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| Microwave with battery bank [message #162444] |
Wed, 07 March 2012 22:22  |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
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I have had several people tell me that running a microwave on a battery bank is tough. I just installed (3) sets of 6V batteries. I used 0 gauge. Using #4 to from the batteries to inverter didn't cut it even though its only roughly 8 ft. I then ran 0 to it and it ran perfect. I ran it into a 2500w (4KW pep) modified step inverter. From the inverter I used #10 romex to a outlet. Then the fuse panel box I used #10 with a plug for the outlet.
My microwave runs perfect. Its a 1100 watt (draws 1700 watts of power). Being Onan free is nice  It was SUPER WELL WORTH the time it took to piece together! Having AC power with zero noise, zero smell equals one BIG Smile!!!!!!
I'm going to get rid of the Microwave however and get a 600 watt. I think its consumption will be roughy 45% less then what I have now.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Microwave with battery bank [message #162452 is a reply to message #162444] |
Thu, 08 March 2012 06:24  |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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That's an interesting conversion. How does the battery weight compare to the Onan? I suspect the cost either way is about a wash.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode Norris
'76 Palm Beach
From: Michael <radioactive626@msn.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Wednesday, March 7, 2012 11:22 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Microwave with battery bank
I have had several people tell me that running a microwave on a battery bank is tough. I just installed (3) sets of 6V batteries. I used 0 gauge. Using #4 to from the batteries to inverter didn't cut it even though its only roughly 8 ft. I then ran 0 to it and it ran perfect. I ran it into a 2500w (4KW pep) modified step inverter. From the inverter I used #10 romex to a outlet. Then the fuse panel box I used #10 with a plug for the outlet.
My microwave runs perfect. Its a 1100 watt (draws 1700 watts of power). Being Onan free is nice :) It was SUPER WELL WORTH the time it took to piece together! Having AC power with zero noise, zero smell equals one BIG Smile!!!!!!
I'm going to get rid of the Microwave however and get a 600 watt. I think its consumption will be roughy 45% less then what I have now.
--
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: Microwave with battery bank [message #162455 is a reply to message #162444] |
Thu, 08 March 2012 07:17 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
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| Mr.RadioActive wrote on Wed, 07 March 2012 21:22 |
I have had several people tell me that running a microwave on a battery bank is tough. I just installed (3) sets of 6V batteries. I used 0 gauge. Using #4 to from the batteries to inverter didn't cut it even though its only roughly 8 ft. I then ran 0 to it and it ran perfect. I ran it into a 2500w (4KW pep) modified step inverter. From the inverter I used #10 romex to a outlet. Then the fuse panel box I used #10 with a plug for the outlet.
My microwave runs perfect. Its a 1100 watt (draws 1700 watts of power). Being Onan free is nice It was SUPER WELL WORTH the time it took to piece together! Having AC power with zero noise, zero smell equals one BIG Smile!!!!!!
I'm going to get rid of the Microwave however and get a 600 watt. I think its consumption will be roughy 45% less then what I have now.
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Michael, I run my microwave either off 110V or the battery bank depending on the circumstances. If it's a long cooking job like baked potatoes, I'll run it off 110. If I want to make popcorn at night without waking up my neighbors, I use the inverter. It works fine either way.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=16527&cat=4435
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: Microwave with battery bank [message #162457 is a reply to message #162444] |
Thu, 08 March 2012 08:35 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
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Nice install. Mine looks like a 6th grade class project! lol Its all put together with metal tape, and silicone! lol (not a joke it literally is!)
I would of liked to have used a more upgraded inverter. I went with a Whistler Pro Series, 2500w/4000w. Its a step inverter, but not Pure. I used #10 romex from the inverter which I soldered in the inverter itself so I can still use the 3 outlets it came with.
Does anyones track voltage while the inverter is in use? At the inverter the voltage does drop while a major appliance is being used. About 1 volt. I thinking its either normal or I'm getting loss thru the connectors I used. I used two type of connectors on the ends of the wire, but one type the cheaper of the two Im sure has a little more loss then the really heavy expensive ones I also used.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: Microwave with battery bank [message #162458 is a reply to message #162457] |
Thu, 08 March 2012 08:51 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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""Does anyones track voltage while the inverter is in use? At the inverter the voltage does drop while a major appliance is being used. About 1 volt. I thinking its either normal or I'm getting loss thru the connectors I used. I used two type of connectors on the ends of the wire, but one type the cheaper of the two Im sure has a little more loss then the really heavy expensive ones I also used. ""
I don't monitor the voltage since it's a square wave and my voltmeter would be inaccurate. However, I do know that the microwave is slower on the inverter than it is on pure 110V, but in most cases that's not a problem.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: Microwave with battery bank [message #162460 is a reply to message #162444] |
Thu, 08 March 2012 09:49 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
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My microwave runs perfect. Its a 1100 watt (draws 1700 watts of power). Being Onan free is nice
My my you have been a busy guy lately, haven't you...
You have to figure what power source the inverter is needing to make that 120vac power.
1700 watt at the Microwave is almost 14 Amps at 120vac
To supply the inverter at 12vdc is 10 times this or 140 amps to the inverter. Thats 140 dc amps through the battery cable at the battery connections and to the inverter. Make sure all your connections are making up good and the connections are all tight and clean. If there is going to be a failure or fire, it will be when you are creating these high loads from the battery.
If the cable is not large enough, the voltage will go down and the inverter will shut down due to low voltage. This is because of resistance and as the cable warms up the resistance will increase further dropping voltage and it goes on...
Downsizing to the smaller microwave will be much easier on the battery and last longer. Ok so if you need 600 watt, thats about 5amp draw at 120vac or 50 amps at 12vdc... with the smaller Microwave.
In most RV's the microwave is one of the largest power draws, the AC is the other.
The Motor home can handle this since the microwave is generally a short time use, then the solar cells will try to charge up the battery again. If you are trying to cook over time, say 30 minutes, I think the battery will go down too fast.
AS for an Air Con, you would need a trailor full of batteries to run that inverter and a house covered with solar panels to keep up.
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
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| Re: [GMCnet] Microwave with battery bank [message #162473 is a reply to message #162444] |
Thu, 08 March 2012 12:23 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Michael,
Sounds like you have created a good set up for running your Microwave. As you have found the larger wire on the DC side is the way to go to cut the voltage drop between the batteries and inverter. I use the 1/0 gauge for all battery interconnects. As for using the #10 wire on the AC side you could use 14/2 with ground or 12/2 with ground romex without any power loss issues. Good Luck with your coach.
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 Buskirk 30' Stretch
1975 Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
On the road in Tucson
On Mar 7, 2012, at 9:22 PM, Michael wrote:
>
>
> I have had several people tell me that running a microwave on a battery bank is tough. I just installed (3) sets of 6V batteries. I used 0 gauge. Using #4 to from the batteries to inverter didn't cut it even though its only roughly 8 ft. I then ran 0 to it and it ran perfect. I ran it into a 2500w (4KW pep) modified step inverter. From the inverter I used #10 romex to a outlet. Then the fuse panel box I used #10 with a plug for the outlet.
> My microwave runs perfect. Its a 1100 watt (draws 1700 watts of power). Being Onan free is nice :) It was SUPER WELL WORTH the time it took to piece together! Having AC power with zero noise, zero smell equals one BIG Smile!!!!!!
>
> I'm going to get rid of the Microwave however and get a 600 watt. I think its consumption will be roughy 45% less then what I have now.
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: Microwave with battery bank [message #162486 is a reply to message #162444] |
Thu, 08 March 2012 17:27 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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That's 141 Amps.
Youch!
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: Microwave with battery bank [message #162497 is a reply to message #162444] |
Thu, 08 March 2012 19:54 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Is there any breaker or fuse or disconnect on the 12V side? If you had to 'shut er down' for some saftey reason that would be good to have. Fires suck.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Microwave with battery bank [message #162499 is a reply to message #162444] |
Thu, 08 March 2012 20:55 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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My setup works pretty well. I'm really happy with it. My Inverter shows Watt usage, and Battery Voltage. However its a Modified Step Inverter. It supposed to be a little more efficient then a Square Wave. It was cheaper then a Pure Sine Wave however. These projects are costing me a million dollars so any corners I can cut I have been. I guessed on the #10 romex so it sounds like that was a good guess, a hair of overkill which I like.
I've got to actually hook my my solar array now. I made a storage device for them to lay in, I'll have (1) 100w panel faced to the sun all the time for keeping the batteries charged. My new charge controller is a diversion type. It allows for Solar, and Wind. I'm not sure how I'm going to mount the wind turbine yet however. Anyone use one? If so how did you mount yours???
I haven't fused the system yet..... I will be doing that right away. No way for a short to happen sitting. I ordered the correct fusing for it, and will install it when it comes in. I wanted to route my wires first since it was a project to figure it all out. Plus I hate to wire the ceiling for 1/2 way back, to the cockpit where I'm going to mount the MPPT diversion controller. I'm glad I haven't finished the ceiling since I need to route the wired for the wind generator. Everything will be fused as well as battery on/off switches directly on all wires to shut off each panel, and the wind generator incase of maintenance.
Today I installed the MAX Air fan in the rear taking out that old one. I'm hooking up the PWM controller to it as well. Those Max Air units are NICE!
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: Microwave with battery bank [message #162501 is a reply to message #162497] |
Thu, 08 March 2012 21:13 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
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Yes, there is a fuse inline, a pretty hefty fuse to break the circuit in case of a serious short circuit. In high load cases, You need a baffled breaker to suppress the arc when you try to open the circuit.
Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
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| Re: [GMCnet] Microwave with battery bank [message #162502 is a reply to message #162499] |
Thu, 08 March 2012 21:14 |
mickeysss
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
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this guy has miles of smiles about wind power, i thought he had a good view of it.
put the turbine pole in the bumper insert on one idea.
http://www.everymilesamemory.com/rv_wind_turbine.htm#TOP
On Mar 8, 2012, at 6:55 PM, Michael wrote:
>
>
> My setup works pretty well. I'm really happy with it. My Inverter shows Watt usage, and Battery Voltage. However its a Modified Step Inverter. It supposed to be a little more efficient then a Square Wave. It was cheaper then a Pure Sine Wave however. These projects are costing me a million dollars so any corners I can cut I have been. I guessed on the #10 romex so it sounds like that was a good guess, a hair of overkill which I like.
>
> I've got to actually hook my my solar array now. I made a storage device for them to lay in, I'll have (1) 100w panel faced to the sun all the time for keeping the batteries charged. My new charge controller is a diversion type. It allows for Solar, and Wind. I'm not sure how I'm going to mount the wind turbine yet however. Anyone use one? If so how did you mount yours???
>
> I haven't fused the system yet..... I will be doing that right away. No way for a short to happen sitting. I ordered the correct fusing for it, and will install it when it comes in. I wanted to route my wires first since it was a project to figure it all out. Plus I hate to wire the ceiling for 1/2 way back, to the cockpit where I'm going to mount the MPPT diversion controller. I'm glad I haven't finished the ceiling since I need to route the wired for the wind generator. Everything will be fused as well as battery on/off switches directly on all wires to shut off each panel, and the wind generator incase of maintenance.
>
> Today I installed the MAX Air fan in the rear taking out that old one. I'm hooking up the PWM controller to it as well. Those Max Air units are NICE!
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: Microwave with battery bank [message #162503 is a reply to message #162499] |
Thu, 08 March 2012 21:19 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
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One of the bus nuts had wired his battery pack with wire running over the top of the batteries, attached to the top of the battery bay ceiling. He had a terminal get hot, not enough to blow the fuse, the cable from above got hot and drooped down on top of the terminal. As the insulation got hot it failed and the wire shorted on the battery terminal causing a fire.
Think out your wire routing well and you will ahead of the game.
Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
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| Re: [GMCnet] Microwave with battery bank [message #162504 is a reply to message #162452] |
Thu, 08 March 2012 21:19 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Sorry I forgot to answer this. My guess is your correct. I can't imagine there is much difference from the weight of the battery bank and the onan. Remember I have two house batteries in the front, and four in the rear. I'm sure that weighs more. But the four in the rear, in the onan compartment I'm guessing as well is a wash. I wanted to go with 8 batteries but I don't have anything to draw a lot of power. The TVs are 2.2 amps, the swamp cooler 4.4 amps on high. I'm installing the PWM Motor controllers on the TurboKool, the MaxxAir, and 2 of the 4 personal 12v fans. The frig/stove are LP. Water Heater is a instant on, LP. So I'm hoping to keep 12v usage down to a min.
| Johnny Bridges wrote on Thu, 08 March 2012 06:24 |
That's an interesting conversion. How does the battery weight compare to the Onan? I suspect the cost either way is about a wash.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode Norris
'76 Palm Beach
From: Michael <radioactive626@msn.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Wednesday, March 7, 2012 11:22 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Microwave with battery bank
I have had several people tell me that running a microwave on a battery bank is tough. I just installed (3) sets of 6V batteries. I used 0 gauge. Using #4 to from the batteries to inverter didn't cut it even though its only roughly 8 ft. I then ran 0 to it and it ran perfect. I ran it into a 2500w (4KW pep) modified step inverter. From the inverter I used #10 romex to a outlet. Then the fuse panel box I used #10 with a plug for the outlet.
My microwave runs perfect. Its a 1100 watt (draws 1700 watts of power). Being Onan free is nice It was SUPER WELL WORTH the time it took to piece together! Having AC power with zero noise, zero smell equals one BIG Smile!!!!!!
I'm going to get rid of the Microwave however and get a 600 watt. I think its consumption will be roughy 45% less then what I have now.
--
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
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***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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