Can a 5V DC to 100V AC Inverter Power a Television?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using a 5V DC to 100V AC inverter to power a television or other electronic devices that typically require 110V to 125V. Participants explore the implications of power requirements, efficiency, and the reliability of the inverter in practical applications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the inverter can power a television, noting that it successfully powers a light bulb.
  • Another participant estimates that the fluorescent lamp used is rated under 5W and expresses doubt about the inverter's ability to sustain that load for 8 hours, suggesting that higher loads would require more than 5A at 5V, which could damage the inverter.
  • A different participant expresses skepticism about the setup's efficiency, arguing that the solar panel appears inadequate for generating even a single Watt, despite the lamp glowing brightly.
  • Some participants agree that the example presented does not seem credible, with one explicitly stating disbelief in the claims made about the solar panel's performance.
  • One participant clarifies that the inverter could work if the batteries are charged, but emphasizes that it is a low-powered device, likely outputting only a few watts and not at the standard frequency.
  • A participant inquires about the voltage requirements for specific lighting used in scanners, suggesting potential alternative applications for low-powered lighting.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express skepticism about the inverter's capability to power higher-load devices like televisions, with no consensus on the effectiveness of the setup described. Multiple competing views regarding the inverter's reliability and the solar panel's efficiency remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention energy losses in inverters and the need for effective heat dissipation, indicating that the discussion is limited by assumptions about the inverter's design and operational conditions.

High_Voltage
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The guy uses the inverter to power a light bulb, would the 5vDC to 100vAC be able to power a television, or other electronic devices that require about 110v to 125v.
 
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that florescent lamp shown would be rated <5W. so current drawn from 5V would be <1A. i doubt that inverter can light that bulb for continuous 8 Hours.

if you want to power higher loads say 25W (for ~20" lcd tv) power input at 5V level should be >5A. such heavy currents would certainly burn the inverter chip used in seconds. there should be always energy losses in inverter, the heat generated should be dissipated effectively to avoid temperature rise . inverter chip would be of bigger size with heat dissipation capabilities for higher load.
 
I tend to keep the more negative opinions to myself, but this guy's example doesn't ring true. He's operating a solar panel from just the light in the room. The panel is small, and looking at it, it doesn't look to be a high efficeincy type.
Altogether, I don't think there's any way he could get a single Watt out of that setup and yet he has a lamp glowing brightly? I don't think so...
 
I played it again. He actually says he has two batteries in the solar panel box giving 8 volts which he regulates to 5 volts.

So, it would work away from the sun if the batteries were already charged, which he says they are.

But, yes, it is a low powered device just giving a few watts out at most. And certainly not at 60 Hz.

BTW does anyone know what voltage those white lights in scanners work on? Seems like a nice light for pathways or even portrait photography.
 
hey guy
just need enough power
 

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