4000W Inverter install suggestions

[why3zx]

Okay, probably a newbie question but the search function has let me down and google/RV forum searches are just not coming up with what I want, I am in no fashion going to install a another outlet on the outside of my van and run an extension cord between the two.

What I want to do is install the inverter out of the way and tie it into the vans existing AC electrical system and have some kind of selection switch, be it manual or automatic to be able to switch between inverter power and shore/generator power, and of course to be able to use the AC system when boondocking. I have a three battery bank and 200W of solar, however I have no thoughts that it will run the air conditioning for any amount of time. However I do want to run the microwave and entertainment system without hooking up to power.

The van is a 1991 Airstream B190 so the current electrical system is a bit dated, I would have no problems replacing the current distribution panel as I have been planning on installing an updated PowerMax or Iota converter. I am assuming there has to be some way to isolate the converter when using the Inverter or there would be a loop.

Thanks!

 

[dwh]

The way it's done is a transfer switch. There are manual and automatic. You run power from inverter and the generator both to the transfer switch, and out from the transfer switch to the AC panel.

Generally, the way to go would be to use an automatic switch that defaults to using the inverter, and when shore power comes in, it powers the transfer switch solenoid to switch it over to shore power. When the shore power is shut down, the transfer switch goes back to the inverter.

The problem, as you've already seen, is you'll have to wire the converter/charger to only get power from the shore side.


You can buy pre-made transfer switches - there are tons on the market:

https://www.google.com/search?q=transfer+switch&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8


Best Converter Sells Them:

http://www.bestconverter.com/Transfer-Switches_c_53.html

 

[dlh62c]

What make and model inverter do you plan to use?

The manual that comes with your inverter should have all the information needed to hook it up.

Larger inverters have an AC power input and built in multistage battery chargers. When the inverter senses AC power, the inverter passes it though to power the AC loads and at the same time charges the batteries. These inverters have their own built in transfer switch. When AC isn't present, AC power is supplied via the inverter from the battery bank.

You only need a single shore power plug on the outside of the van. You can plug into an outlet or plug into a generator if available.

 

[mojogoat]

There are several inverters on the market that have built in chargers. Be sure to size your inverter correctly or you will loose efficiency and run your batteries down faster. Pure sine inverters are more efficient and equipment runs better.

 

[Joe917]

You need to use two AC panels.
Run shore power and generator power to a crossover switch such as: http://www.sterling-power-usa.com/m...rsourcesareusedsuchasinvertersshorepower.aspx
This means you cannot backfeed the grid with your generator or damage your generator with AC.
Feed panel one from the crossover.
From panel one you feed your Inverter/Charger and all circuits with a draw too large for the I/C (such as air con)
From the I/C throughput you feed panel two with all circuits you need powered by the Inverter. The I/C transfer switch will use shore/generator for these circuits if available and invert if not.

 

[pugslyyy]

The easiest way to do this is with an RV style inverter (or inverter-charger) that has AC pass through. That way when shore power is present it will automatically use it. You don't mention having a charger for your house batteries - if you do, and inverter/charger could take the place of the charger and maybe even fit in the same space. If you don't have a charger then this is the perfect opportunity to add one.

4000W is a lot of power - if you do the math you may not need that much.

I have a Xantrex RS3000 in my rig.

 

[Bikersmurf]

3 batteries won't run 4000 watts long... If at all.

I've got 2x110 amp/hr... The batteries won't keep up with my 2000 watt true sine inverter.

When the truck is running, no problem with 2k... The inverter is a foot away from the batteries.

 

[why3zx]

My inverter is already purchased I got a screaming deal on an enhanced modified sine wave 2000w continuous 4k peak inverter without any kind of AC pass through. Screaming deal like 60$ good deal.

I currently have a standard RV style 32 amp magnetek converter/battery charger. Plus 200w of solar with a PMW controller. I am planning on upgrading the converter and panel when I do the inverter install, just not sure what to get?

As for keeping up with the demand, I do fear that will be an issue however I don't ever plan on using more than a 1000w at any given time, aren't inverters load based? This one has a digital power meter on the side of it.

Thanks for the help!

 

[pugslyyy]

Lol, okay Paul Harvey.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[dwh]

I am planning on upgrading the converter and panel when I do the inverter install, just not sure what to get?

For a B190, just get an upgrade kit from Best Converter. No need to replace the whole thing.

http://www.bestconverter.com/MagnetekParallax-to-Ultra-III_ep_8-1.html

 

[Bikersmurf]

Battery wise you should be ok... I thought you had a 4k, 6k peak.

Mine is 2k, 3k peak. So you should be good. Wire with heavy guage welders cable and keep it as close as possible.

 

[why3zx]

Thanks for all the replys, good info on that converter upgrade kit.