Inverter location versus ventilation requirements

[JHinman]

I am considering adding an inverter/charger to my Outdoors RV (Model 24KRS). I have two Lithium batteries under the under-bed storage compartment (between the drawers), and am trying to select a location for an inverter/charger.

The specific device I am leaning towards is the Victron 2,000 watt Multiplus.

One option is to put it right over the batteries. I would have to enclose it so we could use the remaining space, but I am concerned about heat and ventilation. I have no idea how much heat these things produce when charging.or when inverting.

It might be a little more difficult to put the inverter in the pass-through storage. This model has the sliding tray, and I would still need some sort of enclosure to keep “stuff” off of the inverter and the associated wires, fuses, etc. It would still be more open than under the bed.

Might someone with experience weigh in on this? Is one location better than the other? Am I over-thinking it?

Thanks for any thoughts!

[Nwcid]

I have not used that unit, and can not directly answer your question but I have another consideration for you.

I know all of the inverters I have had use fans to keep them cool. If you mount it someone in/near your living area it can be quit loud when running.

[JHinman]

I did not realize they had fans. I will have to look into that.

[Highway 4x4]

When a 2000 watt inverter is at full load it can draw 150 amps from the batteries.

[Persistent]

An inverter/charger works best, close to the batteries it charges or uses. Big 12 volt cables are required. The further it is between, the bigger the cable. See installation instructions.

Ventilation is vital. Substantial heat is produced for both inverting and charging. Both inflow and outflow of air needs to be considered. See installation instructions for the inverter/charger.

Installation instructions can often be found on the manufacturers website under "Support".

I wish you good luck and happy trails ahead!

[psy1]

Check out the AM Solar website, especially the DIY section for lots of information. I think most installations for ORV put as much of the kit as possible under the bed. Most people go for the 3000W hybrid inverter, but you might need a 3rd battery for that, I am not sure.

The Victron inverter does generate some heat and has a fan which reportedly kicks on when under high load, e.g. microwave. The 3000W inverter would allow you to run the air conditioner (with soft start) but not for long. Maybe one hour per 200 amp/hrs of battery capacity. That would generate heat too.

For heat, some people cut a ventilation hole in the side of the underbed storage for passive ventilation. Some also add a computer fan to actively blow air out. It is possible to program the fan to kick on at a threshold temperature.

Most of the time that you would be pushing the system and generating heat is when you are inside. So an old school cooling system is simply raising the bed platform to air out the components.

I am still in research mode and just telling you what I have learned but I have no experience.

[JHinman]

Psy1, thanks for confirming that the Victron has a fan. The images in the user manual do not show an opening for a fan.

I do not plan to run the A/C with the inverter. I am fortunate enough to camp where A/C is not normally needed. In fact, it is more common to run the heater a bit in the morning to take the chill out of the trailer.

The primary motivations for adding an inverter is the ability to make toast for breakfast (that becomes very expensive toast ), and the hybrid inverter should charge batteries faster. The Victron says it will provide 80 amps to the battery, where the original PD charger peaks at 30 or 35 amps.

Secondary motive is that adding an inverter would be an interesting project.

There is not much cost difference between the 2,000 watt and the 3,000 watt Victron units. My batteries will deliver 200 amps continuous power, which I believe translates to about 2,500 watts at 13.4 volts and 94% efficiency of the inverter. In other words I could install the 3,000 watt unit but would not get 3,000 watts out of it without adding a battery.

[DanoD]

I have an inverter/charger in my 22fqs. It is in the pass thru, mounted to the wall. I have no protection around it, it's pretty self contained. It will need ventilation, especially when inverting. It's not terribly loud but you can hear it.

[JHinman]

Originally Posted by DanoD

I have an inverter/charger in my 22fqs. It is in the pass thru, mounted to the wall. I have no protection around it, it's pretty self contained. It will need ventilation, especially when inverting. It's not terribly loud but you can hear it.

Which brand and model of inverter/charger do you have?