SAFER alternative

COLD COOKING 

And Deleting Propane

Propane possibilities aboard a boat are most unwelcome.

This is an outdoor backyard grill, not intended for marine use.

The video however, does demonstrate what can occur with 

improper installation, use, handling and maintenance.

Although somewhat alarmist, the above video does point up a possibility of fire or even explosion with propane onboard a boat. Just as gasoline/petrol have been replaced on larger boats by diesel fuel, there is a growing need to replace propane in the galley with electricity. Induction cooking plates directly heat the pan/pot if it is ferris (iron) based. No fire or red hot materials are present to ignite combustibles nearby.

Air surrounding the cook plate has much less heat to absorb (the chef stays way cooler). And best of all, no burnt fingers or eyebrows.

Electricity at 240 volts AC or even 120 volts AC can be deadly in a galley, not to mention the grounding system's possibility for corrosion and failure to protect the occupant or nearby swimmer.

What we are doing on the MOG Totally Electric Powered Solar (TEPS) prototype boat, is to utilize available consumer electronics that isolate the end user from harm. Replacing the propane stove/oven with an induction stove and microwave or convection oven can effect a reduction in the possibility of electric shock or even death.

To date we have tested the dual heating induction unit (pictured) using a local 24 volt DC outlet into which a point of use inverter is plugged in the galley. The inverter has its own safety circuit that will interrupt a potential shock to a human. This localization of 120 VAC to each specific electric device for cooking, isolates to the greatest degree 120 VAC shocks. As time goes on, many of the induction and resistance 120 VAC devices will be replaced by consumer 24-28 VDC devices.

A dual heating plate induction unit

 red/black with small 600 watt inverter 

unit to be replaced by a 2000 watt 24 VDC

 inverter. At center is a single portable 

induction plate that can be easily 

used inside or in the aft cockpit.

The need for a very large 10,000 watt inverter(s), ground faulting, long wiring runs, breaker panels and labeling can be reduced with a 24 VDC run just to the galley. 24 VDC hairdryers are also on the market for trucks and large RVs. 

One of many convection ovens that run well on 

24 VDC pure sign inverters, each of which are compact and light weight.

For the oven cooking, a convection oven is fast and thorough. With a 24 VDC run to the aft cockpit, the lightweight oven can be picked up from the galley to cook outside, then slid back under the galley stove.

All of these would have a new lightweight inverter for 120 VAC next to the cooking device to include its ground fault protection. Therefore no unseen long grounding wires running through the bilge where electrical gremlins range at will. Nearly all of the very latest pure sign inverters have added a special ground circuit to their chassis and due diligence is needed to specify the correct unit needed.

More info as tests continue.