How Big a Gen to Run a Converter? Some Info.
EDIT: some of my earlier posts in this thread have the wrong idea. As more info came in later, things got less confusing--sort of! :) --------------------- Another look at this topic. It is n...
Forum Discussion
You have to have a baseline
And for most small engines, the baseline ratings are at sea level
If your at 5000ft or 8000 ft (like some members camp at)
Then you have to modify the baseline by the altitudes efficiency numbers (3% loss per 1000 feet?) or buy a bigger generator or a smaller converter/charger
From everything so far the numbers seem to indicate a 0.70 PF is avg unless other wise stated, and a nominal 90% power efficiency during conversion from ac to dc
Simple numbers example
14*70 amps charge=980 watts = 1088.88 watts load = 1555.55 VA input
Starting in rush will be even higher VA
Honda 1000w *0.9 *0.7 = 630 watts charge = 14v at 45 amps
So a 45 amp converter would seem to be the correct choice
As you climb in altitude you use a smaller converter or get a Honda 2000i
Not saying you can't get one to do 50 amps at sea level if the PF is higher
A 100 amp converter
100 amps *14v = 1400w / 0.9eff / 0.7PF = 2222.22 VA
You need a 3000w generator typically rated around 2800 VA
If you have a know PF substitute that value for the 0.70 PF in the above equations
And for most small engines, the baseline ratings are at sea level
If your at 5000ft or 8000 ft (like some members camp at)
Then you have to modify the baseline by the altitudes efficiency numbers (3% loss per 1000 feet?) or buy a bigger generator or a smaller converter/charger
From everything so far the numbers seem to indicate a 0.70 PF is avg unless other wise stated, and a nominal 90% power efficiency during conversion from ac to dc
Simple numbers example
14*70 amps charge=980 watts = 1088.88 watts load = 1555.55 VA input
Starting in rush will be even higher VA
Honda 1000w *0.9 *0.7 = 630 watts charge = 14v at 45 amps
So a 45 amp converter would seem to be the correct choice
As you climb in altitude you use a smaller converter or get a Honda 2000i
Not saying you can't get one to do 50 amps at sea level if the PF is higher
A 100 amp converter
100 amps *14v = 1400w / 0.9eff / 0.7PF = 2222.22 VA
You need a 3000w generator typically rated around 2800 VA
If you have a know PF substitute that value for the 0.70 PF in the above equations
