Inverter

[Capn zlog]

What, if any , is the value of having an inverter in the MH? What is the best most efficient, and easiest to fit? Do I need an extra leisure battery etc.?

 

[royw]

The value is clear, where 240volt devices are required or nice to have where the devices cannot be powered by low voltage. Pure sinewave is the best to have as it is effectively the same as a standard mains supply, some devices do not behave well on modulated sine wave. As for the efficiency there will always be a small loss and each invertor will state that as a percentage. As for for specification the requirement drives that, and the capability will then influence the type and capability of the supply be it lead based or Lithium Phospate. of course for some cost has an influence too.

 

[Kannon Fodda]

You don't have to have an inverter. I managed perfectly well for 18 months without one, happily running stuff off 12V if off grid, or waiting till I had mains hook up for anything needing 240V. I've only added a very small capacity pure sine wave as I wished to be able to recharge an e-bike battery when out and about.

An inverter is of use if you must use kit normally mains powered when you aren't at a campsite that offers mains hook up. Typically people want to use large laptops (small laptops can have 12v adaptors), TV systems (smaller 12v versions are available), e-bike battery charging and then moving up the loadings, hairdryers, coffee makers, microwaves. The more wattage the appliance connected, the bigger the inverter capacity and the bigger the battery(s) you will need.

 

[Off da Grid]

Do you really need one?
All low voltage devices can be run from 12v adapters be it usb or 12v to lower voltages.
There are adapters that can boost the voltage to run a laptop or the like.
There is even an adapter to charge your tooth brush from usb.
You will use more power converting 12v to 230v then back down again via your mains to low voltage.

 

[royw]

Do you really need one?
All low voltage devices can be run from 12v adapters be it usb or 12v to lower voltages.
There are adapters that can boost the voltage to run a laptop or the like.
There is even an adapter to charge your tooth brush from usb.
You will use more power converting 12v to 230v then back down again via your mains to low voltage.

is it not personal preference ? Common sense avoid if at all possible but if the OP happens to have have a requirement then we can discuss like the best vegetarians agains meat - I like Steak Chicken and Fish are there alternatves maybe but ...

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[Richard n Ann]

I'm in the inverter camp. I'm not faffing about with a special adapter for everything, mains power is universal and runs everything straight out of the box.
The loss converting is inconsequential it's all solar anyway.

Plus you have a huge choice of cheap high quality TVs

 

[royw]

I'm in the inverter camp. I'm not faffing about with a special adapter for everything, mains power is universal and runs everything straight out of the box.
The loss converting is inconsequential it's all solar anyway.

Plus you have a huge choice of cheap high quality TVs

If you can utilise low voltage you will get more bang (hopefully not) for your solar input so it shouldnt be ruled out but you should not have to be a purist - its requirement/choice driven.

 

[Raul]

The value of having a inverter is huge, for me. But, everything in the van is designed for that kind of use. The 230v is very common useable type of power. Anything works on 230v.
The efficiency of a 12-230v inverter, currently tops at 93% on models of high quality sine wave inverter. This efficiency is only achieved when inverter is loaded at 70-90% of its output. When is on very low load, the efficiency is close to 85-90%. The modified square wave, quasi wave, runs much hotter and less efficient as it dumps allot of heat. Also the type of load influences efficiency.
Battery, with lead you need lots, with Li less. For a 1000w inverter at full load, you would need 500ah of lead, for lithium 300ah. Anything less capacity will limit the peak draw and time.
As for easier to fit, there are models with cables already attached and fused internally.

 

[ceejayt]

Couldn't be without mine - all the electrical sockets in the van are inverted, just plug in.

 

[Lenny HB]

What, if any , is the value of having an inverter in the MH? What is the best most efficient, and easiest to fit? Do I need an extra leisure battery etc.?

If you have to ask you probably don't need one.
Depending on the size of the inverter and you use decides the battery requirement. Ideally you should keep the battery draw to around 20 amps, per battery, if you want the batteries to last, in practice you can get away with 30 amps without shorting the battery life too much. You don't get this problem with lithium batteries.
A 1000W inverter running at full output will draw around 92 amps allowing for inverter efficiency.