First off, let me say that I'm not trying to power my entire house from the Prius. I just wanted a few critical items to continue to operate if we lose power: the refrigerator, the Macintosh, the DSL, and a few lights. Additionally, my work sometimes takes me to the middle of nowhere, and having AC power available from the Prius is nice. I figured with the history of rolling blackouts/brownouts during summer in Southern California, I wanted to be a bit more prepared. Yes, I could have bought a small generator, but the Prius pollutes a lot less than a generator. And besides, would buying a generator be as interesting as using the Prius as a power source? You should find the project file attached. If not, just navigate to: http://www.box.net/shared/9dc62z6acc (While you are at "box.net", you can also peruse my other Prius projects if you'd like).
Very very well done write up. I've considered something like this but had some things I wasn't sure about and your document answered all those questions.
One thing I'd suggest as an improvement...or at least a help. A summary of the parts, tools, and resources for same at the top of the document...something easy to glance at to make sure you have everything you need before you start. Also, consider e-mailing [email protected] to have this included in the articles section (along with your other documents) as an easy to find resource for others in the future.
Ah, and you've clearly got the larger 12V battery than seen in my page on it and the DC/DC, http://techno-fandom.org/~hobbit/cars/prius-12V/ I actually wasn't aware of this before discussion ensued after I'd done that page, and it turned out the 45 Ah unit is for the cars with smartkey and nav and all that. Why they didn't just use the same AGM in all of 'em, I can't imagine. Some of the Lifeline deep-cycles are looking like nice replacements for when the original finally goes, although their peak UPS-driving capability might be slightly limited... and will take all kinds of terminal mods, of course. . Good stuff, though. It's nice to see all these different ways of mounting people are doing.. . _H*
very clean install, I would assume you used stranded #2 cable for ease of movement. I also like the use of Anderson connectors. #2 welding cable would work just fine for those wanting to do this also , my be eaiser to obtain.
Excellent job in all respects! I would only add that ANL fuses and holders are often available cheaply on eBay. Their primary market seems to be giant audio systems for cars. I am now using a 60 amp ANL in a similar setup, but if your 40 amp never blows, it is certainly the better choice. In the classic Prius, a 110vac socket pair can be installed on the lower backside of the center console. Is this also possible in the newer model?
I want to thank you for your well-documented article on setting up the Prius for minimal electricity back-up power. Yours is an attractive package for travel too! If we do experience future electrical outages, I would certainly be satisfied with power for my fridge/freezer and a fan! JohnC :]
