I have 2-6v, 220a/h battery bank. I'm upgrading my Magnatek 6325 25amp
converter to a PD 4635 35a.
I have a need for 4 hrs of 500W 120v power every four days.
I'd like to go with a Honda 1000i (900w) for its small size and weight.
QUESTION: If I'm running the centrifuge (a constant steady load after startup), I'd like to be charging the battery bank at the same time, but there will only be 400W available to the converter. The Spec sheet on the converter calls for 500W input. Will the 400W input damage the converter or just shut it off?
I suspect I'll have to go with the 2000i to do both.
Thanks,
Mike
I suspect the 500w spec for the converter is the MAX that it would draw if you were running all the lights etc and charging a dead battery.
If you draw more power than that with your centrifuge running the output breaker on the genny will blow but the converter will be fine.
Having blabbed on and on about that, I would suggest the bigger generator anyway just to give yourself greater flexibility in the future.
Maybe a second 2000 down the road for A/C, TV etc ?
Stu
Stu & Jackie Metcalfe
2000 Salem 27FKSS
2008 Sierra 2500 HD gasser
I would get the 2000. For about the same price and weight (more fuel consumption though), you get twice the power. Likely to offer more flexability down the road too.
Stay with the 1000 if you can. You could minimize power by putting the PD in float mode or use a separate 10amp portable battery charger. Or by first giving the battery a charge for an hour or two the amps and wattage will taper off to have enough to run both.
Although the centrifuge may have quite a start surge. Take it to a Honda dealer to verify it works or borrow one from a friend to test.
If you draw too much the Honda will cut power.
Consider a Robins-Subaru 1700? if you want to strike between the 1000 & 2000.
After seeing what people use for power, I'd only use the 1000i in some very narrow cases:
1: You have a larger generator, such as an Onan, and don't want to power it up just for running the A/C converter for a bulk battery charge, or to get enough juice in the battery bank so you can turn over the main genset.
2: You have nothing that needs more than 1000 watts combined. With the centifuge, this isn't the case.
3: There is a space or weight issue.
4: There is a money issue. This is understandably the biggest item with generator sizing. I'd say that it might be better to go with a Champion 2000 watt model as opposed to a red/blue 1000 one, if you might need the wattage. Champion gets their stuff from China, but I've read other people who write highly of their customer service, so they are a step above the generic Harbor Freight rattletraps. There are also other brands in the middle -- if one can't get red/blue (and this economy sucks, so that isn't a shame), researching those might be worth the risk, provided there is a guarantee or something just in case of a DOA. Even then, one doesn't know if one of the no-name brands will last past a season or two.
If finances, space, and other items are not an issue, I would highly recommend going with a 2000 watt Honda. The runner up would be a 2000 watt Yamaha, since both can be paired. However, it is easier to find extended run kits for the Honda. If you go with a Honda 2000i, and later buy a Honda 2000i Companion, you just need two wires to connect the units, since the Companion has a 30A receptacle built in.
If money is a problem, I'd look at Champion (perhaps see if Costco or other shop has them on sale, so you can get a money back guarantee.) No extended run tank capability and they have less wattage than the Hondas, but they are decent and can be paired, even stacked up on top of each other.
There are other brands like Powerhouse which offer pairing among different wattages, but you have to make sure you get a model which supports it. Only the PH2100PRi and PH2700PRi support this -- the 2000Wi cannot be paired in any way, shape, or form.
BFL13 wrote: Most converters have a 0.7 power factor so that "500w" converter would actually draw 714w (VA) from the generator at max amps.
yup, that's real close to what I've measured on a PD 45A, PD55A and PD 65A unit. the honda 1000 will run the 35A unit barely if it is outputting a full 35A. IMHO spend a few $ more and get a honda 2000. yes, it's a little heavier, but will also run other things at the same time as the charger, including a microwave, which the 1000 will likely not run. And even a coleman polar cub AC.
and depending on the type of motor in the centrifuge, the 1000 may not even start it. the running current isn't the big issue, starting current is, the the honda's and other inverter generators are not very tolerant of high inrush currents. If the centrifuge has a split phase motor or no starting cap, you might not even get it to start. Best thing to do is to take it to a honda dealer and give it a try if your set on the 1000. I'd even check to make sure the 2000 will start it.
2011 Keystone Outback 295RE
2004 14' bikehauler with full living quarters
2004.5 Silverado 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison
I vote for a Yamaha or Honda 2000. More than enough for what you currently want but extra 'wiggle' room for what you may want later. My preference...YAMAHA!
There is also the option to run the centrifuge on an inverter while the 1000 puts 35 amps into the battery. Battery-inverter combo will have better surge performance than a generator. Of couse it is a bit less efficient and costs more. Your choice.
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