Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid 1nverter replacement for 3 HP

[dan]

I like Outback because I can rebuild them on the wall. I'd be eying two VFX3648 (Or VFX7248 is what they used to call them). I suspect Magnum is similar, but I really haven't seen that many around. As for starting motor loads, NEC article 430 has gobs of info on projecting starting currents and sizing conductors (Check out the tables toward the end of the article). Keep in mind much has to do with conductors sizing. I'd be shooting for a max loss of 3% at full current draw.. especially in the low voltage conductors. As for installation, I like set ups where the inverters are inclosed in a closet and set up so that the main fresh inlet air to the building washes thru the closet (Powered by gravity - no fans). Good luck. db

Dan Brown
Foxfire Energy Corp.
Renewable Energy Systems
(802)-483-2564
www.Foxfire-Energy.com
NABCEP #092907-44

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid 1nverter replacement for 3 HP
From: "bob ellison" <reelli...@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, October 13, 2012 7:01 pm
To: "'RE-wrenches'" <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>

I have had inverters ruined by drywall dust, it literally filled them within a couple years as the owner worked on his house. Next thing I am getting a call that it would not work….

I doubt that sawdust would be any different.

 

Later,

Bob Ellison

 

From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of jay peltz
Sent: Saturday, October 13, 2012 5:28 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid 1nverter replacement for 3 HP

 

HI Hilton,

 

Before you go anywhere you need to know what the draw on this motor is.

 

I've seen 3 hp motors not be able to start on a 15kw genny.

Why?  Just horrible motors thats all.

 

jay

 

peltz power

On Oct 13, 2012, at 11:16 AM, Hilton Dier III wrote:

I have an off-grid client who is having trouble with his aging Xantrex SW4024 inverter and is considering an upgrade. I need some advice.

One of his problems with his present system is that he can't run his 3 HP 240VAC table saw on the 4024. He'd be content to run his generator for any long sessions of sawing, but he'd like the capability to do a cut or two without firing it up.

I was thinking about stacking a couple of Outbacks. I'd like to know people's real-world experiences with the relationship between motor HP, rated inverter watts, and surge watts. How much wattage does he need to actually do the job? That is, without flailing the inverter(s) into a shortened life span.

Also, how do Outbacks compare with Magnums or whatever? I have been using Outbacks for a while with good results, but I have been hearing murmurs and grumbling since they were bought out. I haven't used Xantrex/Schneider for a while and I have no experience with Magnums. I notice that the Magnums offer split phase 240.

I should note that he has his inverter setup in his wood shop. I am theorizing that some of his inverter trouble could be from a tree's worth of sawdust in the case. He presently has a 24V system, but he is considering a battery replacement, which would be an opportunity to switch to 48V if necessary. The sawdust issue makes me lean towards the sealed Outbacks, but he does have a partially finished box for the inverter with filters and a fan.

Opinions?

Many thanks.

Hilton

--

Hilton Dier III
Renewable Energy Design
Partner, Solar Gain LLC
453 East Hill Rd.
Middlesex, VT 05602
Tel: 802-223-6652

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