What is a Power Converter | Keeping Your RV Powered Up At All Times
If you’re wondering what a power converter is and how it works you are not alone. We’ll break down what a battery power converter is and why it is essential for your power system.
Ever wondered, what a power converter is and why it is so essential for your RV? Power converters play a crucial role in our daily lives on the road, ensuring our gadgets and appliances get the right type of electricity to power them up.
Without a power converter you could not keep your RV house battery bank fully charged (unless you have a great solar panel system setup). So if you just purchased an RV and aren’t sure whether or not you have converter in your RV, it is very likely that you do.
But knowing where it is and how it works is important, particularly if you are considering upgrading to lithium RV batteries.
In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into understanding what the difference is between an RV inverter and a converter, explore their applications, and discover how to choose the right converter for your RV.
Let’s get started!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Power converters are used to convert electric power from AC voltage to DC voltage, while inverters specifically convert DC power into AC power.
- Converters are essential in almost all modern RV applications
- When selecting a converter for your RV, consider the total connected device requirement, compatibility with your RV voltage and battery type, efficiency & safety considerations for optimal energy conversion.
- If you invest in lithium batteries you MUST have a converter specifically designed for the higher voltage lithium batteries require when charging
Understanding The Difference Between Power Converters And Inverters
Power converters are versatile devices that transform electric power from one form to another, such as AC power to DC power. Their primary purpose of a power converter is to supply the desired type of electric power for a particular load.
A converter takes AC voltage, typically delivered at 110 volts, and converts it into DC voltage, typically either 12 volts or 24 volts.
Conversely, inverters are designed to specifically convert DC power to AC power. They are useful when you want to use AC power to provide adequate electricity for devices you would use at home such as coffee makers, microwaves, computers, and cell phones.
Both converters and inverters are useful, if not necessary, in any RV application and having the right ones can make all of the difference in your RV lifestyle.
Understanding the difference between these two devices requires a detailed look at the various types of conversions that can occur.
AC to DC Conversion
AC to DC conversion, or rectification, is the process of transforming alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) using an AC input. This conversion is essential as many electronic devices and battery charging systems require a stable DC output.
In technical terms, a rectifier, also known as an AC to DC converter, uses a circuit with diodes to achieve this conversion. The diodes permit current to flow in one direction, converting the AC voltage into a pulsating DC voltage, which is then leveled out to produce a consistent DC output for your devices.
AC to DC conversion allows your converter to charge your RV house battery bank, which will allow you to use all sorts of DC appliances such as lights, fans and your water pump inside the RV.
DC to AC Conversion (Inverters)
Inverters, designed as power-electronic circuits, transform direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), effectively alternating the polarities of DC power to produce AC power. This allows you to use your battery bank to provide electricity at the correct voltage for your AC appliances.
An inverter converts DC input into AC output, making it suitable for use by AC devices. Inverters are becoming more and more standard among the RV lifestyle as they allow you to use electrical devices that would otherwise rely on other sources of AC power such as a generator or shore power.
DC to DC Conversion
Transforming direct current from one voltage level to another—a process known as DC to DC conversion— is typically found between the vehicle alternator and the house battery bank.
While more common in conversion vans, the idea is that the alternator is producing DC voltage while the engine is running. In essence, the alternator becomes the power supply to recharge your battery bank.
That DC voltage can then be transferred to the battery bank, but at a level that is safe and acceptable for the house battery.
This type of conversion is vital for various DC circuits and electronic systems, ensuring compatibility with different voltage levels.
How Does AC to DC Conversion Work
This section is a little technical. So if you’re just wondering what a power converter is and why you need one, skip on to the next section.
AC to DC conversion is achieved through the use of a rectifier circuit in power converters. This rectifier circuit consists of diodes that allow current to flow in one direction only, converting AC power into DC power. The circuit is responsible for rectifying the AC voltage into a pulsating DC voltage, which is then leveled out to generate a consistent DC output.
The components required for AC to DC conversion include a rectifier circuit, diodes, and a transformer. The transformer is utilized to step down the input voltage of the AC power, ensuring that the output voltage is suitable for the connected AC device.
AC to DC conversion offers benefits such as enhanced efficiency, heightened safety, and cost reduction. However, the process also has potential disadvantages including the need for a rectifier circuit and transformer, as well as the possibility of power loss.
What are Power Converters Used For
Power converters are ever-present in the modern RV world, serving as a backbone for almost all electronic device usage inside your recreational vehicle. Without a power converter, you would not have the ability to keep your house batteries charged, thus reducing your ability to provide electricity to all of your electrical devices.
RV Applications
Power converters play a vital role in recreational vehicles (RVs). They serve multiple purposes, such as:
- Converting alternating current power from shore power or generators into direct current power for the RV’s electrical system
- Running 12-volt DC appliances and accessories without draining the batteries
- Keeping the batteries at least partially charged while connected to a power source
Advantages of Power Converters
It is almost impossible to find an RV that does not have a power converter built into the power system as they are integral in keeping the house batteries charged.
However, if you were going to design an RV power system from scratch, in theory you could bypass the need for a converter by having a robust solar system installed. This would be for off-grid living as you would have no need for shore power at that point.
From a practical standpoint, power converters are essential to RV life. They are affordable, relatively easy to install, and become a worry-free electrical component in your RV.
Their high degree of reliability ensures that they can provide stable and efficient power conversion for various devices and systems. Additionally, their small size makes them convenient to install and requires less space.
High efficiency in power converters means that they can convert a greater amount of power with minimal energy loss. Moreover, their fast response enables them to quickly adapt to changing power requirements.
Note that in order to convert to RV lithium batteries, you will need to have a power converter that is suited for lithium batteries. Thus, if you purchased an older model RV you will want to make sure that the power converter you have is compatible with lithium batteries.
If not, you should consider upgrading it immediately to a power converter that is compatible with lithium batteries.
We offer this one by Progressive Dynamics that fits nearly every RV application.
Choosing the Right Power Converter For Your RV
Several factors warrant consideration when choosing the optimal power converter for your RV.
First, determine what type of batteries you have or plan to have in your RV. Because lithium batteries require a higher charging voltage, up to 14.4 volts, a standard converter is not going to be able to fully charge your lithium batteries.
You will not harm the batteries. They will just never achieve a full state of charge unless you have a power converter rated for lithium batteries.
Second, consider the space and size you have available in your power distribution center. Chances are, you are simply replacing an older converter that may have gone bad over time or was “fried” during a power surge. If this is the case, ensuring that you have the proper dimensions measured correctly for replacing the old converter is essential.
Finally, consider the quality of the power converter in terms of the input voltage range (typically 110V to 130V at 50/60 Hz) and the output amperage rating. If you have a 30 amp power system you could potentially select a different converter than if you have a 50 amp system. Be sure to verify that the converter is compatible with the size of your power system.
Safety Considerations for Using Power Converters
Safety is paramount when installing and operating power converters. It’s vital to ensure that the power converter is properly grounded and wired. Moreover, confirm that the power converter is rated for the voltage and current it will be handling to avoid potential hazards.
Because converters are constantly dealing with electricity passing through, they generate heat and have a built-in fan. You will want to make sure this fan remains operable and that the converter is in a ventilated space where the fan has the ability to move air through the converter.
Aside from a power surge destroying the entire converter, a broken fan is the most common failure when it comes to converters.
Proper maintenance is also crucial for the safe operation of power converters. Periodically inspect the wiring and connections for signs of deterioration or damage. Ensure that the power converter is kept clean and clear of dust and debris to prevent overheating and other potential issues.
Summary
Power converters serve as essential components in our daily lives, enabling efficient and stable power conversion for various devices and systems.
Understanding what a converter is, why it is so important to RV applications and the factors to consider when choosing the right converter for your RV can greatly enhance your overall RV experience.
Remember to prioritize safety and proper maintenance, ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of your power converters. And don’t forget to upgrade to a converter capable of charging lithium batteries if you upgrade your battery bank to lithium batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are power converters used for?
Power converters are essential components that can convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). They are most commonly used to change the form of electrical energy in order to charge your RV house batteries that provide power to DC appliances such as lights and fans.
What's the difference between a power converter and a power inverter?
A converter is an electrical device that converts the voltage of electric devices, usually alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), while an inverter is an electrical device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). A converter most commonly charges house battery banks, while an inverter allows you to use common household AC power devices using the DC power stored in your batteries.
What is the purpose of AC to DC conversion?
AC to DC conversion is necessary for creating a reliable and stable power supply for electronic devices and batteries, ensuring their optimal performance. Most commonly in RV applications, a converter takes 110V AC power from a power source such as shore power or a generator and converts it to 12V DC power that is sent directly to the house battery bank.
NEED MORE ASSISTANCE PLANNING YOUR POWER SETUP? GIVE US A CALL AT 303-968-1366 AND OUR TEAM WILL HELP YOU GET STARTED! |