doin the maths- engel power consumption
Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 01, 2011 at 19:54
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oz doc
Hi all, doing some research before replacing our Trojan marine battery in the camper. I was doing some loose mental math as to my power usage on the engel but got a bit lost trying to workout if there is a prediction on how long it cycles for at the different dial settings. I started out using maximum 4.2 amps and cycling 50%, however on reflection- with the fridge (its a 57L combo) running on no 5 and keeping the freezer nice and frozen, it would problably be running close to 100%. Short of sitting there measuring each time it cycles on and off is there a better way of doing my calculations.The Troj was down to 12v(under load) after 12 houirs which is the worst it has performed. It is now 5 years old and has been mistreated terribly in the past. I was hoping to replace it with another battery and get about 48 hours before having to recharge. My caclulations suggest a 130ah unit should achieve this however want to be more sure of the numbers before making a purchase. Also is it true that Engels don't have a low voltage cutout and will suck a battery dry?ta, doc.
(ps -I know this falls under the dreaded battery/12 volts suject heading- play nicely everyone!)
Reply By: The Bantam - Wednesday, Nov 02, 2011 at 11:01
Wednesday, Nov 02, 2011 at 11:01
As has been posted before the real issue is the variability...AND the freezer.
There is amssive difference between running a fridge at arround +2C and a freezer at -15C.
I have 2 identical WACKO's on my 90AH battery I can run the fridge ( assuming it and its contents are prechilled) for 2 to 3 days no problems with out starting or charging, but running as a freezer I will not get a full day, running both overnight is a bit of an ask.
its all about heat ( or cold losses) the colder it is the more it will draw and plenty off it....and the hotter it gets outside the worse it gets.
Unless you have a huge battery I would not expect to run the freezer at a safe temperature in addition to the fridge more than overnight without charging.
And namn right the engel does not have a low voltage cut out...this is good and bad.
Off the shelf seperate low voltage cut outs can be easily baught...even Jaycar has them.
cheers
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