Eric,
A Trace 2548 with automatic generator start? I don't believe there
ever was such a thing. I suspect that you're referring to either a
SW4048 or SW5548. If so, your first step is to check the error
codes, some of which are found in Menu Heading 2 (for
generator-related issues) and the rest in Heading 5. Any "Yes"
message as you scroll through them is a good hint.
This inverter is at least 13 years in service, likely more. Sounds
like a pre-GTI Y2K system. The units are remarkably robust and
reliable, but it may well have a glitch in the firmware or
voltage/frequency sensors. The extra inverter is your ace in the
hole, once you determine what the issue is.
Allan
Allan Sindelar
al...@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified PV
Installation Professional
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder, Positive Energy, Inc.
A
Certified B CorporationTM
3209
Richards Lane
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell
www.positiveenergysolar.com
On 10/17/2013 10:41 AM, SunHarvest wrote:
I have encountered a Trace 2548
in seemingly good working condition. I was called out to
troubleshoot a Grid-tied, battery back-up system with the
following problem:
- Upon loss of grid power
there is about a 5 second lapse (no power to house) before the
BB system engages. Power to the critical loads panel from the
Trace is restored after the 5 second lapse.
- After another 5 seconds the
Trace will disconnect power to the loads. This on-off cycle
continues until grid power is restored.
After checking voltage & S.G.
values, I determined that the 11 year old batteries needed to
be replaced and I assumed this was the cause of the Trace
on-off cycling.
I also found that half of his PV
array had bad BP modules. BP replaced all of the modules under
somewhat of a warranty. So, new modules, new batteries, and a
new Outback FM60 charge controller. After all upgrades I ran
through a simulated power outage again and the intermittent
power problem persists!
He also has gen support enabled -
connection to an Onan "RV Genset BGE NHE (??) - and when I
start the genny from the inverter, by selecting "On" not
"Auto", the genset fires right up but only stays on for about
30 seconds before it too shuts off and enters a cycling
between auto-starting from the inverter and shutting down.
This behavior is beyond me. So,
I'm seeking help from the pros. Anyone know what's going on
here? The customer has another Trace 2548, unused, sitting in
a box. So, if I needed to I could swap out the inverter and
see if that makes a difference...?
Eric
SunHarvest
(530)798-3738
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