Prius Whole house Converdant Inverter

The Japanese version of the Repair Manual (RM3220J) gives a little more information about Toyota’s 1500-watt inverter. The Hybrid Vehicle ECU can definitely intervene and turn it off when necessary. In the section シガレットライタ／アクセサリーソケット（内装） アクセサリーソケットシステム（非常時給電システムあり 注意事項, Toyota explains (roughly translated):

In the accessory socket system, even if there is no abnormality in the hybrid control system, under the following conditions, the fail-safe function of the hybrid control system activates, the operation disable signal is input from the hybrid vehicle control computer, and the operation is stopped.

• When the hybrid battery capacity decreases
• When the hybrid battery is at low or high temperature
• When the hybrid battery voltage drops

​

For my part, I would be very hesitant to connect an inverter directly to the HV battery without a similar protective feature. Barging uninvited into the hybrid vehicle and battery ECUs’ feedback control loops—drawing current from the HV battery that they can’t measure or control—also strikes me as ill-advised, at least without far more analysis than can be done with information from the open literature.

 

Converdant just went out of business... anyone have any links to updated info on which inverter to buy for Toyota hybrids?

 

that's a shame, i don't think there is anyone else. another prius aftermarket company bites the dust.
well, i'm not surprised, i think only one member here bought one.

 

Well I've read there's nothing special about Converdant's inverters right? I can just buy any pure sine inverter and have the fuse set at 1kw and it's the same effect? I just want to hook up to the 12v in the back of the vehicle

 

oh sure. conversant just had big one that ran off the hybrid battery.
there are plenty of threads here on small ones running off the 12v.

 

^Thanks, do you have a link to a good thread? I used the search function and I just get threads on the automotive inverter :/

 

If you're referring to a 12V battery - it's under the bonnet (hood), not in the back of the Gen 4.

Or are you putting in an auxiliary 12v battery in the back like we used to when camping?

 

I have a 3 kW inverter from Converdant connected to my house via a transfer panel installed by a professional electrician. It works well. I can supply more info but unfortunately Converdant went out of business a few years ago so itps probably irrelevant. I don't know of any source for an inverter setup suitable for running off of the traction battery so one could use the high-power main electrical system, not just the 12V accessory circuitry (which is limited to something like 1200 W, I believe).

 

What is "special" about the Converdant inverters (no longer being sold AFAIK, alas) is that they are designed to run off the 200+ V main battery, so their power capabilities (3 kW and more) will actually run the key functions of a house.

 

unfortunately, this necro thread died a quick death

 

I have one new, unused, for sale. Will post in private sales.

 

did you ever sell it?

 

I used a Converdant inverter successfully for 2 years through multiple blackouts. Using a Prius and an inverter is super quiet and efficient compared to a generator. Since we sold the Prius, our inverter is surplus.

 

Does that mean it could be available to PriusChatters? Which size is it?

 

Just saw your response. Can you PM me and let me know more details about it?

 

Apparently, Converdant is now back in business as new company PlugOut Power and have version 4 models 3kw and 5kw inverters for sale. The owner Randy Bryan is taking advanced reservation order now.
PlugOut Power

 

The 'resources and news' at the bottom of the page only references articles from 2013 to 2015.

 

Yeah, there is not much substance to the HP, mostly link to the blogs to older Converdant inverter users. I gathered that the company is very small one owner/employee out of his garage operation. The best way to get more information is to directly e-mail. He does respond.

 

Sorry, where is possible to get it to read more details?

 

I think you will need paid subscription at Toyota tech site. But from what @Elektroingenieur described, it is written in Japanese (no English translation version). I maybe wrong, but that's what I think.