48 volt watermakers
Where a large lithium bank is already at 48 V, this drives a full-size pump without an inverter. Output matches the AC units; the draw is identical.
Most efficientSchenker Zen 100
Highest outputSchenker Zen 150
Lowest indicative priceRainman Portable 48VDC 140L
| System | Power | Output L/hr | Draw W | Wh per litre | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zen 100 Schenker | 12/24/48V DC or AC | 100 | 400 | 4.0 | $9,600 |
| Newport 400C Spectra | 12/24/48V DC | 64 | 288 | 4.5 | $14,500 |
| Portable 48VDC 140L Rainman | 48V DC | 100–154 | 1,250 | 9.8 | $6,240 |
| Frame 48VDC 140L, auto Rainman | 48V DC | 100–154 | 1,250 | 9.8 | $12,115 |
| Frame 48VDC 140L, manual Rainman | 48V DC | 100–154 | 1,250 | 9.8 | $8,666 |
| Modular 48VDC 140L Rainman | 48V DC | 100–140 | 1,250 | 10.4 | $6,421 |
| Zen 150 Schenker · spec unconfirmed | 12/24/48V DC or AC | 150 | — | not published | on request |
Under 6 Wh/L · energy recovery
6–12 Wh/L
Over 12 Wh/L
Common questions
- How many 48 V DC watermakers are sold in Australia?
- We currently table 7 48 V DC systems, the most efficient being the Schenker Zen 100 at 4.0 watt-hours per litre. The list grows as we verify more brands.
- What size 48 V DC watermaker do I need?
- Start from daily litres, not boat length. Four people at 25 litres a head is 100 litres a day. Divide by a candidate's rated output for run time, and multiply by its Wh per litre for the energy it takes out of your day. Our sizing calculator does both against your own battery bank.
- Will a 48 V DC watermaker flatten my batteries?
- It depends entirely on the model's Wh per litre and the energy you can spare. An energy-recovery system can make a day's water on a few hundred watt-hours; a conventional pump on the same output can need five times that.
Other power sources