I have a 2019 Hyundai Elantra, 4 cyl, engine, 65000 mi. I have been considering one of those car-engine powered inverters (1000-3000w) to give me some short-term electrical power for my place when the power goes out (and it does every year here in Texas). Have you seen any engine hazards using these inverters? How do I determine what my alternator puts out to power these? Are there any potential problems in installing a higher-output alternator, if necessary? Thanks.
That much wattage is going to pull a heck of a lot of current from your electrical system. Since Watts=Volts*Amps, ignoring conversion losses, your car's alternator and wiring would need to provide 250 amps for a 3000 watt inverter. (167 amps for 2000 watts, 83 amps for 1000 watts.)
Rather than installing such a high capacity alternator and the necessary wiring (potentially damaging something in the car and voiding the warranty) you'd be better off buying a portable generator, preferably an inverter type if you want to run electronics from it.
I agree with Chuck. I don’t know any EE, but seems like they usually design electrical parts for the anticipated load. A portable generator would be designed for that purpose
Pretty much impossible. Cars are not suited as power generators.
3kW = approx 4 horsepower (not factoring in any inefficiency losses)
Your small Elantra engine generates approx 12hp at idle, and most of that power is required just to keep the engine turning. That kind of load would likely stall the engine.
As Chuck explained, car alternators (which is about the size of a pickle jar) are not designed to power a household. There is simply no reason to build that kind of capacity into it. It's only job is to charge a car battery and run a few accessories. That's it. At engine idle speed, it generates less than 20A (240W), and even if you jammed your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, you're only going to get around 90A(1kW). As Chuck calculated for you, 3kW @ 12V is a current of around 250A. So you would need about 3 alternators going at the same time, with the engine screaming. And then there's the wiring .... your car's wiring wasn't built to power a house... and the fusing for safety that would be required ... I don't think I need to continue. You get the idea. Not to mention that with sustained effort like that the alternator would quickly wear out.
You are much better off with a portable generator.
What could be easier. Start it up, plug it in and go.
