The
generator sends a 12 volt DC power threw the ac power lines. When something turns on perhaps 50 watts, it automatically starts the
generator.
that is just fine for most
electrical devices.
But what about the charger-converter that runs off ac power to charge the
batteries?
Currently I have run a wire that connects to the generator before this special circuit, and powers up the converter-charger. So that
charger cant turn on the generator as it would run all the time.
I have a SPDT relay in there also. The relay lets
shore power to the unit when ever
shore power has power, otherwise it falls back to the generator wire. That relay switches hot and neutral simulataneously.
BUT, of course that means the converter cant be part of the AC load center. Which means for now, the line has no over
current protection. I could I supose add some, which would cost me about $5 from drillspot.com for a couple 20 amp breakers
What I was wondering was, what about a zener diode with a 50 volt breakdown conduction voltage?
So, if ac power was on the line, the zener diode would conduct and allow the device to function, but if 12 volt DC was present, it would be blocked, and keep the generator from sensing the load and starting.
The
charger is a 30 amp charger. What watt zener and does anyone have a source or another idea? Seems like the zener diode is a simple solution to me, if it would
work. The zener when conducting will act like a resistor and might get hot.
I think a capacitor could be used and would not get hot.
What size and type of capacitor could be used to pass the AC voltage but block the DC voltage?