"George Pearson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > > --- Electricky Dicky <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > wrote: > >> Even if you add the efficiency of the alternator say 50% therefore >> doubling these numbers it still does not make sense! >> I totally agree > > My earlier point was that even though "lightly loaded", the engine is > is still can be producing the same power (about 5hp) that it uses for > normal canal cruising, so if one is happy with the loading then, one > should not be overly concerned when using the engine to generate AC. > > I was about to mention the TP efficiency issue myself. Since the TP > uses pure electronics to produce the 50Hz sine wave, it seems like > significant losses are inevitable. Thus the TP would be expected to > require more engine power than the simple kilowatt conversion would > imply (and use more fuel as well). (Note to less-techies: an AC > gennie, unlike the TP, runs at a constant speed, and produces the 50Hz > as a natural result - thus it ought to be more efficient. I have no > figures though.)
Yes I agree with that provided that the TP is running at or near its full power. A 5kw TP will take 6.5hp from the engine using a straight conversion add 50% for inefficiency that's 9hp at 5kw. fine for loading the engine. However most of the time that it is in use, unless you are using electric heating, aircon or cooking, it will be running at more like 200watts, or less than 0.5hp. Julian
