What is an inverter?

mrngbss · Post by **mrngbss** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 5:20 pm

I need an inverter that converts 12V DC (from usual AA, C ,D batteries ) to 110AC or 220 AC. What is that and where to find it in Singapore? Do you have any pictures to show?

Thanks a lot!

wucheeyiun · Post by **wucheeyiun** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 5:32 pm

http://electronics-diy.com/electronic_s ... php?id=605

Clifford60 · Post by **Clifford60** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 9:50 pm

Using usual AA, C ,D batteries will not have enough current to drive the AC device. When it step up the voltage it will step down the current. If you step up to 110V & @1A, the battery need to supply about 10A of current at no loss, if you include the losses, it will need a lot more current from the battery. Normally, one should use like a 50Ah car battery to provide the required current.

I believe you should be able to find it at SimLim Tower. It looks a bit like the electronic "ballast" but bigger in size.

mrngbss · Post by **mrngbss** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 5:52 pm

Thanks people for the info.

Clifford: How about using those Ni-MH (2400mAh) type of batteries? Will those help to boost the current?

*should have studies physics better...

Clifford60 · Post by **Clifford60** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 7:58 pm

2400mAh = 2.4Ah, you will need 10 batteries to get 12V and 2.4Ah. Base on the early assumption, it will last you 15 mins at NO loss.

Minimum you will need a sealed lead acid cell (17Ah) we use in our field trip to last 1~2 hrs.

mrngbss · Post by **mrngbss** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:04 pm

I see. thanks!

MooEy · Post by **MooEy** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:55 pm

just curious, wat are u powering? laptop? hair dryer?

~MooEy~

Clifford60 · Post by **Clifford60** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 11:38 am

Wee Nghee, forgot to ask you what is the load. The assumption is for a load of about 110 watts. If the load is smaller, then it will last longer.

mrngbss · Post by **mrngbss** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:25 pm

Clifford60 wrote:Wee Nghee, forgot to ask you what is the load. The assumption is for a load of about 110 watts. If the load is smaller, then it will last longer.

I do not know the load at this moment. Trying to figure out some numbers.

btw, can i use this product (meaning, can i charge this device) which I found on the web? And can i use it to power Singapore products running on AC (eg. TV, TV monitors,etc?)

http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/182/p/1/pt/29/product.asp

Clifford60 · Post by **Clifford60** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 11:16 pm

There are a lot of devices operate from 100V~250V or 110V~240V, if the TV or monitor indicate this voltage range, then it is fine. Eg, the projector, DVD players I've at home operate in these voltage range. Most if not all PCs and notebooks also operate at this voltage range too.

Another consideration is the plug, the device provide 3 US type sockets, so you need to find the adapter like the travel adapter to switch from US socket to the one that accept the Singapore products.

How long the device will run per charge will depend on the load.