Funny that the good old SW inverters still have features that new
inverters haven't topped: the (as mentioned) AC current input setting,
still the best gen autostart menu, dual AC inputs, and excellent
reliability. I'm currently working on a project with an SW4024 that is
17 years old, and still working fine. We're adding batteries, modules,
MPPT controllers, etc. but the inverter is not on the upgrade list right
now.
The SW plus however does not regulate AC input current as well, and I've
had the same issues with overloading small generators as with the
Outbacks. Magnums also are hard to set, and I finally had to give up
using small (under 4 kw) generators with any of the newer larger
inverters. Small genies seem to only work well with old SWs, or small
inverters with low charger draw.
Using a separate Iota charger (as some pointed out) is definitely an
option, but last time I used one, they were not UL listed or set up to
wire in a code compliant manor.
Ray Walters
On 1/31/2013 3:13 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote:
William,
Yes, that's my understanding. Outback acknowledged this to me years ago.
Allan
*Allan Sindelar*
_Allan@positiveenergysolar.com_ <mailto:al...@positiveenergysolar.com>
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder and Chief Technology Officer
*Positive Energy, Inc.*
3209 Richards Lane (note new address)
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
*505 424-1112*
_www.positiveenergysolar.com_ <http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/>
*
*
On 1/29/2013 9:28 PM, William Miller wrote:
Allan:
Could it be that the SW systems are protecting the generator with
Generator Support, and the Outback inverters are not?
William Miller
At 07:18 PM 1/29/2013, you wrote:
This is going back several years...
The Outback VFX series lacks the tight input current regulation of
the SW series, so the max AC amps in is really just a suggestion. In
many cases (and especially with these small generators) we want to
set the max amps in as high as possible to minimize charging time
and maximize C/rate. Yet a surge load can momentarily exceed the max
amps setting.
I have observed that the Honda inverter/generators have a quite
sensitive AC output breaker, that will sometimes trip if a surge
load (such as a refrigerator) comes on during a charge cycle set
close to the generator's capacity. This incident was specific to a
Honda 3000i. In contrast, Yamaha's EF3000iSE will lug when
overloaded - not good for the generator, but also not likely to trip
the output breaker.
This is a different issue than was being discussed, but fits your
question.
Allan
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