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Old 30-07-2014, 07:12   #16
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Re: 240V to 120V Conversion While Cruising

I have a 240V/50Hz boat presently in the US (120/60). I find as follows:
* A 240V/50A shore power cord, properly configured, can power most of the systems on the boat from the 240/60 available at most marinas.
* Several appliances (dishwasher, icemaker, washing machine) will not work on 60Hz -- I need to run the genset to operate them.
* The battery charger and everything run off the 240/50 inverter work happily -- fortunately this is most of the items on the boat.
* The 5 a/c units operate, but the manufacturer has told me that it will shorten their life. Their solution is to replace the compressors with 50/60 Hz versions. What will happen by running them on 50Hz? The compressors will die an early death and need replacement. I decided to wait until they expire to replace them.
* When I need 120V onboard (and I do for some things -- charging cordless drill, for example), I use a 240/120V step down converter.
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Old 10-04-2015, 13:56   #17
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Re: 240V to 120V Conversion While Cruising

I have been looking at this same problem of 220-> 110 conversion, in addition, I wish to isolate my boat systems from shore power (including ground) as much as possible.

I have looked into the isolation transformer route, but it is heavy and does not solve the 60 vs 50 cycle problem. I am leaning towards an AC-> DC-> AC solution. That is, an AC (120/220) input to an AC to 12 volt DC power supply powering an inverter to supply AC at 60 cycles.

I understand that both the power supply and inverter will need to be fairly robust and there is a certain amount of inefficiency with all the conversions (AD/DC/AC).

However, the approach solves the 60/50 cycle problem and is relatively scalable and light (in comparison to a 100 - 200 lb isolation transformer).

I have attached a diagram of the configuration that I am considering.

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Attached Files
File Type: pdf Electrical Block Diagram.pdf (97.3 KB, 152 views)
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Old 10-04-2015, 14:05   #18
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Re: 240V to 120V Conversion While Cruising

CTruax, what is it that you need to power at 60Hz?

Our 5 airconditioners are each good for maybe 8A @ 230V. the water maker is good for another 30A or so. it would take quite an inverter to supply the necessary 40-50A@230V from DC -- and the DC load for this would be huge (~400A @ 24V) -- and require quite a battery charger to produce. i'd be worried about the economics of this approach for sizable loads.
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Old 10-04-2015, 15:35   #19
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Re: 240V to 120V Conversion While Cruising

Why not just go with a battery charger that can handle 50/60 hz input at almost any voltage to the battery bank to an inverter. There are also some quite light isolation transformers available these days. Check out Mastervolt.

Output voltage (± 5%) 90-255 V
Output frequency range 45-65 Hz
Input voltage range 90-255 V
Nom. input current at 230 V 16 A
Input frequency range 45-65 Hz
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