An interesting item from BoingBoing today on using Prius as backup home electric source:

http://www.boingboing.net/2006/01/03...owerplant.html

like this?

http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/0...ight=prius+ups

Wouldn't it be possible to convert any old car into a back-up generator? You could always install a heavy duty 100-200 amp alternator and a couple of 6v LA batteries in series and run a nice power inverter for all your needs? 12v x 200 amps = 2.4KW more or less (4 hp +/-) ..... Crank up the RPM's to suit your power needs??

of course. One of the warnings about voiding a vehicle warrantee is "when used as a stationary power source or generator."

Its just a little easier to do it w/ a hybrid, since the high-power electronics and HV battery are already there (sans inverter) and the engine is already programmed to turn on to maintain battery state.

It's a lot more efficient to use a Prius because it shuts down the engine when the load is low. This lets the engine operate much more efficiently since it doesn't need to idle 'waiting' for a load.

Any car could be used, but a Prius is basically good to go, everything you need including a large battery is already there.

2001 Prius Photos       2005 Prius Photos
1992 Mitsubishi Delica Diesel-WVO Hybrid Photos

Hi,

We have direct experience using the same 1 kW inverter with an Echo and our Prius. The results were:

Echo:
~500 W. at engine idle speed
~0.6 gal/hour for 0.5 kW load (~18 hours using a full tank)
Significant problems dealing with startup loads. Engine has to spin faster than idle for alternator to generate full 1 kW power.

Prius:
1,000 W.
0.25 gal/hour for 1 kW load (~44 hrs using a full tank)
No problem dealing with startup loads since traction battery system has abundant and instant surge capacity.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

Recently there was a power outage in my area. Had power not been restored before I needed to, I was going to run an extension cord up the stairs from the basement and use the FEH to power the sump pump to prevent basement flooding.

Gotta say, it's nice to have that option, but I'm looking now at UPS and backup generators for the sump pump.

First 4WD Hypermiler

Have you read the FEH FAQ?

Live in Michigan? Let it be known in Michigan Roll Call

Read My Automotive Blog at Rich Rambles

Home Depot and Lowes have battery sump pumps for ~$150 after battery, acid, and pump.

The pump tees in to the main pump discharge, with a check valve on each pump oulet. You use a wet LA 12V battery and charger that come with it (can use a car battery, but they recommend one you add the acid to). The pump is always ready to pump when its float trips, with or without AC power- so it can supplement a overwhelmed or degraded/broken main pump in addition to power outage protection. Mine's been online since 2002.

I made it through 48 hours last year with no power and constant rain (3+ inches total) with no hiccups. Very good, long-lasting, and reliable. A one-time insurance policy.