Samlex Inverter Power Draw Question
I just finished a Samlex pure sine wave PST 3000-12 inverter install. I ran 00/2 cables because that was recommended in the user manual. I added a Renogy 30 amp transfer switch with the charger wired ...
Forum Discussion
I knew I could count on the big 3 to help me out. Not many people have this level of knowledge! I was just shocked to see that quick decline but I really understand 3tons explanation. And BFL13 also stated it in a clear way. The meter was just racing to keep up with the high demand. The bigger test would be to somehow continue a high load until the battery charge shuts off the inverter. Maybe the air conditioner. Waiting to hear from pianotuna though I know he’s not a lithium convert. But thank you to the rest who gave advice too.
I have the new version of the PD charger/converter. So the bulk charge at 14.6 does drop to a maintenance charge. I know I don’t have quite enough battery power for the inverter. But to run the microwave I needed 20 amp capability. 2000 watt inverters are only 15 amps.
For lithium batteries apparently you can throw away all you know about depletion for lead acids. That’s one reason I invested in them for the new RV. That’s why the other equipment is best replaced too. And I added the Renogy DC to DC charger for the alternator charging. Although I’m not convinced it is necessary. So it’s rather an expensive investment for just 210 ah rating. I’m counting on the 10 years some folks give it.
I did a test for my trolling motor battery box that I equipped with 3 20 amp lithiums. The batteries lasted over 19 hours with a 300 watt inverter, an electric clock, and a 75 watt light bulb. I tested the load and 60 amp hours should have lasted 24 hours. So there was a limit of about 80% depletion but we have not moved that battery meter below 100% with over an hour scooting around a lake. I didn’t watch the meter on the battery box so I’m not sure how fast the voltage dropped. It of course doesn’t have the time left reading. https://blog.twinsprings.com/2021/05/06/lithium-battery-test/
As far as Peukert’s law I’m not sure it’s something I will ever understand. (See above my muddled state on charging). Start with those formulas and I’m lost. Luckily the Victron has a long explanation of how their meter accounts for it. So let the electronics handle it! I have the meter set to most of the recommendations in the manual. I downgraded the battery capacity a little to 200 amps and increased the depletion level a bit. I think at 11 volts.
The upshot seems to be that I could use more battery power. The manual suggests 3 100 ah batteries as a minimum, 4 would be better. But I have limited room in the battery box. As it was I had to search for 100 ah batteries that would fit the small space. I have yet to test this with solar attached. I have a 200 watt portable panel. I’m thinking of adding a more permanent solar system to the roof. I’m not against using the generator of course. I just wanted a silent system for my warm milk at night etc.
Finally there is the issue of ventilation. I did crowd the box in the dinette seat. I’m thinking if it goes over temp I can add a grate to the side of dinette back. I added a grate under the fridge for the charger.
Thanks for the help. I need to not get so concerned about the time left and run it heavily until my batteries deplete to 11 volts. At least I can find out what the air conditioner draws. I had no intention of running the air conditioner with it of course.
By the way the Samlex is more expensive than the Renogy 3000 but It was recommended by experts that I respect and so I paid about double the cost of the Renogy.
This is the place to learn how to do complicated upgrades and check their operation that is for sure.
I have the new version of the PD charger/converter. So the bulk charge at 14.6 does drop to a maintenance charge. I know I don’t have quite enough battery power for the inverter. But to run the microwave I needed 20 amp capability. 2000 watt inverters are only 15 amps.
For lithium batteries apparently you can throw away all you know about depletion for lead acids. That’s one reason I invested in them for the new RV. That’s why the other equipment is best replaced too. And I added the Renogy DC to DC charger for the alternator charging. Although I’m not convinced it is necessary. So it’s rather an expensive investment for just 210 ah rating. I’m counting on the 10 years some folks give it.
I did a test for my trolling motor battery box that I equipped with 3 20 amp lithiums. The batteries lasted over 19 hours with a 300 watt inverter, an electric clock, and a 75 watt light bulb. I tested the load and 60 amp hours should have lasted 24 hours. So there was a limit of about 80% depletion but we have not moved that battery meter below 100% with over an hour scooting around a lake. I didn’t watch the meter on the battery box so I’m not sure how fast the voltage dropped. It of course doesn’t have the time left reading. https://blog.twinsprings.com/2021/05/06/lithium-battery-test/
As far as Peukert’s law I’m not sure it’s something I will ever understand. (See above my muddled state on charging). Start with those formulas and I’m lost. Luckily the Victron has a long explanation of how their meter accounts for it. So let the electronics handle it! I have the meter set to most of the recommendations in the manual. I downgraded the battery capacity a little to 200 amps and increased the depletion level a bit. I think at 11 volts.
The upshot seems to be that I could use more battery power. The manual suggests 3 100 ah batteries as a minimum, 4 would be better. But I have limited room in the battery box. As it was I had to search for 100 ah batteries that would fit the small space. I have yet to test this with solar attached. I have a 200 watt portable panel. I’m thinking of adding a more permanent solar system to the roof. I’m not against using the generator of course. I just wanted a silent system for my warm milk at night etc.
Finally there is the issue of ventilation. I did crowd the box in the dinette seat. I’m thinking if it goes over temp I can add a grate to the side of dinette back. I added a grate under the fridge for the charger.
Thanks for the help. I need to not get so concerned about the time left and run it heavily until my batteries deplete to 11 volts. At least I can find out what the air conditioner draws. I had no intention of running the air conditioner with it of course.
By the way the Samlex is more expensive than the Renogy 3000 but It was recommended by experts that I respect and so I paid about double the cost of the Renogy.
This is the place to learn how to do complicated upgrades and check their operation that is for sure.
