Batteries in Parallel

[ubermeister]

The inverter is rated for 500 watts continuous, and 800 watts surge. I do not expect to be drawing this much continuously- at competitions it will be powering a few computers in the stands and possibly a video camera. But it is nice to be able to power small power tools also, which is why I went with the larger inverter. It is pretty efficient, around 80-90%.

Originally Posted by MCahoon

I think you will want to go with a design that has more margin - I might suggest about twice the expected maximum current. Consider something like http://www.st.com/stonline/products/...stps120l15.pdf possibly? Has lower forward voltage drop at maximum current and somewhat lower thermal resistance.

I saw that too looking for diodes, but I'm slightly confused about the rating. Does V(F) mean forward voltage, or forward voltage drop? It isn't much good if it can only handle 0.31v forward.

At the moment I like the idea of a switch, but it would need to be an interesting switch: SPDT, but in the center, instead of momentarily opening both terminals, momentarily closing both terminals. The marine battery switch seems to only allow for the first battery or both, never just the second.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Diodes?