Outback inverter actual ratings [RE-wrenches]

[Jay Peltz, Peltz Power]

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HI Allan,

I wouldn't worry, 3200 watts of PV in the summer is more like 2600,  
under a good dose of heat.
I"ve only heard of the FX's derating when they get to around 3000+.

Sleep easy,

jay

peltz power
On Apr 28, 2007, at 9:12 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote:

>
> Todd,
> Now I'm suddenly concerned: We have several Outback PS1 systems in
> operation, including one with 3,500 W of PV on the roof. This was  
> checked
> out with Outback tech support, as the MX-60 is rated to max 3,200 W  
> of PV.
> We haven't been through summer yet with this one: are we in for  
> serious
> inverter overheating with this system?
>
> I could sure use some reassurance from C. Freitas about now, after  
> reading
> your post.
> Allan at PosE
>
>  ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Todd Cory, Mt. Shasta Energy Services"  
> <toddcory at finestplanet.com>
>
> 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?
>
> Todd
>
>
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