Poor Mans Inverter Project
Posted: April 18th, 2022, 8:40 pm
I have always been against large inverters as the power removed needs to go back in and this takes time so might as well run the generator for short periods when large draw appliances are needed not to mention this charges the batteries at the same time. I do have a couple of small inverters installed to handle TVs, entertainment and small electrical draws elsewhere.
Well since I am installing a rather large LifePo4 Lithium bank and have solar and the means to charge at 80 amps, I figure what the heck, lets get the kitchen outlet that does the coffee machine, frother and blender hooked up to do at least what a 15A circuit can handle IF required on the rare occasion. Morning coffee with guests sleeping comes to mind or anchored out close to someone early morning.
Want to keep this compact and simple and relatively inexpensive.
The Lithium bank is under the galley floor just below the outlet in question, how convenient.
After advice from other I have decided to go with a 2000 watt Renogy pure sine wave unit. https://ca.renogy.com/2000w-12v-pure-si ... -inverter/
To make switching between shore power and inverter seamless and safe, an automatic transfer relay will be used. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B004S5Y158/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The unit will be turned on/off at the Galley via the supplied switch from Renogy
The all important fuse. Elected to go this route to simplify wiring and I also have a smaller multi fuse box connected to my house bank which would be better protected if there was a fuse directly at the battery so I opted for the dual unit. Will end up with a 200a fuse for the inverter and an 80a fuse for the remote fuse box. https://www.bluesea.com/products/2151/D ... 30_to_300A
When disconnected shore power or generator power the relay connects the inverter automatically which is what the goal was. Obviously the opposite happens when shore power or generator power is supplied . Inverters draw power even in the off state so this is where the manual on switch comes into play. Push the on/off button and the power light comes on and powers up the inverter/outlet ready for use. The light is a constant reminder to turn it off when done, not that it matters however why use battery energy when not required. An inverter of this size does consume a whooping 2A in standby. Thats almost like running a small fridge!
Keep in mind I have LifePo4 lithium so no off gassing therefor the inverter can be mounted beside the bank and the bank is under the galley floor and not in the bilge.
A little bit of custom wiring and about $500-600 in parts when all is said and done. Pictures to follow as things progress.
Well since I am installing a rather large LifePo4 Lithium bank and have solar and the means to charge at 80 amps, I figure what the heck, lets get the kitchen outlet that does the coffee machine, frother and blender hooked up to do at least what a 15A circuit can handle IF required on the rare occasion. Morning coffee with guests sleeping comes to mind or anchored out close to someone early morning.
Want to keep this compact and simple and relatively inexpensive.
The Lithium bank is under the galley floor just below the outlet in question, how convenient.
After advice from other I have decided to go with a 2000 watt Renogy pure sine wave unit. https://ca.renogy.com/2000w-12v-pure-si ... -inverter/
To make switching between shore power and inverter seamless and safe, an automatic transfer relay will be used. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B004S5Y158/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The unit will be turned on/off at the Galley via the supplied switch from Renogy
The all important fuse. Elected to go this route to simplify wiring and I also have a smaller multi fuse box connected to my house bank which would be better protected if there was a fuse directly at the battery so I opted for the dual unit. Will end up with a 200a fuse for the inverter and an 80a fuse for the remote fuse box. https://www.bluesea.com/products/2151/D ... 30_to_300A
When disconnected shore power or generator power the relay connects the inverter automatically which is what the goal was. Obviously the opposite happens when shore power or generator power is supplied . Inverters draw power even in the off state so this is where the manual on switch comes into play. Push the on/off button and the power light comes on and powers up the inverter/outlet ready for use. The light is a constant reminder to turn it off when done, not that it matters however why use battery energy when not required. An inverter of this size does consume a whooping 2A in standby. Thats almost like running a small fridge!
Keep in mind I have LifePo4 lithium so no off gassing therefor the inverter can be mounted beside the bank and the bank is under the galley floor and not in the bilge.
A little bit of custom wiring and about $500-600 in parts when all is said and done. Pictures to follow as things progress.