Magnum Energy MMS Series - Manual (Page 8)

© 2014 Magnum Energy, Inc. 2
Introduction
1.2 How an Inverter/Charger Works
An inverter takes direct current (DC) from your batteries and turns
it into alternating current (AC), like you use at home. With MMS
Series models, it also takes alternating current (when connected to
a generator or to shorepower) and transforms it into direct current
to recharge your batteries.
The two modes of operation associated with this inverter/charger
are referred to in this document as:
Inverter Mode: DC from the batteries is transformed into pure sine
wave AC for powering your mobile applications.
Standby Mode: The unit operates as a battery charger to convert
incoming AC power into DC power to recharge the batteries while
continuing to pass the incoming AC power directly to the inverter’s
output, to power any AC loads.
1.2.1 Inverter Applications for Mobile Installations
Inverters can be used to provide power in mobile situations—RV,
truck, or boat. In these applications, the inverter provides power to
the AC loads using the energy stored in the batteries and recharges
the batteries when shorepower or an onboard generator is available.
1.3 Advantages of a Pure Sine Wave vs Modifi ed Sine
Wave Inverter
Today’s inverters come in two basic output waveforms: modifi ed sine
wave (which is actually a modifi ed square wave) and pure sine wave.
Modifi ed sine wave inverters approximate a pure sine waveform and
will run most appliances and electronics without any problems. These
inverters are less expensive and, therefore, offer a viable alternative
to more expensive pure sine wave inverters.
The output of a pure sine wave inverter is equal to, or in many
cases, better than the shorepower used in your home. Virtually any
electronic device will operate from a pure sine wave inverter. Mo-
tors run cooler, microwaves usually cook faster, and clocks keep
better time just to name a few examples. Without compromising
quality or performance, the MagnaSine provides you with all of the
advantages of a pure sine wave inverter at a much lower cost than
many on the market.
1.4 Appliances and Run Time
The MMS Series inverter/charger can power a wide range of household
appliances. As with any appliance using batteries for power, there
is a certain length of time that it can run—this is called “run time”.
Actual run time depends on several variables including the size and
the type of appliance, the type of batteries installed in your applica-
tion, as well as the battery’s capacity and age. Other factors such
as the battery’s state of charge and temperature can also affect the
length of time your appliances can run.