connecting OutBack for generator support was Converting Off-Grid OB to Gri

[William Miller]

<x-flowed>

Todd:

I hope you are aware that the Outback FX inverter does not provide 
"generator support," that is, the capability for the inverter to sync to 
and add to the output from a current limited AC source.

Consider a small generator with, say, only 12 amps AC capability.  Should 
the loads exceed that 12 amps, an SW inverter would start inverting and 
assist the generator in powering any loads above the programmed 12 amps.

In this same case, the Outback FX would transfer loads entirely to the 
generator and, if the loads exceed the 12 amps, the generator would 
overload.  The generator would slow down or the voltage would decrease 
until either the frequency or the voltage falls out of tolerance and the 
inverter would disconnect from the generator.  The generator voltage and 
frequency then return to normal and, after the delay, would be reconnected 
by the inverter.   Repeat this scenario until someone intervenes.

If your loads are ever larger than your AC source, you are out of luck with 
an FX.  This is a significant failing of the Outback, in my humble opinion, 
and one I hope they remedy soon.  I understand this is due to the basic 
topology of the FX inverter and the fact that there is only one main 
transformer, and it can perform only one function at a time.

No disrespect intended to Outback.  The Outback FX line and BOS components 
has many shining features that remedied many other defects in the SW 
inverter line.  Chris Freitas, please correct me if any information above 
is not accurate.

The race is on, at least in my view, to see if Outback can correct this 
short coming before the Xantrex XW series is unveiled.

Respectfully,

William Miller


At 10:05 AM 2/25/2007, you wrote:

>I hope Christopher answers these questions. I have a grid tied Outback 
>system with generator support coming up next year and need to get it clear 
>how this can be done. The ONLY thing I liked better about the SW than the 
>FX was that is had provisions for two AC inputs.
>
>Todd


- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com

Archive of previous messages: http://lists.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/read

List rules & how to change your email address: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquette.php

Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/

Hosted by Home Power magazine

Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com
--^----------------------------------------------------------------
This email was sent to: michael.welch at homepower.com

EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?bz8Qcs.bz9JC9.bWljaGFl
Or send an email to: RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

For Topica's complete suite of email marketing solutions visit:
http://www.topica.com/?p=TEXFOOTER
--^----------------------------------------------------------------



</x-flowed>