Hi Kirpal,
I understand and have sure seen lots of "fixed" generators that we not
fixed.
The guy who sells most of the generators I use used to be at Stanford
labs, smart guy.
I agree but I have never seen this type of problem, that is "fixed" by
turning on a few lights.
And to be clear, this isn't to allow the generator to connect, it
connects just fine, but once connected the AC voltage will rise quite
quickly and then once it goes above the max input setpoint the
inverter kicks it out of course.
I just don't understand how turning on a few lights would stop this
from happening?
jay
peltz power
On Dec 29, 2008, at 8:07 PM, Kirpal Khalsa wrote:
Hi Ron, Jay and all.......It is easy to blame the generator because
it is usually the generator causing the problem.........One thing
that we have run into on occasion is that the generator has been re-
adjusted and tuned up but that the generator repair person does this
only at an idle load.....We now always make sure that when our
customers are having their generators tuned up that also included in
the tune up is that the generator is able to hold its voltage and
frequency at a minimum of 3/4 of the rated load capacity........This
has solved a few of our generator connection issues...........just
one idea.....
Might be worth while to test the generator under these parameters as
this would affect the the acceptance by the VFX.....
Cheers,
Kirpal
On Mon, Dec 29, 2008 at 6:14 PM, jay peltz <j...@asis.com> wrote:
HI Christopher,
I don't know if this is similar.
I have a stacked 3648 unit, running in parallel at 120v. Being fed
from a 240v generator with a X-240 as stepdown. Generator is a Onan
8.5kw. ( don't ask why its a long story)
Unit did work OK for about 2 yrs.
When you start the generator, the inverter will connect, AC voltage
will rise until the inverter kicks out the generator and the cycle
repeats.
Now here is where it gets weird, if you turn on a few lights ( could
be incandescent or CFL's) and I mean like 150 watts worth, and then
turn on the generator it will work OK. Won't have the AC spike. But
a small motor spike, such as a Rotozip etc will kick out the
generator, and then it starts again.
Turning down the AC input AAC rating doesn't help, unless you turn
it down a lot.
The generator has a new board and was tested out as OK.
If you run the house directly from the generator no problems. You
can run large loads no problem.
If you run the house directly from the inverter all is good.
Only issue is with genny/inv interface.
Of course its a 2.5 hr drive each way.
Do you think this is a related problem?
thanks,
jay
peltz power
On Dec 29, 2008, at 10:41 AM, Christopher Freitas wrote:
Ron –
Tech support is open today and should be able to help you
troubleshoot this in a step-by-step process that will discover the
root problem.
I am a bit confused by the descriptions of the events and have the
following questions and comments:
When you tested just the inverter without the generator running –
you stated that there was a noticeable flicker every 20 seconds –
did you also notice that the yellow "AC INPUT" light would blink
and then turn solid momentarily? This usually indicates that there
is a cross connection of the inverter's AC output with the AC input
wiring – which can be caused by many different problems (nicked or
chewed wires, water filled junction box or conduits, miswiring of a
240VAC load, etc. – or an internal problem with the inverter). In
a nutshell – the inverter is "seeing" its own AC output at its AC
input – so it connects and then tries to charge from itself – which
causes the AC output voltage to decrease – and then it drops the AC
source for another 20 seconds – over and over…
When the generator was connected to the inverter – was the varying
AC input voltage viewed on a digital test meter or on the MATE's
display? The voltage display on the MATE will vary until the
inverter has actually connected to the generator since the inverter
is not locked onto the frequency of the generator. The fluctuation
of the AC voltage on the MATE is more pronounced if the frequency
of the generator is way off from the 60hz nominal. Check the
voltage and the frequency at the inverter's AC input terminals with
a good quality true-RMS meter with the generator running but not
connected.
e a situation where two (or more) things are going on
simultaneously. My approach would be to continue to isolate
components and run several different tests on all components.
Good luck
Drake
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Options & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
