House batteries to use with large inverter
We're planning some camping where generator use is restricted, so I want to make sure my batteries will hold up between charges. We'll usually draw less than 25 amps, but I'd like the option of runni...
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my experience running a 1000W inverter to run our true variable input power panasonic microwave.
Use 4 golf carts, or go with 12V. with two GC you'll need to keep the batteries in the 80% or higher state of charge, or the inverter will drop out.
GC have many many advantages for trailer use, but high current draw is NOT one of them. the design tradeoffs for long life, etc. mean fewer thicker plates which equals more internal resistance and voltage drop under load.
with 4 GC I can run the microwave when the batteries are near 50%.
And another hint. unless you are REALLY attached to your current microwave, toss it out, pay about $125 and install one of the panasonic true variable power microwaves. unlike others that cycle between 100% and 0% for less than full power (and hence draw full power under load), the panasonic does vary magnetron power and input power with selected power level. our 1000W panasonic draws about 1300VA at 100% power and about 700VA at 50% power and down around 400VA by the time your down to 10%.
that way (a) you don' need a 2000W inverter to run them, and (b) when running on a generator etc. at < 100% power the generator isn't continually hunting between no load and high load as the microwave cycles. and (c) when on battery power, you can drop the load and reduce the battery load, yes it does take longer to heat, but 50% power doesn't mean 2x as long, about 1.5x as long to say heat water.
Use 4 golf carts, or go with 12V. with two GC you'll need to keep the batteries in the 80% or higher state of charge, or the inverter will drop out.
GC have many many advantages for trailer use, but high current draw is NOT one of them. the design tradeoffs for long life, etc. mean fewer thicker plates which equals more internal resistance and voltage drop under load.
with 4 GC I can run the microwave when the batteries are near 50%.
And another hint. unless you are REALLY attached to your current microwave, toss it out, pay about $125 and install one of the panasonic true variable power microwaves. unlike others that cycle between 100% and 0% for less than full power (and hence draw full power under load), the panasonic does vary magnetron power and input power with selected power level. our 1000W panasonic draws about 1300VA at 100% power and about 700VA at 50% power and down around 400VA by the time your down to 10%.
that way (a) you don' need a 2000W inverter to run them, and (b) when running on a generator etc. at < 100% power the generator isn't continually hunting between no load and high load as the microwave cycles. and (c) when on battery power, you can drop the load and reduce the battery load, yes it does take longer to heat, but 50% power doesn't mean 2x as long, about 1.5x as long to say heat water.
