Determining Battery Size; Runtime; Protective Features - Vector MAXX SST VEC049GM User's Manual & Warranty Information

VEC049_50_51GM_Manual_041906 4/20/06
Battery
BATTERY CHARGING
Configuration
FROM COMMERCIAL
AC, ENGINE, SOLAR, ETC.
BATTERY
BATTERY
BATTERY
BATTERY
Note:
For typical heavy-duty uses, Vector recommends a specified or equivalent ANL
fuse be added as close as possible to the power source (battery) positive
terminal. The fuse amperage size must be appropriate to allow simultaneous
operation of all the AC appliances to be powered, with delay characteristics that
allow for the momentary high start-up current requirements of inductive loads.
Use the recommended fuse block (fuse holder) and fuse, or an electrical
equivalent. For full rated output and motor start-up surge output, ensure that the
installation is configured to handle the full load. See "Specifications" on page 16.

Determining Battery Size

To determine the minimum battery size you will need to operate appliances from
MAXX SST ™ inverters, follow these steps:
1. Determine the wattage of each appliance and/or tool you will need to
simultaneously operate from the inverter. To do this, read the labels on the
equipment to be operated.
2. Estimate the number of hours the equipment will be in use between battery
recharges.
3. Determine the total watt-hours of energy use, the total running time and the
average power consumption.
Keep in mind that some appliances are not drawing the same power continuously.
For example, a typical home-use coffee maker draws 500 watts during brew time
(approx. 5 minutes), but maintains the pot temperature at only about 100 watts.
Typical use of a microwave is only for a few minutes, sometimes at low power.

Runtime

The following graph is a set of curves that show how appliance load, in watts or
in amperes, affects runtime. These curves are only estimates of operating time,
dependent upon:
• The condition of the batteries
• The state of charge on the batteries
• The amount of other DC appliances drawing current from the batteries
Three curves were developed for a battery of 50 Ampere Hours (Ah) capacity, and
three for multiple batteries in parallel. The higher capacity curves are for 120 Ah,
200 Ah and 400 Ah capacities. These large capacity batteries clearly extend
operating time at full load. To extend operating time in general, reduce the heavy
appliance load to a minimum. Remember, you are operating on stored energy and
probably under power loss conditions.
4:09 PM Page 8
FUSE TO BATTERY LENGTH
+ FUSE TO INVERTER LENGTH
(MAX FEET OF
AWG WIRE)
(See "Specifications, page 16.)
FUSE HOLDER
ANL FUSE
MAXX SST ™
POWER
INVERTER
(MAX FEET OF
AWG WIRE)
(See "Specifications, page 16.)
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Note:
All operating time curves assume permanent installation with the appropriate
DC input wire (See the "Specifications" section on page 16) and a full charge
on the batteries.
Battery Operating Times
Power Level OPERATING TIME CHART FOR LOAD AND BATTERY CAPACITY AVAILABLE
Watts Amps
100 10
200 20
300 30
400 40
500 50
600 60
700 70
800 80
900 90
1000 100
Minutes 15 30 45 80 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180 195 210 235 240
For example, as shown in the above graph, using a 400 A/h battery (batteries), if the
average power usage will be 1000 watts, the operating time will be about 150
minutes. A larger capacity battery will deliver more operating time between recharges.
Note:
The manufacturer recommends conservative estimates when selecting a
battery. More amp hours will deliver a reserve capacity, and a larger capacity
battery will not be subject to deep discharges. Ideally, the number of amp
hours (Ah) you expect to use should be less than 50% of the battery's rated
capacity.

Protective Features

LOW BATTERY ALARM
An audible alarm will sound when the 12 volt DC power supply voltage drops below
10.5 volts DC. This indicates that the battery needs to be charged or there is an
excessive voltage drop between the battery power source and the inverter.
Notes:
It is normal for the alarm to sound when the inverter is being connected to,
or disconnected from, a 12 volt DC power source. This does not indicate a
problem. However, if this alarm sounds continuously, discontinue inverter
operation and charge the battery before resuming operation. If the voltage
drops to 10.0 volts DC, the inverter will automatically shut down.
If the low voltage alarm sounds when the battery is fully charged (refer to
the "Fault Protection and Troubleshooting Guide" on pages 15).
CIRCUIT PROTECTION
The inverter has electronic circuit protection against overload or short circuit
conditions.
CAUTION
If turning the ON/OFF Switch OFF then ON again does not reset the
inverter, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE INVERTER. Opening the
inverter for any reason will void the warranty. The unit must
be returned to Vector Manufacturing for testing and repair by
professional factory technicians.
50 Ah
120 Ah
200 Ah
400 Ah
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