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 to the shore power connections so the charger stays off when shore power is off. It is practically next to the battery compartment under the dinette seat.
I also installed the remote at the entry wall so I can see the readings without bending over like with reading the Victron meter (when not using Bluetooth) or the surge protector which I ordered without the remote by accident.
So my first test was to run the microwave for 1 minute. I was kind of shocked to see the time remaining plunge from 9 hrs to 27 min in power left after only 1 minute.
The 14.6 capable batteries were not fully charged reading 13.37 volts at start. Not sure why they were at that level as they are on shore power so the progressive dynamics 9160L should have them a bit higher.
The voltage dropped to 12.87 in a minute. The Victron reads 98% charge but only 27 min remaining power. Maybe there is something wrong with my meter settings.
Start:
End after 1 minute of microwave power used:
Does this amount of power draw seem about right for this inverter?
I also installed the remote at the entry wall so I can see the readings without bending over like with reading the Victron meter (when not using Bluetooth) or the surge protector which I ordered without the remote by accident.
So my first test was to run the microwave for 1 minute. I was kind of shocked to see the time remaining plunge from 9 hrs to 27 min in power left after only 1 minute.
The 14.6 capable batteries were not fully charged reading 13.37 volts at start. Not sure why they were at that level as they are on shore power so the progressive dynamics 9160L should have them a bit higher.
The voltage dropped to 12.87 in a minute. The Victron reads 98% charge but only 27 min remaining power. Maybe there is something wrong with my meter settings.
Start:
End after 1 minute of microwave power used:
Does this amount of power draw seem about right for this inverter?
EMD360 what brand of lfp batteries are you using? Don't they have low temp protection, which will stop charging till the cells get above 32F but still allow you to use the batteries? Your #s look ok in the 1st post except for the SOC taking a dive. Here are some recorded #s from my system in April of using microwave, air conditioner and other misc items at different SOC's to give an idea. I do have solar which does help during the day.
The inability to charge them below freezing is a problem. 32ยฐ is not that cold in CO. Iโll have to remember to turn off the charger at night or unplug in colder weather while we are still using the RV. Iโm considering a seat warmer for the battery compartment. I used them on my old RV as tank warmers.
I think part of the complexity is getting good specs. A reliable BMS from the manufacturer is based mostly on company reputation. It remains to be seen if I get more value from these batteries than from my rocky history with SLA and AGMโs
The idea of replacing the micro with a low draw is interesting. The one I have is rated at 900 watts (1.35 kw power consumption) but from the inverter it drew much more. I could try it at 50%.
I like the idea of running a more disposable appliance like one of my small heaters. Cheap and disposable if it breaks. Thanks.
I think part of the complexity is getting good specs. A reliable BMS from the manufacturer is based mostly on company reputation. It remains to be seen if I get more value from these batteries than from my rocky history with SLA and AGMโs
The idea of replacing the micro with a low draw is interesting. The one I have is rated at 900 watts (1.35 kw power consumption) but from the inverter it drew much more. I could try it at 50%.
I like the idea of running a more disposable appliance like one of my small heaters. Cheap and disposable if it breaks. Thanks.
