Inverter and generator

pianotuna wrote:
Hi Phil,

Here is a quote from Magnum:

"Power Factor Corrected (PFC)Charger: The PFC charger is built into all Magnum inverter/chargers. It uses less energy from a generator than a standard charger using only 15 amps AC per 100 amps versus 23 amps used by standard chargers."

I agree it is not 100% efficient (nothing is), but it is a heck of a lot better than a unit with a PF of 0.7

Those numbers seem conservative, but they may be allowing for other "losses" somewhere, don't know.

23a for a non-PFC 100 amper seems a little high. My 2800VA Honda gen can run 130a of non-PFC chargers before it pops a breaker. The Honda is rated at 2800/120 = 23.3a AC

130 DC amps at 14.8 volts = 1924 and that pops 2800VA. 1924/2800 =0.69 so that works out for PF of 0.7 ballpark if I am doing that right.

The 1600VA Honda (1600/120 = 13.3a) should be able to run (in proportion with the 2800VA one):

1600/2800 x 130a DC = 74a DC non-PFC charger with 0.7 PF, or

100/70 x 74 = 106a with PFC, PF of 1 (actual PFs of PFC chargers are 0.9x though)

pianotuna wrote:
It uses less energy from a generator than a standard charger using only 15 amps AC per 100 amps versus 23 amps used by standard chargers."

Don .... interesting implications from Magnum.

That lines up "roughly" with my estimate that a 650 watt (AC) generator should drive around 35 amps into a battery being charged if one uses a high efficiency (high power factor) charger.

Thanks!

Hi Phil,

Here is a quote from Magnum:

"Power Factor Corrected (PFC)Charger: The PFC charger is built into all Magnum inverter/chargers. It uses less energy from a generator than a standard charger using only 15 amps AC per 100 amps versus 23 amps used by standard chargers."

I agree it is not 100% efficient (nothing is), but it is a heck of a lot better than a unit with a PF of 0.7

Ok thanks.
Frank.

Hi smk,

The Magnum 3000 inverter/charger will do 125 amps @ 12 volts from a 15 amp shore power source. This is from observation of the remote they sell.

As I wished to limit charging to no more than 108 amps I "dialed down" the input from 15 to 13 amps. A Honda 2k (1600 watts) should be able to do that, at sea level.

smkettner wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

15 amps will do 125 amps @ 12 volts on charger with a power factor of 1.

If you can also find that unicorn charger that is 100% efficient.
More likely 70% to 90% efficient.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

15 amps will do 125 amps @ 12 volts on charger with a power factor of 1.

If you can also find that unicorn charger that is 100% efficient.
More likely 70% to 90% efficient.

Don,

Reading your statement above ... assuming a power factor of 1.0, note that 15 amps times 120V does not equal 125 amps times 12V.

I guess a more accurate way to state it would be: "15 amps will do 125 amps @ 14.4 volts on a charger with a power factor of 1.0."

What you say is why I keep my little four-cycle, quiet, fuel-sipping, 650 watt Honda generator - it should be able to drive a 35 amp charger putting out 14.4 DC volts if the charger has a final power factor of at least 0.8 - should I ever want to buy another charger. ;)

Hi,

15 amps will do 125 amps @ 12 volts on charger with a power factor of 1.

These hybrid inverters can limit input power(adjustable) to avoid overloading the Honda in any conditions.

Not going to be used at any great elevation.
Frank.