Outback inverter actual ratings (was Re: Grid sell with Outback, solar,a [RE-wre

[Todd Cory, Mt. Shasta Energy Services]

I just discovered the GVFX3648's continuous at 25º C wattage rating is a 
bit... ahhh shall we say "embellished". I recently added more PV to my 
home system and now am selling ~2900 watts to the grid. The unit running 
with 70º F ambient air was (according to the mate AIR temp readout) 
running at 238º F (114º C). According to Outback, the unit was just 
about to shutdown from over temperature it was so hot. This is at only 
about 80% of the stated load capability!

So I removed the "valve cover", and about half of the bottom plastic 
"bug screens" installed in the air exhaust ports. Today the unit was 
operating in 88º F ambient temps but was running at 208º F, so assisting 
the air flow dropped the internal air temp 30º F with the ambient temp 
18º F hotter. This means that improving the air flow greatly improved 
the inverters ability to sell at 80% of rated "continuous" loading. 

Still running the unit at 208º F does not bode well for the longevity of 
the electronics. The next "hack" is to add an air inlet booster fan. If 
the internal fan is getting air from an upstream fan the air volume will 
be turbocharged. Yes, the ultimate solution is a second inverter, but 
why do they sell something that will only make 80% of rated power? I 
know this standard practice from the PV manufactures, but I did not know 
the inverter manufactures were also doing this. Has anyone else 
experienced the rating of other inverters to be a bit more than they 
will actually do?

Xantrex is coming out with a new battery based inverter. It will be 
called the "XW" and is in beta testing now. Word has it, that it WILL 
have two AC inputs and of course support generator inputs for battery 
charging.

Todd 


David Palumbo wrote:
> 
> I share your frustration with OutBack. I was an early adopter of their
> products. I have not used many Xantrex products in the past few years.
> So, I need an update on what Xantrex now offers. What's up with the ol' 
> SW
> lineup?
> Dave
> 


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