U.K. REf. Best battery and inverter to run the Tormek T7

[bobl]

What is the best battery ( probably leisure battery ) to run the T7. 230 volts or 240v not sure,  I think about 1.63 amps ?
I also have other machines which run at 240 volts around 375 w 1.56 amps
and a machine that runs at 240 volts  200w  0.83  amps.
what is the best kind of battery and inverter with split charger from alternator to run these from my fiat doblo van?
I look forward to all the help I can get.
Maybe Robin can help me on this one.
Robin, what do you use in your vans to power the machines?

Cheers.
Bob
The Knife Grinder.

[Elden]

Bob,
   There has been discussions previously in regard to inverters on the forum. Doing a search revealed the following links:

http://forum.tormek.com/index.php?topic=122.msg348#msg348

http://forum.tormek.com/index.php?topic=1676.msg7786#msg7786

http://forum.tormek.com/index.php?topic=1421.msg4436#msg4436

http://forum.tormek.com/index.php?topic=153.msg425#msg425

http://forum.tormek.com/index.php?topic=2556.msg13284#msg13284

http://forum.tormek.com/index.php?topic=189.msg548#msg548

While not necessarily written for your exact need, they reveal some of the pitfalls of inverters and battery selection. I would suggest reading through all of them in their entirety.

   It would be interesting to have an update from those who have tried it.

[bobl]

O.M.G.
Its such a pitfall.
There are so many bits of advice, many conflicting.
I need to pass the question to Robin B. in Bath.
Robin, Do I use a battery with inverter? ( If so, what do use )
Or,
Should I use another kind of generator.
Please advise, I am at the end of my tether.

I appreciate all info available.
Cheers.
Bob
The Knife Grinder
   

[Elden]

   It does sound like a rough road. I was hoping to hear from those who have used one successfully for a significant time duration.

http://www.edaboard.com/thread108356.html

[Ken S]

Good thought, Elden.. I had overlooked the need to allow for the current surge when starting a motor.

With my former generator, It did not have the wattage capacity to start my furnace motor. I rigged it on a separate circuit which could be combined after the motor was running.(not recommended).

Allow for starting current when planning an invertor. You might want to consult a professional.

Ken.

[Jan]

Fully charged car battery 12 V, 60 Ah should be able to supply energy, through an inverter, for T7 (200 W) for 3.6 hours. Theoretically. Taking into account loses and efficiency it can decrease to some 60% of this time which is circa 2.2 hours. 

For the larger motor with 375 W the theoretical holding time would be 1.9 hours while the realistic expectation is circa 1.1 hour. 

The inverter has to be designed for AC motors, with sufficient surge power capability at least 3 x 375 W, optimum would be 5 x 375 W for the larger motor. 

Battery and inverter is elegant and environmentally friendly solution. Provided you are not limited by generator noise and exhaust gases my solution would be a quite portable 4-stroke petrol generator.

Jan

[Ken S]

Very interesting and informative, Jan. Just out of curiosity, would the time for the 120 watt motor be the T7 (200 watt) time multiplied by 1.4? ( 200/120 )

Ken

[Jan]

Yes, Ken. You can multiply my times for T7 by the ratio 200 W/120 W = 1.67 to get the holding time for T4. 

Fully charged car battery 12 V, 60 Ah should theoretically be able to supply energy, through an inverter, for T4 (120 W) for 6 hours. Taking into account loses and efficiency it can decrease to some 60% of this time which is circa 3.6 hours.

Jan

[Ken S]

Oops........ I see my error. Thanks, Jan.

Ken

[bobl]

Thanks everyone, some great info return there.

[bobl]

also thanks to Rob in somerset, 2 big truck batteries and a 6k inverter does it for him. He said to go to a electrical motor specialist.
Thats good advice.

[Janne]

I support my computer printer in my car with a input DC 12 V output AC 230 V 1000 W . Rated power  for the printer is 350 W, but during start/worm up there is a heavier load on my 1000 W inverter. For a 200 W grinder I would use a 300 W inverter. The starting current will not cause any big problems. I also use an 800  W angle grinder with my 1000 W inverter with no problem. The inverter has a long life time, my inverter is used on a daily basis for the printer the last 12 years. One important thing is to use wires with enough area for the current, voltage and length. Battery choosen for estimated work time.
Best regards, Janne

[Ken S]

Good information. Thanks, Janne.

Ken

[Janne]

I just now tested my other inverter. 12 V DC 230 V AC 300 W on my T4. Works excellent even though it is not a pure sine. The smaller inverter I have produces a modified square edge sine wave. The 1000 W inverter produces a pure sine wave. Best regards, Janne

[bobl]

Thanks all.
Great to have all the info and views.
Bob
The Knife Grinder.