Is it realistically possible to run a small 240 Volt microwave oven from a 12 Volt static inverter in a camper van? The leisure batttery is a 110Ahr capacity.
Z.
It is possible for sure, but if it is much more than a 2 minute pot noodle, I'd keep the engine running to be sure of starting next day, as some of that 110Ah capacity is needed to crank the engine in the morning. Also a battery that makes 110A at 20 hour discharge rate will not make the same amp-hour product at higher currents so do not expect 110 A for one hour - half that may be a better aspiration if you want it to last more than a very few cycles of charge and discharge.
there are dedicated 12 or 24 V microwaves made for caravan and truck use, but they still need the chunky wiring that a separate inverter and microwave need, Be aware that the input power of say a 700 watt microwave is about 1400 watts - the mains or DC to RF conversion efficiency is ~ 50% and at 12V that is over 100A, so think in terms of 6mm singles or fatter - car wiring is singles and usually based on 120C copper temp so the ratings are a bit higher than the house wiring equivalent, but voltage drop dominates after a meter or two. As ths article notes, an inverter near the battery and a normal microwave on a mains lead is less restrictive, but even so, keep the power down.
Mike
It is possible for sure, but if it is much more than a 2 minute pot noodle, I'd keep the engine running to be sure of starting next day, as some of that 110Ah capacity is needed to crank the engine in the morning. Also a battery that makes 110A at 20 hour discharge rate will not make the same amp-hour product at higher currents so do not expect 110 A for one hour - half that may be a better aspiration if you want it to last more than a very few cycles of charge and discharge.
there are dedicated 12 or 24 V microwaves made for caravan and truck use, but they still need the chunky wiring that a separate inverter and microwave need, Be aware that the input power of say a 700 watt microwave is about 1400 watts - the mains or DC to RF conversion efficiency is ~ 50% and at 12V that is over 100A, so think in terms of 6mm singles or fatter - car wiring is singles and usually based on 120C copper temp so the ratings are a bit higher than the house wiring equivalent, but voltage drop dominates after a meter or two. As ths article notes, an inverter near the battery and a normal microwave on a mains lead is less restrictive, but even so, keep the power down.
Mike
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