PorchDog
New Member
Exploring a way to automatically turn an inverter on and off while powering a dorm fridge. I see where most inverters have a remote on/off function, which appears to be a simple switch closure---closed is on-- open is off.
My idea would take advantage of the already existing bi-metallic thermostat inside the refrigerator to turn the inverter on and off- the fridge would stay connected --with the compressor wired straight to the power cord such that when the inverter turns on (as commanded by the fridge thermostat) the compressor would start immediately and run until the thermostat contacts open and turn the invertor off. This of course would require a small dedicated inverter.
My concern here is whether the inverter can handle starting up -- or be damaged--with the compressor load across the output terminals at all times. (Although I assume this is the case in many applications)
The goal here is to minimize or eliminate idle current usage.
Anyone done this?
My idea would take advantage of the already existing bi-metallic thermostat inside the refrigerator to turn the inverter on and off- the fridge would stay connected --with the compressor wired straight to the power cord such that when the inverter turns on (as commanded by the fridge thermostat) the compressor would start immediately and run until the thermostat contacts open and turn the invertor off. This of course would require a small dedicated inverter.
My concern here is whether the inverter can handle starting up -- or be damaged--with the compressor load across the output terminals at all times. (Although I assume this is the case in many applications)
The goal here is to minimize or eliminate idle current usage.
Anyone done this?