timjet wrote:
Mr.Mark wrote:
We don't have solar but have 3 Lithium Ion house batteries, 4 starting batteries for the engine (24 volt) and one battery for the generator. We have four 3,500 watt inverters, four alternators on the engine that will allow us to use four roof airs without the generator running going down the road.
MM.
Wow, Mr Mark you could power a small town. Just curious, on a hot day with all air conditioners running and climbing a hill do the alternators sap enough power to notice a lack of power to the wheels?
Anyway your post explains a lot. My boat has a similar configuration whereas the alternators will charge the house batts while underway. My boat refrig is DC/AC so no need for an inverter though I have one.
What I didn't know is if the current from the alternator could be directed to either or both the house and engine start batts. Sounds like it can. Is there a selector switch to direct this current?
Mr. Timjet, there is no selector to direct the alternator current, it's all automatic. I can turn off the charger for the engine batteries but I leave it on unless I'm parked and on inverter power. If I ever really needed all 4 air units while underway, I would crank up the genny as it needs to run and that would leave all the power for the engine (20kw Kohler genny). Also, I have never noticed any difference when using air by inverter and power to the wheels.
Honestly, there really is no need to run all four air units. Two is enough unless it's very hot, then I will run three. Having four units is really overkill and gives you an option if one of the other air units goes out.
We have four 13,500 btu units and they are designed to be extremely efficient as there are no 'hard' corners in the ceiling ducting (CAD designed). This design allows for a stronger force of air with minimal noise. If the air is on and you walk under a vent, it's rather shocking of the 'woosh' of air hitting you on the head compared to the noise.
MM.
