Using our batteries

[JW &CW]

We're gong boondocking at a Colorado State Park. Quiet hours are from 10:00pm - 6:00am, so we will not be able to use our generators after 10.

If we want to use ourAC could we use the battery power, and if so, how long should they last?

Thanks,

JW &CW

[BipeFlier]

Simple answer is NO. The AC requires 120 volt, alternating current (60 cycles per second) at about 15 to 10 amperes. and your batteries put out 12 volt direct current.

An inverter will convert 12 volts DC to 120 volts AC however standard batteries do not have the current capacity to supply the necessary power.

From high school science class, Ohms law is I=E/R where I=current, E=volts, and R=Resistance.
For this problem the resistance doesn't change.

So 15 amps AC requires about 10 times the current from the battery or 150 amps. It would actually require more due to losses in the system.

For most folks this is cost prohibitive to buy the batteries and inverter capable of running the AC.

Hope this helps.

[JW &CW]

Seems like your memory of high school is much better than mine.

Your answer is what I thought it would be, but you were more articulate.

Thanks and safe travels!

JW &CW

[NH Horseman]

FYI, to remember that formula, use this:
Twinkle twinkle little star
E equals I times R

[BipeFlier]

Originally Posted by JW &CW

Seems like your memory of high school is much better than mine.

That is because I've been using it for 45 years!!! LOL