New Projecta technology continues providing more power

Jul 16, 2023

Date: 23.05.2023

The latest model in a long range of Projecta power invertersprovides longer battery life and market-leading capabilities for buses, coaches and motorhomes.

Electric batteries have become a major part of the bus and coach industry vernacular in recent years. With the new range of zero-emissions buses relying on batteries to provide a power source, technology has rapidly evolved. To power these different types of batteries, inverters are emerging as necessary parts of motorhomes, buses and coaches.

Back in 2015, Projecta's 24V option was launched to provide conversion from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) for appliances onboard buses and coaches. The initial 2000W IP2000-24 model contained residual current device (RCD) protection to prevent the most frequent cause of electrocution in a shock from electricity passing through bodies to the ground.

Along with an AC mode, the Projecta inverter model quickly became a hit for those looking to power large appliances inside buses and motorhomes. Continuous sales of the IP2000 meant Projecta was quick to provide new technology to meet market interest.

The result is an upgraded Projecta 3000W 24V Pure Inverter that builds on the previous 12V 1500W and 3000W variants launched last year.

"With people now upgrading their buses or motorhomes to feature induction cooktops and air-conditioning, this new inverter model caters to this demand," Projecta Technical Support Officer Ben Blood told ABC.

"It's providing buyers with an even greater choice for their application and vehicle type."

The new model delivers 3000W of ultra-clean power to run a wide range of low draw and power-demanding equipment including air compressors, large power tools, induction cooktops and air-conditioning.

With an LCD display that can provide voltage and power usage information, the Projecta model comes with a built-in safety switch alongside voltage, temperature (up to 65 degrees Celsius), fault and overload protections. Yet Blood says the best feature of the newest member of the INTELLI-Wave 24V Inverter range is its surge power capabilities.

"The model is able to provide surge power for three seconds," Blood says. "This is enough ‘kick’ to switch on many common appliances that require more power to start than they do to run.

"Our competitors only offer a maximum of one second surge power, while ours ensures that it can run what our customers want to run."

Alongside this update, the increase in safety is a major feature on the new Projecta Pure Inverter. The inbuilt safety switch provides more protection for the user and the connected devices while eliminating the labour time of wiring and installing an external safety switch.

The updated model fills a market gap of higher surge power induction for high-powered appliances such as air compressors, air conditioners and heavy duty motors. With an in-built AC unit included, Projecta can also offer seamless switching between AC and DC power sources in milliseconds without needing appliances to be turned off.

Projecta, a brand under Brown and Watson International (BWI), is looking to expand its power management catalogue that includes its growing range of inverters and chargers.

Although the inverter is designed for trucks and other large equipment that run 24V electrical systems, Blood says it is ideal for buses and motorhomes. A hardwiring AC output solution on the back of the inverter makes it easier for operators and motorhome owners to have multiple outlets around the bus and be confident that the inverter can power demanding appliances.

"Lots of new appliances are requiring more power, especially when they go gasless," Blood says. "Motorhome buses generally have more space and cater for a full-size fridge, a two-to-four burner induction cooktop and an air compressor alongside water pumps, electric power tools for campsites and lots of lighting.

"All of these loads combined need a lot of power from the inverter when off-grid."

For those looking to convert buses into motorhomes, the new 3000W version of the Projecta Pure Inverter allows for future expansion if they later want to add more appliances. Blood recommends motorhome owners to future-proof their vehicles by accommodating for more power in the long run via a larger inverter.

From Blood's perspective, planning where high-power appliances will be located is a key step to getting the most out of the inverter, as owners can then design the power management system around the appliance location.

"It's best to have the inverter as close as possible to the battery," he says.

The inverter also works on electric buses, with only one catch. Blood says if an electric bus can output the current (Amps) required then it will work with the inverter. However, he does note that continuous usage of high-power appliances will quickly lower the battery's life.

This is why the Projecta Pure Inverter's ECO mode is so important for the bus industry. When no load is detected, the inverter can draw just the 10mA of current during standby mode, meaning power can be saved to just 0.24Ah drawn per day.

If there was no ECO mode, an inverter on standby mode would usually draw 1A of current, equating to 24Ah for the day without use.

"This feature will save batteries dramatically and keep customers off the grid for longer," Blood says.

The latest update in the INTELLI-Wave Inverter range from Projecta is also designed to be tucked away for convenience.

With a remote connected, bus owners can monitor all parts of the inverter and turn it on and off remotely.

The model, which is made from extruded aluminium to be dust-proof and shock-resistant, is an update that Projecta is proud to show off to the bus and coach industry.

"The ECO mode can reduce current draw by a factor of 100, meaning battery charge can last for more than 300 days compared to only seven to 10 days without ECO mode," Blood says.

"It's backed by a five-year warranty and we’re proud of the latest addition in a long line of INTELLI-Wave products."

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