Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 16-12-2024, 20:24   #1
Registered User

Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Key Largo
Boat: 1992 Carver 28
Posts: 9
Go from 12 to 24 volt for AC unit

Hello, I currently have a 12 volt setup going from my house batteries to an inverter to power my 120v. I dont run the ACs when on battery power due to the high draw. Would it be worth it to install a 24 volt converter and 24 volt inverter system? The AC draws around 5-600 watts. Any recommendations on 24 volt gear? Thanks in advance!
Salty_colada is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-12-2024, 21:47   #2
Registered User

Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Australia
Boat: BUILT!!! Roberts Mauritius 43ft
Posts: 4,153
Re: Go from 12 to 24 volt for AC unit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Salty_colada View Post
Hello, I currently have a 12 volt setup going from my house batteries to an inverter to power my 120v. I dont run the ACs when on battery power due to the high draw. Would it be worth it to install a 24 volt converter and 24 volt inverter system? The AC draws around 5-600 watts. Any recommendations on 24 volt gear? Thanks in advance!

I'll be very interested in the responses because with my rudimentary understanding of electronics it would be unbelievably wasteful because of losses on conversion to 24 and inverter losses. How do you charge your batteries?


12 Volt to 24 volt, 5 amp converter


Inverter
Australia
https://inverter.com.au › products › 12-volt-to-24-volta-...

The Excelsior range of 12V DC to 24V DC converters feature switch mode technology to achieve very high levels of efficiency, up to 90%


Inverter efficiency - 12v vs. 24v


DIY Solar Power Forum
https://diysolarforum.com › threads › inverter-efficienc...

18 Jan 2023 — 12 volt inverters have the least effeciency of any inverter which is usually <88% whereas quality 24 volt inverters are 95% or so and quality 48 volt inverters
coopec43 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-12-2024, 04:53   #3
Senior Cruiser
 
GordMay's Avatar

Cruisers Forum Supporter

Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario - 48-29N x 89-20W
Boat: (Cruiser Living On Dirt)
Posts: 51,768
Images: 241
Re: Go from 12 to 24 volt for AC unit

A 500 Watt air-conditioner would be pretty small.
[500W ÷ 0.293 = 1,706 BTU] Suitable for about 120 Cubic Ft of below deck space - like a head @ 5' x 4' x 6' high
The relationship between BTUs and Watts, in an air conditioning unit, can vary based on the energy efficiency ratio [EER].
1 BTU is equivalent to 0.293 Watts.
Hence, a typical 5,000 BTU air conditioner needs about 1,500 watts [1,465W].
__________________
Gord May
"If you didn't have the time or money to do it right in the first place, when will you get the time/$ to fix it?"



GordMay is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-12-2024, 06:36   #4
Registered User

Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Key Largo
Boat: 1992 Carver 28
Posts: 9
Re: Go from 12 to 24 volt for AC unit

Quote:
Originally Posted by coopec43 View Post
I'll be very interested in the responses because with my rudimentary understanding of electronics it would be unbelievably wasteful because of losses on conversion to 24 and inverter losses. How do you charge your batteries?


12 Volt to 24 volt, 5 amp converter


Inverter
Australia
https://inverter.com.au › products › 12-volt-to-24-volta-...

The Excelsior range of 12V DC to 24V DC converters feature switch mode technology to achieve very high levels of efficiency, up to 90%


Inverter efficiency - 12v vs. 24v


DIY Solar Power Forum
https://diysolarforum.com › threads › inverter-efficienc...

18 Jan 2023 — 12 volt inverters have the least effeciency of any inverter which is usually <88% whereas quality 24 volt inverters are 95% or so and quality 48 volt inverters
Currently I have an inverter/charger that switches from shore to battery and then charges the batteries when i plug back in. I'm planning on adding solar and an mppt soon. The house batteries are 12 volt Lifepo4, 3 200 amp in parallel. I understand the effeciency concerns, but I really only plan on running the AC when its sunny and hot, so the solar would help.
Salty_colada is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-12-2024, 06:38   #5
Registered User

Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Key Largo
Boat: 1992 Carver 28
Posts: 9
Re: Go from 12 to 24 volt for AC unit

Quote:
Originally Posted by GordMay View Post
A 500 Watt air-conditioner would be pretty small.
[500W ÷ 0.293 = 1,706 BTU] Suitable for about 120 Cubic Ft of below deck space - like a head @ 5' x 4' x 6' high
The relationship between BTUs and Watts, in an air conditioning unit, can vary based on the energy efficiency ratio [EER].
1 BTU is equivalent to 0.293 Watts.
Hence, a typical 5,000 BTU air conditioner needs about 1,500 watts [1,465W].
Thats probably more accurate, I am just reading what the inverter output when its the only thing running.
Salty_colada is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Wiring a 24 volt windlass on a 12 volt boat Paul Lefebvre Electrical: Batteries, Generators & Solar 7 12-08-2018 17:34
420: Electrical- converting 220 volt 50 hz to 220volt 60 Hz or 110 volt 60 Hz Karibia Lagoon Catamarans 4 17-03-2013 11:55
Using a 24 volt genset in a 12 volt system flopster Electrical: Batteries, Generators & Solar 2 21-05-2012 19:50
direct-charging a six volt bank from a 12 volt charger Jonathan Reiter Electrical: Batteries, Generators & Solar 19 14-12-2011 07:24
6 volt vs 12 volt? mestrezat Electrical: Batteries, Generators & Solar 39 18-02-2009 00:33

Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 13:15.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.