inverter with batteries v generator

[C J's Snack Van]

Hi, I run a catering vehicle with a generator but I want tofind out if I can run it off an inverter with batteries but don’t know how manybatteries I would require which would probably be 6 or 12v @280 ah which Iwould need to last for upto nine hours without dropping below the 80% dischargeper battery, as I work on the evenings I use 3 small strip lights which are16wtt bulbs on continuous, a kettle @1600w output use about 12 times per shift,microwave (750)1150w output, max run time per use 10 min, fridge/freezer 100wcontinuous, small bottlefridge 90w continuous, baked potato oven 1200w on forabout 3hrs a night, bain marie 1300w on about 5hrs per night, toaster 2200w onabout 20 times per night, looking at installing a 14inch flat screen tv wattsnot known, mobile phone charger and sometimes a laptop. Would be most gratefullif you could be of assistance.
Many Thanks
Clive Wickham

 

[Specialist]

Hi:Without getting too deep into this, have you considered the extra weight & space these Batteries & Inverter would take in the Vehicle ? Depending on the make / type of Battery they weigh between 60 - 70 Kilos each & a 5 Kilowatt inverter for example weighs an extra 20 Kilos.

As for the cost it would be pretty high a Ball park figure for the Inverter alone is about £1.000 to £2000 then batteries again dependent on make / type £160 - £200 each and your going to need several. Add to that the Extra weight & cost of the cabling / battery holders etc.

Also the other consideration you've got is that a lot of Inverters won't Run Microwave ovens successfully.

 

[Knobhead]

Use the search box on the RHS of the screen, this subject has been covered before. The outcome BTW was that the inverter idea was a dead duck! The shear weight of the batteries killed the idea.

 

[nil26]

Inverters can be used for the small areas or at home. Actually generator and inverters are usable only if that area occurs load-shading or any electrical problem. Mostly big shopping centers, malls and companies prefers generators.
C J's Snack Van you have posted very useful information.

 

[Knobhead]

See http://www.electriciansforums.net/e...ical-forum/43220-12v-batteries-inverters.html

 

[C J's Snack Van]

what size battery is it that weighs 60-70 kilo how many ah are they at that weight, also i had been told that pure sine inverters are able to run microwaves. as my genny weighs in at nearly 100 kilo.
many thanks for your info
Clive Wickham

 

[Specialist]

Hi Clive: You asked about 260 amp hour so that was what I based it on, had a look at several & came back with 62, 64 & 69 kilos per Battery. Some pure Sine wave Inverters may but not all of them & the cost for the size you'd be looking at is pretty Horendous. As Tony said: The question has been looked into before.

 

[C J's Snack Van]

Thanks for the info been hard to get from some people looks like they were after my money without them really knowing the answers i needed, glad i found this forum,
many thanks again
looks like genny wins
Clive Wickham
ps do you mind if i add your a link on my website for this forum as it may come in handy for lots of others,

 

[Specialist]

Clive, your welcome mate: In all honesty I know quite a few people with Mobile Catering units & none of them have gone for Battery / Inverter set up's due to size & cost. With Regards a link on your website: Drop JASON a pm & he can tell you.

Good luck with the Business.

 

[Wazzajnr]

Just a suggestion on this one is a small inverter for lights etc and an auto start genny when the power demand increases. That way you don't need a huge inverter and everytime the microwave/baine marie etc etc is on, the batteries can be charging too