Air Conditioning with inverter and engine runing?

[LmannyR]

I have a 220DA 1989 5.7 Merc Vortec with a/c and no genset. Can I run the air conditioning off of an inverter powered by the engine alternator? Are there any issues with this? I've read tons of thread against the barge of batteries so thats out of the question.

 

[fc3]

Yeah, it'll work if you run the engine at 1,500 RPM or more. Otherwise the output current is too low.
Here's an example, thanks to google
http://images.superchevy.com/techni...n/accessories_electronics/0502sc_alt_03_z.jpg

 

[LmannyR]

I'm new to this so bear with me. Do the marine A/C units run on AC or DC?

 

[fc3]

AC figure 9 amps @ 120VAC for a small unit, including the water pump. Marine units are water cooled. There are some that run on 12 VDC with a built-in inverter. Figure on needing about 80 to 100 amps @ 12VDC. Starting current is 1.5 to 3.0 times running current draw. So to start the unit, you might need to supply 18 amps at 120 VAC for an instant.

Do a search on this forum for inverters. Lots of data already posted.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[frank2644]

I have a 220DA 1989 5.7 Merc Vortec with a/c and no genset. Can I run the air conditioning off of an inverter powered by the engine alternator? Are there any issues with this? I've read tons of thread against the barge of batteries so thats out of the question.

It will probably work, but I would be concerned about overstressing the alternator. For example, my alternator is only rated at 55 amps. If I had an A/C that draws say 10 amps the inverter will draw maybe 100 amps which is more than my alternator can provide. So at a minimum my battery is still being discharged even if my alternator is not damaged.

You need to look at your particular parameters to properly evaluate your situation.

 

[fc3]

It will probably work, but I would be concerned about overstressing the alternator.

Have you considered Zoloft or Prozac for your alternator? Might help.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[LmannyR]

:lol: