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Source For 200/240 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Inverter?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Hybrid Hound, Aug 22, 2021.

  1. Hybrid Hound

    Hybrid Hound Junior Member

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    Having scoured the net and made a few inquiries of companies, I don't seem to be able to find a source for a 200/240 VDC to 120 VAC inverter. Am considering one for emergency power. My 12VDC to 120VAC 1000/2000 watt Renogy unit is doing great, but would like to see if I can draw from the HV battery instead. LOTS of info on that here (and elsewhere) but so far no links to a current (pardon the pun) seller of the higher power inverter. I will ssy that on a recent test for 24 hours, I ran our fridge (fairly new, not too big, energy star rated) without a hitch. Used less than a gallon of gas. My watt meter hardly ever read above 300 so I also plugged in a fan for a while. Smooth sailing. I was thinking of the bigger unit in case I needed to also run my portable AC (HOT down here in SW FLA). So if anyone knows of a source and you can steer me in that direction, I would appreciate it. Right now I can't swing the $$$ for the PlugOut unit, but man...that is a sweet setup. So...just the inverter would be sufficient if I could find one at a reasonable cost. Then I could sell my like new Dual Fuel generator to help defray the cost. Thanks in advance!!
     
    #1 Hybrid Hound, Aug 22, 2021
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    You should be able to find plenty of ideas in links out from this thread.

    You might also think about editing your thread title while you still can; if it just says 'inverter', people have to come read the post just to know whether you're looking for a PriUPS kind of setup, or an ordinary 12V to AC inverter, or for the car's own powertrain inverter.
     
    #2 ChapmanF, Aug 22, 2021
  3. Hybrid Hound

    Hybrid Hound Junior Member

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    Good point. I will try to amend that to be more specific. Thanks!
     
    #3 Hybrid Hound, Aug 22, 2021
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    #4 PriusCamper, Aug 22, 2021
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    There have been people on budgets managing to find data-center UPS units that have about the right battery bank voltage specs and are being sold for cheap because their batteries are toast.

    More recently, somebody found at least one "hybrid solar controller" with a suitable DC input voltage rating for the solar array. If it came in a non-"hybrid" version, that would be even more economical, since a "hybrid" solar controller is a combination product with the thing you want joined to two things you won't need.

    What you pay for with the commercial offerings like PlugOut Power's, of course, is that somebody else has already done the thinking and hunted down something that will definitely work.
     
    #5 ChapmanF, Aug 22, 2021
  6. Hybrid Hound

    Hybrid Hound Junior Member

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    So true about "ready-made" devices. Sometimes when I am bent on re-inventing the wheel LOL, it ends up taking more time, costing more money, and getting less than optimum results. So, I guess I will keep searching for now. The tip on solar inverters is a good one, that will give me a place to start. And...meanwhile either Randy or someone else will see that there is a market for mid-duty, ready made inverters with an input that could handle the Prius HV battery, and an output of 120 volts AC. If it came in a "kit" with all wiring, connectors, fuses and hardware ready to install, and sold in the 500-700 range, I for one would be a player. I think many others might be as well. Then I could sell both my generator and 12 volt inverter to help offset the cost. Until then, I will keep scouring the net. The suggestions are all very much appreciated. What a deep fund of knowledge on this site! And for the most part, VERY helpful comments, even though many of us (raising my hand) are not well-versed in the intricacies of this amazing vehicle. Thanks Again!
     
    #6 Hybrid Hound, Aug 23, 2021
    3rd3rd likes this.
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