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Topic ClosedPowering a Pod with a Prius

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techntrek View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Powering a Pod with a Prius
    Posted: 21 Oct 2011 at 10:39am
Looks like I'll be using one of my UPSs this weekend. No hookups, so it will be nice to still use the microwave and electric heater overnight, on low (getting down into the 30's both nights). The furnace wakes me up every time it fires up so I hate using it.

Ironically even though my wife is coming up later so we'll have her Prius, I won't be using it. Only the internal batteries of the UPS. I ran into a problem with the newer UPS which I updated on the other forum I mentioned earlier in this thread. I don't expect the batteries to last through both nights but something is better than nothing.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Sep 2011 at 3:11pm
I thought it was my fault, too.  Maybe I didn't hit Post Reply when I thought I had.  But the 2nd time it happened I clearly remembered seeing the post after the page reloaded.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Sep 2011 at 1:59pm
Originally posted by techntrek

Odd, I've now made 2 posts to this thread that later disappeared.  The 2nd post that went POOF, I was trying to say that I've fixed the link above.
 
I've had a couple of similar things happen lately.....interesting.Ying Yang
 
I had attributed it to operator error.  Maybe something else is going on.
 
I enjoyed the discussion on the other forum.....perhaps when I get more time....
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Sep 2011 at 12:27pm
Odd, I've now made 2 posts to this thread that later disappeared.  The 2nd post that went POOF, I was trying to say that I've fixed the link above.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Sep 2011 at 10:55am
Cool stuff......a "generator" that you can drive! Smile
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Sep 2011 at 4:20am
Doug: I couldn't get your link above to work.  Message said "Server not found".

Terry
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Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Sep 2011 at 10:16pm

I wish I could take credit for the idea, but others went before me.  I did an in-depth write-up on a solar forum I frequent if you want pics and the boring tech details.  http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?t=12962

Sorry I didn't post them directly here, but its a pain getting them up on one forum let alone 2!

furpod, the Fusion probably has its own voltage range which may make it difficult to find an inverter or UPS that can handle it.  Not impossible, it will just take some investigation.  A much easier alternative is to stick with the 12 volt system.  Most hybrids drive the 12 volt system from the high volt system (no alternators like your standard car) through a DC-to-DC converter.  A Prius can handle a 1000 watt load on top of its internal 12 volt loads (its converter is about 1200 watts).  A Volt can handle 1500 watts (its converter is 2000 watts).  You would have to do some checking online to find out what the converter in the Fusion will do, then deduct a few hundred watts to see what you can use yourself.  1000 watts is more than enough to keep a fridge running, plus a few CFLs and a TV.  And you won't have to dig in any deeper than the 12 volt battery.

Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Sep 2011 at 8:19pm
Doug,
I swear, that inventive mind of yours never stops!  I love your Prius Pod Mod!  Thumbs Up  I think it's a great idea - you get to "drive" your generator instead of carrying it.
Diane
2011 RP 177, the Hodge-PODge
2011 Mercedes ML350
"A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it."

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Sep 2011 at 2:19pm
It seems that.. if the Prius can't tow the pod.. but the tow vehicle can carry the regular genny..

It's a net loss in the Co2 factor because you are driving a second vehicle...

BUT, I am very impressed with the ability to use the power in the Prius battery pack.. details would be awesome, as my parents have a Fusion hybrid, and it seems it should work with it also... Could be handy info for them if another "big one" hits northern Cali..
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Sep 2011 at 12:11pm

I took pics but I need to resize and post them first.  I ended up running it for 14 hours and put 2.8 gallons back in the tank, which works out to 0.2 gallons per hour.  Comparable to the Honda and Yamaha inverter-generators.  Very efficient.

It is too bad I can't tow with the Prius, like you said, maybe in the future!

Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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