - Release Date:
> > 6/30/2008 6:07
> > PM
> > > >>
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ----------------------------------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > *Yahoo! Canada Toolbar :* Search from anywhere on the web and
> > bookmark
> > > > your favourite sites. Download it now!
> > <http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com/ <http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com/>>
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ----------------------------------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > > > Checked by AVG.
> > > > Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1527 - Release Date:
> > 6/30/2008 6:07
> > PM
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG.
> > Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1527 - Release Date: 6/30/2008
6:07
PM
> >
>

[David Brady]

Hi Bill,



No I'm not sure, but my gut feel is that the generator is more

efficient. I'll have to look more deeply to see if I can come up w/

numbers. I have one 300 amp alternator on my Series-60. Typically

alternators are 50% efficient. When generating electricity you're

better off generating high voltage and low current, which is what

you'll do with the generator, and not do with the alternator.

Add into this the losses at the inverter. This gives me the feeling that

the genny will offer more economy. But I might be wrong...



David Brady

'02 LXi, NC



Wilhelmus Schreurs wrote:

David:

Are you sure that running your big generator is more efficient
to run onea/c, from the standpoint of burning fuel to the output of
thea/c?

With your engines you have two alternators, so each one would
put out 50 percent only and then have 50 percent left over for other
items.

Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge"

Terrace, B.C. Canada

-----
Original Message ----

From: David Brady net>

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, July 1, 2008 8:25:03 PM

Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] running a/c on inverter

My LXi is set up to run one AC off an inverter and the alternator,
but

conventional wisdom is that you shouldn't do it. Steadystate current

draw from the alternator is 150Amps. I want to preserve my precious

alternator, so I always run the generator when I need my AC's.

Another point of view to consider the inefficiencies of the alternator

in generating DC and to add on to that the inefficiency of the inverter

to convert to AC to run the air conditioning. The generator is more

efficient at generating the needed AC.



David Brady

'02 LXi, NC



coreyg67 wrote:

I'm trying to figure out a way to run 1 of my A/C units on the
inverters and alternator. I

would think with the two 2500 watt inverters, and the 300amp
alternator, this would be a

doable venture. Can someone tell me if, and how to do this task?



Thanks

Corey & Jenni

1996 PT42'

Prosper, TX

---

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1527 - Release Date: 6/30/2008 6:07 PM

---

Yahoo!
Canada Toolbar : Search from anywhere on
the web and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now!

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1527 - Release Date: 6/30/2008 6:07 PM

[jvredden@...]

Wayne Clapp is at Buddy Gregg. He trained Kenny Rogers with BlueBird. He is great:

John Redden
91 PT 40
Mooresville NC

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed

---

From: "bumpersbird"
Date: Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:59:16 -0000
To:
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: running a/c on inverter

Corey,

I'm working on that. I have two new inverters that need to be installed
in the next few weeks. There is a tech in Knoxville TN @ Buddy Gregg's
that said he could add a relay and make one A/C run off the batts. I
just don't know where that relay is. Probably behind the rear closet
wall there are a bunch of relays and electrics behind that wall. I do
have some blue prints, I'll try to look them over in the AM.

Kurt Horvath
95 PT-42 WLWB
10AC

--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "coreyg67" wrote:
>
> I'm trying to figure out a way to run 1 of my A/C units on the
inverters and alternator. I
> would think with the two 2500 watt inverters, and the 300amp
alternator, this would be a
> doable venture. Can someone tell me if, and how to do this task?
>
> Thanks
> Corey & Jenni
> 1996 PT42'
> Prosper, TX
>

[David Brady]

Hi Corey,



I have run one air conditioner from an inverter, but on the LXi

the inverter amperage draw occurs before the shunt for the

ammeter, so the draw doesn't show on the ammeter (I thought

all Wanderlodges were set up this way).



When the engine is running, as soon as the battery voltage

drops below 14.7V (or so), the alternator will start to put

out some serious current to bring the battery banks back up

to 14.7V. So you may get a few milliseconds of free battery

buffer powering your AC when the AC first kicks in, but the

alternator will power the AC from that point on.



David

'02 LXi, NC



coreyg67 wrote:

I agree with you to some degree, BUT, you have to take into
consideration the capacity of

the batteries on the coach. At which, the alternator is not required to
completely supply

the power for the A/C. I'm just guessing, I know absolutely NOTHING
about 12volt

systems, or converting D/C to A/C.



David, have you ever run a single A/C with the switch as the coach came
equipped? If

so, what type of draw did you see on the Alt. output meter? Mine runs
at very low levels

the majority of the time, unless I've really drained the 12volt system.



Corey & Jenni

1996 PT42

Prosper, TX



--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com",
David Brady "dmb993@..." wrote:

>

> Hi Bill,

>

> No I'm not sure, but my gut feel is that the generator is more

> efficient. I'll have to look more deeply to see if I can come up w/

> numbers. I have one 300 amp alternator on my Series-60. Typically

> alternators are 50% efficient. When generating electricity you're

> better off generating high voltage and low current, which is what

> you'll do with the generator, and not do with the alternator.

> Add into this the losses at the inverter. This gives me the
feeling that

> the genny will offer more economy. But I might be wrong...

>

> David Brady

> '02 LXi, NC

>

> Wilhelmus Schreurs wrote:

> > David:

> > Are you sure that running your big generator is more
efficient to run

> > one a/c, from the standpoint of burning fuel to the output of
the a/c?

> > With your engines you have two alternators, so each one would
put out

> > 50 percent only and then have 50 percent left over for other
items.

> >

> > Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge"

> > Terrace, B.C. Canada

> >

> >

> > ----- Original Message ----

> > From: David Brady "dmb993@..."

> > To: "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com"

> > Sent: Tuesday, July 1, 2008 8:25:03 PM

> > Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] running a/c on inverter

> >

> > My LXi is set up to run one AC off an inverter and the
alternator, but

> > conventional wisdom is that you shouldn't do it. Steadystate
current

> > draw from the alternator is 150Amps. I want to preserve my
precious

> > alternator, so I always run the generator when I need my AC's.

> > Another point of view to consider the inefficiencies of the
alternator

> > in generating DC and to add on to that the inefficiency of
the inverter

> > to convert to AC to run the air conditioning. The generator
is more

> > efficient at generating the needed AC.

> >

> > David Brady

> > '02 LXi, NC

> >

> > coreyg67 wrote:

> >

> >> I'm trying to figure out a way to run 1 of my A/C units
on the

> >> inverters and alternator. I

> >> would think with the two 2500 watt inverters, and the
300amp

> >> alternator, this would be a

> >> doable venture. Can someone tell me if, and how to do
this task?

> >>

> >> Thanks

> >> Corey & Jenni

> >> 1996 PT42'

> >> Prosper, TX

> >>

> >> ----------------------------------------------------------

--

> >>

> >> No virus found in this incoming message.

> >> Checked by AVG.

> >> Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1527 - Release
Date: 6/30/2008 6:07

PM

> >>

> >

> >

> > ----------------------------------------------------------

> >

> > *Yahoo! Canada Toolbar :* Search from anywhere on the web and
bookmark

> > your favourite sites. Download it now! <http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com/>

> >

> >

> > ----------------------------------------------------------

> >

> > No virus found in this incoming message.

> > Checked by AVG.

> > Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1527 - Release
Date: 6/30/2008 6:07

PM

> >

>

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.4.3/1527 - Release Date: 6/30/2008 6:07 PM

[bumpersbird]

I would like to run BR A/C without the genny after 10PM quite time at
most places.

Not too concerned about daytime running. I usually have all three
airs going so running the genny is a given. I would still like the
choice and the option

Wayne Clapp is the tech. I was refering to



Kurt Horvath
95 PT-42
10 AC--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, jvredden@... wrote:
>
> Wayne Clapp is at Buddy Gregg. He trained Kenny Rogers with
BlueBird. He is great:
>
> John Redden
> 91 PT 40
> Mooresville NC
> Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "bumpersbird"
>
> Date: Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:59:16
> To:
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: running a/c on inverter
>
>
> Corey,
>
> I'm working on that. I have two new inverters that need to be
installed
> in the next few weeks. There is a tech in Knoxville TN @ Buddy
Gregg's
> that said he could add a relay and make one A/C run off the batts.
I
> just don't know where that relay is. Probably behind the rear
closet
> wall there are a bunch of relays and electrics behind that wall. I
do
> have some blue prints, I'll try to look them over in the AM.
>
> Kurt Horvath
> 95 PT-42 WLWB
> 10AC
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "coreyg67" wrote:
> >
> > I'm trying to figure out a way to run 1 of my A/C units on the
> inverters and alternator. I
> > would think with the two 2500 watt inverters, and the 300amp
> alternator, this would be a
> > doable venture. Can someone tell me if, and how to do this
task?
> >
> > Thanks
> > Corey & Jenni
> > 1996 PT42'
> > Prosper, TX
> >
>