Inverter question

[ddruker]

Given the problems with larger Lithium Ion batteries catching on fire, I think it will be a while before they are either safe or cost effective for airstream use. They are still working on issues with vibration, temperature sensitivity and chemistry. What works ok for your cell phone or laptop can be dangerous if you scale it up and it combusts.

Tesla seems to have figured it out - but Fiskar and Boeing seem to really be struggling...

[0557]

I noticed that Lithionics sells 12volt lithium batts for RV's. Are these not dependable ?

[lewster]

Originally Posted by 0557

I noticed that Lithionics sells 12volt lithium batts for RV's. Are these not dependable ?

I was involved with Lithionics last year. AM Solar did an extensive test on their batteries with the hope that they would be applicable for RV solar use. There were major problems with their hardware and electronics and as I previously mentioned, there currently are no RV charging systems that will recognize the unique characteristics of the Li-ion battery discharge.

They simply aren't there yet! AT least not in this field...........

[0557]

Lew
My 4024 was bought in 1999, hardly used. Tied with 8 L16 Rolls Surrettes 350 amp hour batts for residential backup. The batts are long gone,
Are the components in that inverter better quality
Than the Xantrex version?
I have it mounted with the battery disconnect
Inside a waterproof military shipping container
Water sealed 4/0 cables with Anderson 350 amp
Disconnects. I hate to let it go to waste.
Since it is 24volt, all I would is a step down converter from the batteries to the 12volt mains in the AS correct?

[0557]

Th charge controller is a C-40

[lewster]

Even Xantrex made decent stuff then..unlike the Chinese crap that they try to pawn off as good, reliable equipment now.

A 24 to 12 Volt converter might work, but I would worry about the charge voltages being too high and the amperage too low as they would be in 24 VDC usage.

I would certainly test the step-down unit with the inverter on a cheap battery and see how it processes the 3-stage charging cycles before heading to prime time.

[0557]

Thanks for the info

[joanbob27]

We had a similar problem with our inverter. It was overheating, because the fan was not operating, with little or no load on the unit. The manufacturer recommended we replace it. We didn't do that ! One day we smelled smoke ! Guess what was causing the smoke ! Who knows what would have happened if we weren't home ! Yikes ! If you have an inverter that's acting up, get rid of it !

[rgwatkin]

The stock inverter from the factory for our 2012 FC was 800w, when the factory/dealership replaced it they put in a different brand and upgraded it to a 1000w.