Battery and inverter question

[ash_on_mtb]

I've got a supercharge 'hybrid' 105Ah battery, one of those dual purpose jobs, and some other 660CCA start battery, and a whacking big inverter 1500 watt nom.

I run about 1000w for a steamer, 800w for a toasty maker, 1000w for a coffee machine (its coz I can...!!) - but I'm wondering about what it does to my batteries...?!

I link them together through the redarc system I run, and run the revs at about 850- 900rpm whilst I run any of these items (individually). Its a stock 80series diesel, standard alternator.

I'm wondering if I'm actually doing any harm to the system???

Thoughts?

[-Scott-]

Thoughts? If you really want all those "comforts", stay at home.

Just because you can doesn't mean you should - but that's a philosophical issue, so let's move on.

Harm? I doubt it. But what's happening?

1000W? You don't get something for nothing. If your coffee machine is consuming 1000W that power is coming from somewhere - I'm guessing it's your 12V system.

Figuring inefficiencies in the inverter, you'd be looking at 1100W to 1200W from your electrical system. I doubt your alternator is doing it all, so your battery will be discharging too - so voltage will be closer to 12V than 14. So I'd say you're pulling close to 100A from your system to make your coffee, and discharging your battery in the process - you should make sure you leave the engine running for a few minutes after your brew is ready, to set the ambience while you enjoy your coffee.

Seriously, buy a billy, a jaffle iron, a percolator and a gas stove. Camping will be a whole lot more peaceful.

[me3@neuralfibre.com]

How "fast" (watts) you pull it out wont bother that batt type too much.

How "much" (amp/hours or watt/hours) will matter.

If you flatten the battery, it'll shorten it's life. If your really flatten it, you'll kill it.
It' also takes hours to put back in what minutes may pull out.

I would go gas. Electicity for bulk heating is the worst form of efficiency.

Paul

[ash_on_mtb]

yeah, you get that, but by the same token, grab a pack and hike into your favourite tranquil spot.... Its more about the novelty than the necessity.

Aside from philosophical differences, what the general consensus is that the only 'damage' per se, would be from running the batteries down to quite low levels regularly. If thats it, I'm sweet then, as I look after them as much as possible with charging, running, all that kinda gear.

thanks, just thought I'd check.

[ash_on_mtb]

problem solved.

I was getting nervous as there was some random battery issues occasionally, but turned out my 5 year old RACV battery gave up the ghost, 3 days before a fraser trip - kinda lucky really! I hear beer is explensive on the island, can't imagine the cost of a battery