Remote Control Ceing Fan [RE-wrenches]

Thu Jun 12 10:39:56 PDT 2003

Scott,
    We've experienced mixed success using 50 microfarad motor run capacitors
to address SW waveform-related problems. In one instance, the problem
involved a washing machine electronic timer that worked fine on grid power,
but would intermittently stop mid-cycle on SW power. We tried the cap in
that application, but with no success (customer installed a dedicated grid
receptacle for the washer -grid tied household). In the second case, the
complaint was audible buzzing in CF lights and ceiling fan motors on SW
power, but not on grid power (same grid tied system). In this case, adding
the caps on the output side of the inverters (stacked pair 5548's w/o GTI's)
cured the problem. The o-scope showed the caps really smoothed out the
"steppiness" of the waveform.
    Once upon a time, Xantrex Tech Note #14 addressed the use of capacitors
as filtering devices for SW inverters. Tech Note 14 has been expanded to
explain using the caps to correct power factor, but the noise filter aspect
has been all but removed from the tech note. The old TN14 stated:
    "Motor run capacitors are available in various values, but the 5, 10,
15, 35, and 50 microfarad are commonly used for filtering applications. The
voltage ratings of the capacitors must be rated higher than the output AC
voltage of the inverter, typically 370VAC or 440VAC capacitors are utilized
for these applications." The version of TN14 presently posted on the Xantrex
web site gives a good explanation of power factor correction and capacitor
sizing, and also discusses overcurrent protection selection when installing
the capacitors. We were told to install the cap physically close to the
inverter (as opposed to close to the load). This "solution" was proposed by
Tony Thorne at Xantrex, and was a "trial and error" attempt that worked in
this case. Not sure how a different value cap would affect the noise
issue... We used Grainger as our source for the caps.
       Xantrex  fax'd us their (now dated) "subjective audible noise test
results of various compact fluorescent lights" -comparing grid power to SW
power, and resulting noise level. We obtained the FAX from Ken Ripley in Feb
'02...
    Anybody got an SW Plus yet?

Dan Rice
Positive Energy, Inc.
505-424-1112

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ray Walters" <remotech at taosnm.com>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2003 10:45 AM
Subject: Re: Remote Control Ceing Fan [RE-wrenches]

Scott;

I agree with Matt. Actually, I've found that most problem loads for Mod
sine inverters don't do much better on SW's stepped wave. I spec SW series
inverters for the generator start or other special features, but I spec the
Exeltech or Outback for tricky control stuff. I've been burned too many
times by Xantrex's claims of compatibility. Xantrex has a list of all the
problem loads but they don't publish it. Don't use an SW for:
Sound or recording equipment
Variable speed motors with electronic controls
Household automation stuff
I often use a good old DR series for most of the house and have an Exeltech
feed a couple of special circuits. This offers cleaner power for the loads
that need it, more surge for starting  big stuff (a DR3624 will outsurge an
SW4048 every time), offers redundancy, and still comes out cheaper than an
SW4048.
A  bandaid that got us by a few times is to put a 50microF cap across the
SW inverter's AC output.

Ray

Solarray.com, AKA Remote Technology, AKA Taos Power

>Scott,
>
>The simple remedy is to replace the SW with an Outback! The SW has too few
>steps in it's "sinewave" to fool some electronics and some fan motors. The
>SW also, in spite of advertising claims to the contrary, produces an
audible
>60 cycle buzz on many different types of telephone equipment. Perhaps the
>guys at Outback could try one of these fans on the 2000?
>
>Matt T
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Scott: Backwoods Solar" <scott at backwoodssolar.com>
>To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
>Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2003 8:21 AM
>Subject: Remote Control Ceing Fan [RE-wrenches]
>
>
> >
> > Good Morning Wrenches,
> >
> > We have a customer who has a new Casablanca remote control only ceiling
>fan.
> > They have a SW4024 inverter which won't operate it. They tested the fan
at
>a
> > home with utility power and it worked. They also tested it with a Honda
>3500
> > watt generator which is wired into their SW4024. Once the "AC2 in" was
>good,
> > the fan worked. Turn off the generator; inverting resumes; and control
of
> > the fan was lost although it did continue to rotate but at fewer rpms
and
> > with a hum not present on grid or generator power.
> >
> > Have other's had this SW problem with remote controlled fans? Are there
>any
> > remote controlled ceiling fan models which are known to work with the SW
> > series? Any solutions to the present problem which might allow the
current
> > fan to operate?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Scott
> >
> >

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