Do they have powerful battery packs that can run a vacuum?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and safety of using powerful battery packs to run vacuum cleaners, particularly in large spaces where traditional power outlets may be inconvenient. Participants explore various concepts, including the potential for backpack-style battery packs and the implications of using gas motors indoors versus electric options.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the existence of battery packs that can be worn to power vacuum cleaners, questioning the safety of carrying such power.
  • Others suggest that similar technology exists for leaf blowers, indicating that a vacuum could potentially be designed in a similar manner.
  • There are mentions of central vacuum systems that eliminate the need for power cords, which could be beneficial in certain environments.
  • One participant notes that Dyson offers cordless vacuum cleaners, which could be adapted for longer cleaning sessions by swapping batteries.
  • Concerns are raised about the use of gas motors indoors, with some arguing that it may be acceptable in large spaces, while others emphasize the risks.
  • Discussion includes the calculation of battery size needed to power a vacuum for a specified duration, with one participant providing a rough estimate based on power consumption.
  • Some participants mention existing electric yard vacuums that operate on battery systems, questioning their effectiveness on carpets.
  • There is a humorous exchange regarding the terminology of "ICE machines" and the implications of battery radiation, with some participants making light of the topic.
  • One participant expresses a desire for less restrictive power sources for cleaning equipment, citing concerns about the condition of available outlets.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the safety and practicality of using large battery packs for vacuum cleaners. Multiple competing views are presented regarding the use of gas versus electric power, and the discussion remains unresolved on several technical aspects.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various types of vacuum systems and battery specifications, but there are limitations in the assumptions made regarding power requirements and safety considerations. The discussion also includes speculative humor that may detract from the technical focus.

LightningInAJar
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TL;DR
Big battery packs.
For those that have to vacuum large spaces often have to use many different outlets and worry about running over their own cord. Is there a battery pack one can strap to their back to power a vacuum cleaner? Or would that amount of power tide to a person be dangerous?
 
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LightningInAJar said:
TL;DR Summary: Big battery packs.

For those that have to vacuum large spaces often have to use many different outlets and worry about running over their own cord. Is there a battery pack one can strap to their back to power a vacuum cleaner? Or would that amount of power tide to a person be dangerous?
Leaf blowers come in a version that has a gas motor that goes in a backpack. It is certainly conceivable that a vacuum cleaner could run the same way.
 
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LightningInAJar said:
For those that have to vacuum large spaces often have to use many different outlets and worry about running over their own cord.
They sometimes have long power cords that follow behind them.

Central or ducted vacuum systems work well where the rooms are smaller, such as homes and hotels. They have no power cord, just the vacuum hose to plug into the wall inlet.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_vacuum_cleaner
 
Dyson makes many cordless electric vacuum cleaners (probably rediculously overengineered) . I'm certain you could swap the battery out occasionally, so it wouldn't need to clean Madison Square Garden on a single charge. ?
 
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phinds said:
Leaf blowers come in a version that has a gas motor that goes in a backpack. It is certainly conceivable that a vacuum cleaner could run the same way.
I don't think a gas motor could run indoors though.
 
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LightningInAJar said:
I don't think a gas motor could run indoors though.
It can if it is a very large space. I wouldn't do it in a home but in sports stadium or airplane hanger it would be OK.
 
LightningInAJar said:
I don't think a gas motor could run indoors though.
That depends on what you mean by "gas".

There are many LPG fuelled vacuum cleaners and floor polishers, used in warehouses and shopping centres. For examples, Google 'propane vacuums'.
https://www.ruwac.com/product-type/propane-powered-vacuums/
 
Is it an ice machine or an ICE machine?
 
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  • #10
Vanadium 50 said:
Is it an ice machine or an ICE machine?
Both. It is an ice machine, AKA Zamboni.
I see, it is propelled across the ice, by an ICE.
 
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  • #11
And if Immigration and Customs Enforcement owns one, it's an ICE ice ICE machine? Ir is that an ICE ICE ice machine?
 
  • #12
"ICE machine" does not sound right, it is a bit like a redundant "ATM machine".
They don't call this the "silly season" for nothing.
The full Moon is tomorrow.
 
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  • #13
Baluncore said:
. . . it is a bit like a redundant "ATM machine".

Lol. . . . :wink:

RAS syndrome

.
 
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  • #14
Just call it the Zamboni........
 
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  • #15
hutchphd said:
Just call it the Zamboni........
Like, I have a six cylinder Zamboni in my car.
 
  • #16
Must be good on the ice.
 
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  • #17
I was thinking domestic places and close quarters businesses. Also there is a noise consideration. Do they have large battery packs that can output enough for a shop vacuum? Lets say 2 hours tops of cleaning. If it doesn't exist about how heavy would it be? Perhaps it can be dolly-ed around like a golf bag if not worn
 
  • #18
LightningInAJar said:
I was thinking domestic places and close quarters businesses. Also there is a noise consideration. Do they have large battery packs that can output enough for a shop vacuum? Lets say 2 hours tops of cleaning. If it doesn't exist about how heavy would it be? Perhaps it can be dolly-ed around like a golf bag if not worn
You can calculate all of this yourself. Look at the vacuum that you want to power and read the specifications in the manual or on the information plate near the power input connector. That will give you the input power consumption (something like 120VAC @ 2A = 240 Watts), and that will let you do an approximate calculation for the size of the battery you need to power the vacuum for 2 hours (480 Watt-hours = 12V battery * 40 Amp-hours). You will need the battery to be a bit bigger to take power supply conversion efficiency into account, but this will give you the ballpark battery sizes that you should be looking at...

[corrected typo in math in battery capacity calculation]
 
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  • #19
Or you could consider the fact that one can buy an electric yard vac/ leaf blower at the local hardware store. It works with any Ryobi 40V battery, no cart required.
 
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  • #20
hutchphd said:
Or you could consider the fact that one can buy an electric yard vac/ leaf blower at the local hardware store. It works with any Ryobi 40V battery, no cart required.
I'm afraid that wouldn't work on carpets. Lol. As for a powerpack I am still concerned with safety and health with such a power supply if any. Would anyone here have any reservations about strapping that much power to your back? Lol.
 
  • #21
LightningInAJar said:
Would anyone here have any reservations about strapping that much power to your back?
No problem.
Two-stroke engines on backpacks are used in harvesting fruit and spraying.
Backpack vacuum cleaners, with power cords, have been around for more than 50 years.
Now they are available with lithium batteries.
https://www.godfreys.com.au/pullman-advance-lithium-backpack-pl950
 
  • #22
That seems pretty definitive to me........thanks.
 
  • #23
LightningInAJar said:
Would anyone here have any reservations about strapping that much power to your back? Lol.
The 12V, 40A-Hr battery size that I came up with in the simple calculation a few posts back is about the size of a car battery. It would fit easily in the separate floor-based "following" unit in this style of floor vacuum:

1703865894418.png

https://www.thekitchn.com/things-to-know-before-buying-a-vacuum-23409075
 
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  • #24
I only ask because those afraid of cell phone radiation giving them a brain tumor would get any dangerous radiation from the battery more than the screen. And that's very low power compared to a vacuum. I am not in charge of what vacuums are purchased at the cleaning company I work for, but would like to be able to suggest a less restrictive power source. And many places have outlets that are falling apart. Lol.
 
  • #25
LightningInAJar said:
I only ask because those afraid of cell phone radiation giving them a brain tumor would get any dangerous radiation from the battery more than the screen.
Yeah, you got us there. 12V batteries do indeed emit a lot of 2.4GHz microwave radiation that can heat up your brain and gonads. Vaya con dios...
 
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  • #26
Vaya con diodes.
 
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  • #28
Vanadium 50 said:
Vaya con diodes.
Thank you for your rectification of the issues...
 
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  • #29
berkeman said:
Thank you for your rectification of the issues...
Silence from the forum....you can hear a PIN drop.
 
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  • #30
Vanadium 50 said:
Vaya con diodes.
I'm not very religious.......does that blessing work for all electric vehicles ?? To be administered during charging?
Or was that just a Schottke in the dark?
(Any depth to which you sink I can match..... its genetic. I beg you: cease this madness..)
 

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