I've gone and done it.

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 26th November 2016, 05:16 PM

they are tall for a small base,, my last crown needed watering every day,
not something I'd use--

**Homestar** · 26th November 2016, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by V8Ian

Gav, do you know much about forklift /ep et al batteries, price, capacities and physical dimensions?

Not really, but our work does access equipment some of which uses similar batteries, so I can ask.

As Pedro mentioned I think they are quite tall - what sort of capacity are you looking for?

**V8Ian** · 26th November 2016, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by Homestar

Not really, but our work does access equipment some of which uses similar batteries, so I can ask.

As Pedro mentioned I think they are quite tall - what sort of capacity are you looking for?

Not really sure, it's all smoke and mirrors to me. Some quote kva, others watts???

I'd like to run an air-con overnight with 1500 - 2000 watts to spare for other appliances.

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 26th November 2016, 07:36 PM

I have a concern about their ability to handle vibrations,,
all batt forks are designed to run on flat concrete--
pushed by an elec motor--
not some huge GM thundering monstrosity

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 26th November 2016, 07:40 PM

You need to find the rating of the aircon---

**Homestar** · 26th November 2016, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by V8Ian

Not really sure, it's all smoke and mirrors to me. Some quote kva, others watts???

I'd like to run an air-con overnight with 1500 - 2000 watts to spare for other appliances.

You'll need a LOT of capacity to run an AC overnight. Say it draws around 2000 watts when the compressor is on - call it a 50% duty cycle, you'll need to be able to supply 1000 watts continuously - so 8 to 10KWH overnight.

My figures may but a bit out without using a calculator or knowing what AC you're running, but it will give you an idea.

So, if you don't want to drag your batteries down below say 40% then you would need the equivalent of around 40 x 100AH batteries to do this. That's about 1.2 tonnes of batteries and over $10,000 to buy.

Next problem is charging them when the sun comes up. You'd need around 3KW of panels to do this if they were oriented correctly so call it double that if they are flat in the roof of the bus. Another $7k there for the panels and inverter.

You up for running a couple of fans yet? That IS doable - I can run a 240 volt pedestal fan through my inverter all night from 2 x 100AH batteries.

**LandyAndy** · 26th November 2016, 09:29 PM

Originally Posted by Homestar

You'll need a LOT of capacity to run an AC overnight. Say it draws around 2000 watts when the compressor is on - call it a 50% duty cycle, you'll need to be able to supply 1000 watts continuously - so 8 to 10KWH overnight.

My figures may but a bit out without using a calculator or knowing what AC you're running, but it will give you an idea.

So, if you don't want to drag your batteries down below say 40% then you would need the equivalent of around 40 x 100AH batteries to do this. That's about 1.2 tonnes of batteries and over $10,000 to buy.

Next problem is charging them when the sun comes up. You'd need around 3KW of panels to do this if they were oriented correctly so call it double that if they are flat in the roof of the bus. Another $7k there for the panels and inverter.

You up for running a couple of fans yet? That IS doable - I can run a 240 volt pedestal fan through my inverter all night from 2 x 100AH batteries.

Sounds like you are saying TOUGHEN UP PRINCESS

Andrew

**Homestar** · 26th November 2016, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by LandyAndy

Sounds like you are saying TOUGHEN UP PRINCESS

Andrew

Pretty much...

**cuppabillytea** · 26th November 2016, 09:34 PM

deleted post: Wrong victim.

**JDNSW** · 27th November 2016, 06:20 AM

Perhaps worth pointing out that a relatively small, very well soundproofed, diesel generator would cost a lot less, weigh a lot less and occupy a lot less space than sufficient batteries and panels to run airconditioning.

On this note I might mention that my nephew, who is currently converting a bus to a motor home, is planning a large trailer that will have, on the back two thirds, a flatbed for his small car, and on the front a full height closed section with a back wall that folds out when the car is off to reveal his workshop including lathe, drill press, welder etc - and diesel generator. The bus will have solar panels on the roof, and 'house' batteries, but the aircon will normally run only when the generator is running as I understand it.

John

Thread: I've gone and done it.

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