Amp Draw ?

[Mike S]

One of the folks who frequents this site has this available on his site.

Vertical Power.

http://www.verticalpower.com/docs/Device_Amps.pdf

[alpinelakespilot2000]

Originally Posted by Mike S

One of the folks who frequents this site has this available on his site.

Vertical Power.

http://www.verticalpower.com/docs/Device_Amps.pdf

Thanks Mike. It's good to have a ballpark number at least.

One problem that I see with this list though, is that it's very generic and some of the numbers may be questionable. (It seems as though verticalpower is simply listing numbers that other builders have reported to them.) For example, the vertical power document doesn't identify their fuel pumps. There are multiple Facet pumps, for example, that each draw a little differently (although the Spruce catalog indicates all of their 12V Facets draw <= 1AMP "at max. delivery." Also, I don't think there is any such thing as a "Van's" pump (that, according to the document, draws 3.77AMPs). That seems like an awful big number, unless it is for the high pressure fuel injected pump. If, on the other hand, we're meaning the Facet 40108 which Van's requires for their carbed versions, again, that should only be 0.8 amps if the Wick's and Spruce catalogs are correct.

Also, on the flaps... while the flaps only draw 3.87AMPs under air load according to the verticalpower doc., this number is apparently significantly higher when the flaps are under load. A number of builders have reported, in the archives, that they had to up their fuses to 7.0 once they started flying.

It would be nice if someone would put together an accurate list for those who are planning their panels. It would certainly help me! Thanks again, though, for the list Mike. I'll start there but be sure to check everything against other sources.

[Doug]

Originally Posted by RV_7A

When the flap motor reachs the end of its travel and the clutch starts slipping is pretty much the highest load this motor will ever see...

The flap mechanism seems to run off the end of the leadscrew and the motor free-wheels at the limit. There seems to be very little load mechanically (or electrically) at this point.

BTW Vans electrical wiring harness calls out a 5A CCT breaker for the flaps.
Doug

[kevkdev]

Originally Posted by alpinelakespilot2000

One problem that I see with this list though, is that it's very generic and some of the numbers may be questionable. (It seems as though verticalpower is simply listing numbers that other builders have reported to them.) For example, the vertical power document doesn't identify their fuel pumps.

It would be nice if someone would put together an accurate list for those who are planning their panels. It would certainly help me! Thanks again, though, for the list Mike. I'll start there but be sure to check everything against other sources.

You're right - our list at Vertical Power isn't exhaustive, but meant as a guideline for planning. Always check the vendor's data sheet(s) for the fuse size information. Maybe over time, some of our customers will send in their actual loads (total) and device specific loads (e.g. Garmin 430 draws Z amps). It would obviously be a large list, but quite helpful for anyone who wanted a look.

[MCA]

Originally Posted by alpinelakespilot2000

Also, on the flaps... while the flaps only draw 3.87AMPs under air load according to the verticalpower doc., this number is apparently significantly higher when the flaps are under load. A number of builders have reported, in the archives, that they had to up their fuses to 7.0 once they started flying.

As far as the flaps, it's an odd situation.. yes, Van's does specify 5A and that usually works fine. I blew my 5A fuse on the first flight, then swithced to 7.5A. Now with the Vertical Power system, I have it set at 5A and it works fine. Most others I know are fine with the 5A fuse. The load does spike up a bit sometimes, and there are tolerances on fuses. As you may know, a 5A fuse does not blow at 5.1A. There is some time needed for the CB or fuse to heat up, and the higher over the rated current the load is the faster it heats up and blows. Go look at a spec sheet and you'll see a curve of current load vs time.

It would be nice if someone would put together an accurate list for those who are planning their panels. It would certainly help me! Thanks again, though, for the list Mike. I'll start there but be sure to check everything against other sources.

Steve, we ARE putting together the list but we simply don't have the time or resources to test every load out there. If anyone, incuding yourself, wants to send us the results of research they've done then we will include it in the list. It's already a combination of input from many folks. And, yes, we should clarify what type of fuel pump it is (AFP for FI).

[alpinelakespilot2000]

Thanks Marc. No criticism of your list was intended. It's been helpful to have someplace to start. As you mention, and as I already mentioned before, it just needs to be corroborated by other sources.