Power Inverter info

[NIsaacs]

I am wanting to buy a power inverter for power outages to run an older Astroflamm pellet stove. The specs on the stove say 110/120 volt, 60 htz, 130 watt. Is that possible? That seems low for two blowers and auger to run.



The research I did also says some Astroflamm's use "pure sine wave" and some "modified sine wave" inverter power. I did not confirm what mine needs. Will the pure sine wave inverter power anything? Will it run the stove even if it only requires modified sine wave? The pure sine wave is about three times the money for any given inverter wattage.



So if it only takes 130 watts and maybe a couple of lights, could I get by with about a 400 watt inverter or should I go 7 or 8 hundred watts.



I think I understand that 1 amp is a little over 100 watts? I also think 1 amp of 110 volt is about 10 amps at 12 volt? I don't know the formula's, just going off memory



Nick

 

[JApol]

The formula you want is P=IxE.

A pure sine wave is the wave you get from the wall outlet. The modified wave will be either a square wave or a saw tooth wave. Motores will not run as efficiently on a square or sawtooth wave as they will with a regular wave. Are you planning on running this off a car battery?

 

[DennyDay]

I think you are going to need a 1500 or 2000 watt inverter, two deep cycle batteries and then a motor/generator to make the whole thing work. If you don't have solar to power, you might just as well use a generator - - those augers can use a whole lot of power

 

[NIsaacs]

Can you explain the formula for a non electronics person, the P=IxE is



Yes, I was going to use a standard truck battery, with a standby truck and jumper cables if needed.



I did some more research on the pellet stove and some models can use a battery as back up, all the motors are 12 volt it seems, so maybe 130 watts of 110 is right.



I would rather error on the plus side then not enough power. Do you think that maybe a 400 watt would run the stove and a couple of low energy light bulbs? Sounds like I need the pure sine wave so I get it right the first time.



Nick

 

[JApol]

power(watts) = Current (amps) x voltage

 

[NIsaacs]

JA, thank you for the formula.



Denny, do you think I really need that much power? I did not want to get into a sophisticated/expensive system for only a few small/short power outages. It is rare that it stays off long enough to need refrigerator power. I am hesitant to use a generator due to inactivity and the hassel of dragging it out only to have it not want to run.



Years ago the inverters were only DC power so the use was very limited but with the updates I was wondering if they might be something useful now. I do understand that the design is very high in consumption of 12 volt power so I was hopping for a small one



Nick

 

[JLEONARD]

I had a dorm size fridge on my previous boat and it would not run on a 300w inverter.

I needed to get a 1000w inverter to get the motor started because of the spike needed to get the motor going.

 

[CKelley1]

spend the extra money on the true sine wave inverter. that way you can also use it for computer or tv. the reason you will need a larger converter for the stove is because of the auger motor starting current. a rough rule of thumb is if it has a motor use three times the running watts for starting therefore you will need a 500 watt converter for your stove. i would get a 750 in case you want to power something else. but just for the stove the 500 is ok. if you are going to do this do it right. get 4 large 6 volt batteries used on motor homes. you will series each two batteries to make 12 volts and parallel the the two. fuse the wire to the inverter at 60 amps for the 500. order a 45 amp charger-inverter with a magic minder or magic wizard battery tender on it, they are for 5th wheel and rv's do not get one with out the wizard or it will boil the batteries dry. you can also get some led's from superbrightleds.com they power off of the battery with out the inverter. if you need schematic or help locating any thing let me know

 

[DennyDay]

Now I'm confused! If I understand it, the heater operates on 120V AC - - It has 2 blower motors and and a power auger - - - If this is the case I believe a 1500/2000 watt converter true sine wave will be required to start the motors, and will take 2 or more deep cycle batteries to keep it running and a charging system - - If it operates on 12V you probably will need 4 deep cycle batteries and a battery maintainer. I have a 2000i Honda generator (Inverter)and it will not start the little portable air compressor unless I unload the motor before starting. Sorry for being lond winded, but have tried inverters before to operate motorized equipment, and have been disapointed trying to save a buck, only to have to start over a spend what I should have in the beginning. :-{}



No, I'm not an Electrical Engineer, or engineer of any type - - BUT - - a seat of the pants guy that has, been there, done that, and too embarrassed to wear the 'T' shirt. Oo. Oo.

 

[GaryOwen]

Another item to consider is the extra power required for ignition if your unit has electronic ignition.



Here is a good website on the subject.



Pellet Stove Battery Backup Power

 

[NIsaacs]

Thank you Gary for the link, very informative, more then I could find. It did say most pellet stoves run on 3 amps unless you have an electronic ignitor, mine does not. The book says power use is, 110 volt, 60 htz, 130 watt. Like all of you have suggested, it recommended about double the power you think you need. Like most of you have said, it also said use a good deep cycle battery, not a vehicle type. If I only use one battery, could I not use a vehicle to keep up with an extended outage rather then several batteries? I am NOT questioning any ones wisdom, I am asking. Since the system will ONLY be in use during a power outage (rare here but does happen for short term several times a year) I did not want to spend a fortune on the system. I am not cheap (I drive Dodges), but I am thrifty and need to stay with a budget. Four good batteries is 600 plus dollars, plus inverter 800 watt pure sine is 300 plus and a good trickle charging system I have not researched yet



Denny, you are not long winded, that is the kind of hands on experience I was looking for. I always figured inverters were a waste of time and money, but they have come a long way. Sounds like I need to double what I think I need so was hopping 800 might work.



CKelly1, every thing you said, the link Gary sent said, thank you for the conformation. I will ask more questions when/if this is the thing to do. I am just in the learning stage now.



Nick

 

[fest3er]

The Dodge/Cummins alternator produces 14V * 130A = 1820W. If your inverter system is based on 12VDC, and isn't *too* far from your truck, you could use your truck to recharge it during extended power outages. Just be sure you have 400A clamps and at least 2 ga. welding wire to jumper the two.

 

[NIsaacs]

Thanks Neal, thats what I wanted to hear. I will mount the inverter on an outside wall in the house next to the stove. With the battery/batteries outside next to the inverter. All my jumper cables are 400 amp clamps, some 2 ga. and some 4 ga. 12-20 foot long. The battery will have easy access to a vehicle. Even at idle speed or say half the max output of the charging vehicle(most are over rated too) I would think it could sustain an inverter using 500 watts.



Nick

 

[Skydiver]

Inverters by phred
.
Batteries -- and Other Electric Stuff by phred

I would buy a small 1500/2000 watt generator a large bottle of sta-bil to prevent the gas from going bad. Twice a year make sure it gets fresh gas. Problem solved.
As a test I took a new cheap 800/1600 watt inverter, hooked it to a 12 volt battery and with the engine running that cheap inverter started my 25 cubic foot refrigerator.
Unless you buy the real expensive gell type deep cycle batteries, they will require more maintenance than the small generator and cost nearly as much over 5 years.
I have this to take care of my small work. QUITE.
Steele Products 2,000 - Watt Generator, Tools, Steele Prod at Sportsman's Guide

 

[NIsaacs]

Dang, that generator is cheaper then the inverter with twice the power! The more of you that suggest one, the more interested I am. I have never had the need for one, but that is probably because I never have had one. If I did, I am sure the convenience would surface over and over.



I am going to check into one now, thanks!



Nick

 

[Skydiver]

I think you see the light NIsaacs !!!
To prevent starting and running headaches with most any small engine. When you are ready to store it make sure you turn off the gas supply valve and allow it to run untill it shuts down. Doing this will dry the carb. Also never place gasohol in any small engine that is stored.
For $10 off your order enter SK995 code in the coupon slot when you check out. Also join the members club for another 10% off.
Save your reciept for lifetime warranty.
Learn More About The Sportsman's Guide Guarantee | Sportsman's Guide

 

[DennyDay]

Nick - - Generator is a great idea, just be sure you have everything you need before the storm hits (power cords and adaptors) alos with the fuel we are getting today, be sure to add STABIL to the fuel supply - - - the ethanol in todays gasoline will destroy any aluminum parts (Carburator and fuel system) AND run the generator for 15 minutes one a week to bring it up to temp