2oldman wrote:
I can run a Duotherm rooftop a/c on batteries, for a few hours.
This is what I have:
8- 80ah 12v AGM batteries
4,000 psw inverter
835w solar
2- 2kw Honda gens (for battery charging at high rates)
The inverter is a Cotek 48vdc model. Why? Because running air for any length of time will heat things up at 12v.. your batteries, your wiring, your connections.. it will all get hot with that many amps surging through it.
I can run this to a comfortable 78F, but not much more as my solar cannot keep up even on a good clear day. Slowly the batteries will be dragged down and need much generator charging at dusk.
A/C on batteries can be done, but it's expensive and not as effective as just running directly from generator.
This is why A/Cs are impractical. He has many posts on his journey from 12V to 24V to 48V which are interesting. At each step he's replaced the inverter and charger for the higher voltages. Plus rigs remain 12V so he has a DC to DC converter to supply lights etc.
