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I wanted to get some real life feedback from people who may be using the multiplus 2000w inv/charger to run high watt appliances like a microwave or hair dryer. The continuous output of this inv/charger is 1600watts and someone suggested to me that using the 1500 watt appliances for any period of time would make it heat up too much and might be pushing the 2000watt inverter to its limit and reduce service life. Can anyone comment on their experience in real world situation?
The condition I am enquiring about is for use in a traveler trailer so ambient temp will change. I am wondering because I am being advised that 2000watt inv/charger will not last as long as the 3000 watt model under the rationale that if one uses a high watt appliance (1500 watts max) this will be stressing the 2000 watt model too much. The recommendation was to get the larger 3000 watt model because of this issue. I question this logic because why would Victron have a 2000watt model at all if it wont be durable at its rated capacity. I can understand that the 3000watt model would have to “work” less than the 2000watt under this load but does that really translate to a significant reduction in service life? I was hoping someone might be able to report on their experience with this model under similar circumstances. Thanks!
I'm not sure whether you'll get the definitive answer you're looking for. You'd need a large sample size over a long period of time - as you pointed out, Victron would be facing returns if the 2000W isn't actually rated for 2000W. I'm not aware of longitudinal studies although Victron may have some internal data.
If you look at the physics/engineering behind the question, a higher wattage model obviously would have larger MOSFETs, transformers with beefier windings, etc. So from that perspective and other things being equal, a 3000W model would run cooler than a 2000W model. But I'd suspect that the difference is small.
The reason I asked about usage conditions is because that is likely to have a larger impact on service life. A 2000W model that is kept cool because of good ventilation is likely to last longer than a 3000W model that is stuck in a cupboard, for the same given load. I can't quantify this for you, called it engineering intuition.
Hello Lstyles,
I believe this should answer your question:
Cont. output power at 25°C (VA) (3) 800 1200 1600 2000 3000 5000
Cont. output power at 25°C (W) 700 1000 1300 1600 2400 4000
Cont. output power at 40°C (W) 650 900 1200 1400 2200 3700
Cont. output power at 65°C (W) 400 600 800 1000 1700 3000
Peak power (W) 1600 2400 3000 4000 6000 10.000
Temperature is of great influence!
Different size is also useful of the space is limited, you can use two small one and setup in parallel to get the amount of power you need.
Think of how much piek power you need and size the inverter properly
It is difficult to be prepared for any kind of situation, budget, use of equipment and the load.
You can think of a great solution and you know exactly how to use it.. then someone else will use the water cocker to make a thee.... just like at home.. (I have seen this happening..)
Best regards, Rob
