Timeline for answer to I am a quadriplegic. Would it be possible to power my ventilator humidifier with a battery? by Filek
Current License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Post Revisions
7 events
| when toggle format | what | by | license | comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 20, 2015 at 7:34 | comment | added | Filek | Yes keep us informed and keep asking questions. Good luck! | |
| Mar 20, 2015 at 7:29 | comment | added | starbucksguy | This is great information: "I have not seen an inverter made for lithium battery voltage." There is so much in this thread for me to think about. I do have a call into the manufacturer, and I feel like now I can raise the pertinent points with them. I'll try to keep everybody here updated as I make progress. | |
| Mar 19, 2015 at 22:43 | comment | added | Filek | Continued from previous comment... The problem is that virtually all inverters are created for lead acid batteries (in fact I have not seen an inverter made for lithium battery voltage). They don't work for the lithium batteries because the voltages are a little different. So another reason to look for a 12 volt (or any directly DC powered humidifier as you can wire batteries are in series to increase voltage). | |
| Mar 19, 2015 at 22:37 | comment | added | Filek | It looks like Adam Davis has found a DC powered humidifier that is used in conjunction with a CPAP machine. Likely a 12 volt device so they do exist. Avoiding the inverter makes your project much more efficient, probable cheaper (good inverters cost $), less heat produced, saves space, etc., lots of good reasons to explore this option. Also, your humidifier requires a lot of energy and thus require significant battery capacity (as calculated in other answers). Dad acid batteries will add a lot of weight and take up significant room leaving the lithium ion battery as the ideal choice. | |
| Mar 19, 2015 at 22:30 | comment | added | Filek | Poor customer service! Depending on its motor, converting it to run directly off of 12 volts might be a very easy change for them. I suspect that the manufacturer is hesitant to make any changes for the end user because of how important the humidifier is more your health. They may be worried that you don't know what you are doing and might hurt yourself and then blame the company. A retail store manager that sells humidifiers might have an easier time convincing the manufacturer to make the change. Also, a good electrician might be able to change it to a 12 volt device. | |
| Mar 19, 2015 at 7:51 | comment | added | starbucksguy | Thanks for your thoughts, Filek. I will investigate other humidifier options. Unfortunately, the likelihood of a company building a new version is quite low. At the same time as I posted this question here, I have been in communication with a company who manufactures a portable suction machine. I asked if they could provide me with a diagram or other information to help me modify their unit with a touch switch, allowing me to turn the machine on and off. They refused and shunned all future correspondence. So the outpouring of help here is wonderful. | |
| Mar 18, 2015 at 4:33 | history | answered | Filek | CC BY-SA 3.0 |