Prius as a Generator Revisited

[georgekessel]

I thought it was relevant to put up a new post on this recurring topic.

As we're heading into storm season I am looking to add an inverter to my Prius as several others have.

Since it's been a few years since this topic first started, has anyone run 1500watts succesfully using the traction battery method ?

Also - anyone know of a person I could hire to instal all of this in my Prius in Vancouver BC ?

I'm hoping to instal one like this: http://www.invertersrus.com/vec050d.html

I have read the various posts but am not saavy enough to do it myself - need to hire someone!!

[PearlDriver]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ecojosh @ Nov 12 2007, 09:35 AM) [snapback]538457[/snapback]</div>

I thought it was relevant to put up a new post on this recurring topic.

As we're heading into storm season I am looking to add an inverter to my Prius as several others have.

Since it's been a few years since this topic first started, has anyone run 1500watts succesfully using the traction battery method ?

Also - anyone know of a person I could hire to instal all of this in my Prius in Vancouver BC ?

I'm hoping to instal one like this: http://www.invertersrus.com/vec050d.html

I have read the various posts but am not saavy enough to do it myself - need to hire someone!!
[/b]

My question is why would anyone want to do this?
A small portable generator doesn't cost as much and doesn't put your $20,000 Prius unnecessarily at risk.

http://www.twistingwrenches.com/index.php?...oducts_id=15892

[georgekessel]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PearlDriver @ Nov 12 2007, 10:14 AM) [snapback]538476[/snapback]</div>

My question is why would anyone want to do this?
A small portable generator doesn't cost as much and doesn't put your $20,000 Prius unnecessarily at risk.

http://www.twistingwrenches.com/index.php?...oducts_id=15892
[/b]

That Generator will require me to store a 40 gallon drum of gasoline at my house (not an option). It's burn rate will cause us to have to refill it quite often.

If the Prius is used as my Generator I can just drive it to the gas station every couple days to refill it rather then have to run a fast burning smelly noisy Genset....

[MrK]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ecojosh @ Nov 12 2007, 12:35 PM) [snapback]538457[/snapback]</div>

I thought it was relevant to put up a new post on this recurring topic.

As we're heading into storm season I am looking to add an inverter to my Prius as several others have.

Since it's been a few years since this topic first started, has anyone run 1500watts succesfully using the traction battery method ?

Also - anyone know of a person I could hire to instal all of this in my Prius in Vancouver BC ?

I'm hoping to instal one like this: http://www.invertersrus.com/vec050d.html

I have read the various posts but am not saavy enough to do it myself - need to hire someone!!
[/b]

The inverter you've referenced seems to be the same inverter I've used. You cannot hook it up directly to the traction battery unless you include some reduction transformers or switchers. Output of the HV battery is 210-235 Vdc. You'll fry your inverter, which is designed to run on 12 Vdc. Go to this link:

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=22487&hl=

This is my old thread on this matter, and it contains a lot of discussion on both using the 12-volt system and the HV system. I doubt that you'll use a constant 1,500 watts of power, so using an additional battery on the 12-volt system may work for you. If you'll need more power, the HV system is the way to go.

[georgekessel]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MrK @ Nov 12 2007, 10:51 AM) [snapback]538497[/snapback]</div>

The inverter you've referenced seems to be the same inverter I've used. You cannot hook it up directly to the traction battery unless you include some reduction transformers or switchers. Output of the HV battery is 210-235 Vdc. You'll fry your inverter, which is designed to run on 12 Vdc. Go to this link:

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=22487&hl=

This is my old thread on this matter, and it contains a lot of discussion on both using the 12-volt system and the HV system. I doubt that you'll use a constant 1,500 watts of power, so using an additional battery on the 12-volt system may work for you. If you'll need more power, the HV system is the way to go.
[/b]

In order to avoid duplication I'll revert back to your old post and put my new questions on it right now

[icarus]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ecojosh @ Nov 12 2007, 09:35 AM) [snapback]538457[/snapback]</div>

I thought it was relevant to put up a new post on this recurring topic.

As we're heading into storm season I am looking to add an inverter to my Prius as several others have.

Since it's been a few years since this topic first started, has anyone run 1500watts succesfully using the traction battery method ?

Also - anyone know of a person I could hire to instal all of this in my Prius in Vancouver BC ?

I'm hoping to instal one like this: http://www.invertersrus.com/vec050d.html

I have read the various posts but am not saavy enough to do it myself - need to hire someone!!
[/b]

I don't know how to put this,,but I think this is an idiotic idea!

First, the inverter you list, is a modified sine wave inverter with a capacity of 1500 watts. MSW inverters will kill most electronics with thier modified sine wave form

Second, 1500 watts is not enought to power anything but the smallest loads. No fride, no furnace etc.

Third, This inverter pulls its power off the starting battery, and as such this battery's capacity is tiny. That will force the car to run to keep up with ANY 120vac load you put on it. It is a VERY INNEFFECIET way to power anything.

Fourth, if you have the kind of power outage that requires you to feed the any generator day after day, do you think the neighborhood gas station will have power and therefore gas all the time.

As stated before, a simple honda eu series generator can be had reasonably, it is very fuel effecient and will run the average house if you are careful with the loads.

I would sugguest that you visit http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/index.php ro get some education on DC power and inverters.

Having said all of this, there could be an argument to be made that if you could use the HV battery system of the car and the inverter built into the car you MIGHT be able to create a viable system. I think that having a standby generator instead 'though. I wouldn't, as haven been said before, risk my (wifes) Prius over such an endeavour.

Icarus

[mary2al]

I don't want to go into all the details but much of the above (Icarus) info is wrong -- I don't know where he gets it. There are threads listed at the top of people that are doing this quite happily and for good reason. This is just so you don't get scared off if you want to run appliances from your Prius during outages.

[Neicy]

Go to www.priups.com for an interesting read also.

[bsd43]

How many hours of backup do you need?

I have a Honda EU2000i (4 stroke, power inverter), and I can get about 8-12 hours on a gallon of gasoline.

It saved my fridge full of food in yesterday's storm in the Bay Area, plus kept a few computers humming... Yeah, I could have also plugged in a 12V inverter in my Prius, but I rather keep the gas in my car for an emergency getaway, if needed.

Anyone know how many hours can you run a Prius on a 10 gallon tank in pure "generate 12V" mode?

[icarus]

Originally Posted by mary2al

I don't want to go into all the details but much of the above (Icarus) info is wrong -- I don't know where he gets it. There are threads listed at the top of people that are doing this quite happily and for good reason. This is just so you don't get scared off if you want to run appliances from your Prius during outages.

Just to defend myself!

There are multiple threads on this subject here on Prius chat, so there is little reason to rehash.

In my other life, I design and build off grid solar electric installations. As such I know about batteries, inverters, and most importantly loads as they relate the sizes and designs of each.

The point is, you can indeed power limited loads with a 1500watt modified sine wave inverter from the Prius starting battery. What I have suggested however is that there are many better alternatives IF your goal is to provide emergency power for essential household appliances.


Icarus