SCVJeff wrote:
pianotuna wrote:
Jeff,
If the inverter is on, it may be that the engine charging path may not be able to keep up with the load. That would cause the house bank to discharge while driving. That makes it appear as if the alternator doesn't charge the house bank.
Of course, unless special efforts are made, alternator charging is about the starter battery, not the house bank.
SCVJeff wrote:
What I'm missing here is the "Inverting" comment.. That has nothing to do with the charge process, and is a user select manual button push.
that I'll agree with with, but I've not seen an inverter go into invert mode without being turned On
I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed but, aren't most modern class A coaches, especially diesel ones, equipped with at least a 160 amp alternator? If that's the case, and, if the chassis batteries are in good shape, then the alternator can provide anything needed to not only "bring up" but, top off, the house batteries while driving.
Now, lets say you have a 2000 watt Inverter/Charger. Typically that would mean that, that inverter is capable of 2000 watts of A/C output, correct? In my basic knowledge of electrical application and the "ohm's law" theory and all that, "Amps x Volts = watts", correct? So, in reverse, Watts ÷ volts = amps, correct?
So, 2000 (watts) ÷ 13 (average volts) = 153 amps. Now, just because the numbers say that a 2000 watt inverter is capable of 153 amps, that doesn't mean it will actually supply that much amperage, correct? So, let's just cut that number in half, for a more realistic number. Say, around 75 amps.
So, with all that goble-gook being said, according to one of the statements above, the panel on the coach, would have to show a supply of at least as high or higher, than say around 75 amps, in order for the load, to overtake, what would be supplied to the house batteries, in order for a "discharge" or "no-charge" set of numbers to be displayed, correct?
Again, I am by far, no expert in any of this. But, the statement that the panel COULD show a house battery NO-CHARGE situation, due to the Inverter/Charger actually inverting THAT MUCH amperage while driving, sure seems highly unlikely to me. And, if that COULD possibly be the case, what in the world, could demand that kind of amperage, on COACH while driving down the road? I mean, even a micro-wave on full throttle for cooking something sure as heck don't draw 75 amps, does it?
Scott