110v outlets in your prius

In previous related threads, we have discussed the differences between modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters. The former is cheaper ($100 and up, new, in this size range), and is best suited for resistive loads. Like coffeepots and toasters. Pure sine wave will be $300 and up, but probably a better choice for inductive loads (most motors) and digital power supplies.

If you now what you plan to power and do your research, you will avoid disappointments.

I think it would be rare to find a microwae oven that can be comfortably accomodated by the Prius' 12 volt system. But it could be handy.

 

In my case Pat, I got a wife who makes 3to 4 times what I do and is in line for more this year! I got a deal with her! It allows me to live indoors all the time now!

 

Yes that is just about the price floor I had in mind for modified sine wave inverters. Quite a few suppliers also, including the 'ever popular internet auction site'.

This end of the market are all made in Asia, Phillipines, nearby. That will either please you, or not. I bet the circuit designs are all extremely similar, but there may be differences in quality of semiconductors and electrolytic capacitors inside. Xantrex has a good reputation for their large expensive inverters, so if they mean to safeguard that, you may be on to one of the better ones here.

An accessory feature worth considering is a remote power toggle with light. Not all the inverters offer this. Often Prius installations will have the inverter sternwards near the 12 volt battery. You may still have an unoccupied switch position near the driver's left knee?

 

I will. While I do use tire plugs I doubt it would have helped me when a 3/8" bolt decided to take up residence in on of my rear tires only to be expelled a few miles down the freeway (hmm, so that's what that "chink -chink -chink then hsssssss noise was ;-)). Tire plug, no chance for that hole. I'll keep my spare...

Rick
#4 2006

 

Nice job. I tend to handle my caffeine addiction in much the same way

I believe that you will find it unnecessary to run the car heat for this purpose. As you already have the Prius in 'Ready" the gasoline engine will start automatically when the battery SOC falls to about 45% and shut off at about 52%. The MFD screen won't tell you all those details but that's what she does.

There is at least one other trigger for engine starting - coolant temperature falling to 72 C. But with several hundred watts external load on the 12 volt system, the other will almost certainly kick in first.

 

me personally, id rather have a spare. you can always use a smaller inverter and put it the glove box. or use your set up and add the spare battery with isolator. you can also use a Battery Brain Auto if you really wanted to. my inverter has clamps. so i have it unhooked at all times because i almost never use it. i like your idea though. ive had my own similar ideas.

 

Why is this bad?

 

we have a ac/dc converter that plugs into the fake cigarette lighter thingy. instead of having a car adapter for everyting you just use this thing. you can plug in anything up to 70 watts.

 

One can always fully charge the HV battery to the green ( 80%) MANUALLY, by putting car in D and stepping on accelerator, with Emergency brake set and foot on foot brake. Then disconnect any and all loads and 12VDC and HV should stay fully charged all night. Note: This procedure works very quickly, in a minute or two, if memory serves me.

 

I have driven the Sacto to Reno stretch often as well as that 12000 foot pass outside of Denver and never had ANY problems with either the HV or the 12VDC Batteries. Other cars, cooling systems, batteries YES, BUT, never a problem with my Prius. Incidently, this thread and any of the others dicussing, Prius as a electric grid source, or solar assisted homes and Prius charging can be the future. Some really great inputs.

 

Hello Dr. From your post,I hope people do not think that after depressing the brake and then the accelerator. (with the same foot) ....... this will guarantee a drive thru garage door. THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS PROCEDURE, SO MAKE SURE BOTH BRAKES STAY SET WHILE STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR. It's possible that Toyota put some sort of failsafe on this procedure. I do know that the Emergency brake can be set poorly ( depending on adjustment. ) Mr. Nitpicker

 

How many watts can be pulled from the cigarette lighter with an ordinary (i.e.: cheap) inverter?

 

Input watts to the inverter = volts * amps. If the fuse is 15 A, input watts are 15*12 (nominal) = 180 W. The inverter is probably 80 to 90% efficient, so output watts would be about 150. Fuses are thermal devices, so their rating is dependent on ambient temp and resistive heating. A long-term load on a hot day could blow it even at rated load.

My wife bought a cheap plug-in inverter, keeps it under the seat, and it works fine for the laptop and a AA battery charger for her GPS (she's a serious geocacher). We even shaved the poodle on a camping trip with a set of electric clippers once. No coffee, though.

The plug-in inverters have an in-line fuse that will blow long before the car's fuse will.