Next message: Ron Rogers: "Re: lv-ab: re: Small Genset Question"
It will charge the batteries by plugging the 110 outlet into the shorepower system, and it "should" run his AC. It is easy enough to find out. I have personally seen it start and run 12k units..
Then 12k is NOT 12KW?
I mention this because a friend has an AC unit on his boat he powers with an inverter equipped generator...he had to go to a 2.5KW unit to get it to work well. (He converted his to run on propane, BTW) Starting surge may be a problem...and it may be hard to get a good power factor correction to lower it with this type of unit.
As for 12V DC VS 115VAC, of course it all depends, but...when running major loads for extended times, higher voltages is always better in terms of efficiency and safety in my opinion...safety because of less heat due to less current. The argument that the higher voltages are unsafe in a marine environment are not applicable if the devices and wiring to such are not exposed...after all, Navy ships commonly run much higher than 115VAC. (My weapons systems had 440 VAC 400 HZ in the units just a cover opening away from at least salt spray.)
The disadvantage of 115 VAC is that it must be converted to 12 VDC for use in those systems. So the question becomes, which application is of higher priority and which will use more power? Does the high amperage draw of the AC unit mean it will create a troublesome and maybe unsafe or unreliable situation for a 12 VDC system, or are the issues of needing to convert the 115 VAC to 12 VDC at the required power level too much?
I assume that most of the running of the generator will be at anchor (after all, who needs AC when sailing?)...this means that low noise is a very high priority...yes? But the Honda and its ilk are very quite. In fact, from a boat anchored a short distance away you most likely won't hear it unless it is carelessly placed where it resonate. -Ken
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