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Old 09-24-2013, 03:37 PM   #1
sjturbo
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Accumulator, what are the benefits?

I have recently mounted my pump on an isolation block and have flexible tubing on inlet and outlet. That has quieted it significantly. Since we boondock (no power other than battery and generator for charging and popcorn), I am interested in the power savings of an accumulator tank. Do most people install one for noise purposes or to cut down on pump cycling for power reasons?
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Old 09-24-2013, 05:50 PM   #2
Festus2
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An accumulator tank may help to reduce the pulsating and cycling of the pump as well as helping to maintain a more steady, even pressure in the system. Because the pump doesn't come on as often or run as long , this results in less noise and reduces battery drain.

Whether or not these benefits are that significant or relatively minor is difficult to measure. If you have a generator to charge your batteries (and for popcorn), I'm not convinced that installing a tank would be worthwhile. Accumulator tanks take up additional space so you would have to take that into account.

Another, and perhaps better "battery saving" option , would be to pull your incandescent lights and replace them with LED's. To me, that would result in a more significant saving of your battery than an accumulator tank and better suited to boon docking.
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Old 09-24-2013, 07:42 PM   #3
sjturbo
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Thanks Festus2, I am in the process of changing all lights to led's so I may hold off on the accumulator.
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Old 09-24-2013, 08:26 PM   #4
theeyres
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I really doubt the accumulator will save enough energy to pay for it. It may run less but will run longer once it goes on. It is going to take x energy to get x amount of water to a spout, accumulator or not. I think the main purpose is to eliminate the pulsating and pipe rattling.
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Old 09-25-2013, 09:41 AM   #5
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net run time will be same and any battery savings would be neglidgeable
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Old 09-25-2013, 03:28 PM   #6
MarkS
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Starting a pump takes a little extra energy. Since you would run a little less often, there would be a little less energy. Probably not much less.
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Old 10-03-2013, 12:06 PM   #7
JAFI
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An accumulator is more beneficial for the midnight bathroom flush than to save battery power. With the right size tank, you can flush the toilet without the pump disturbing those still sleeping.
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