[RE-wrenches] Generartor Auto-Start Issues

[Christopher Freitas]

Season's Greetings - 

 

We have been having severe weather in the NW since last week and we
elected to close OutBack today due to the snowy roads.  I am actually
traveling but will check for messages for the remainder of the holiday
break.  Fell free to email me directly if you have any tech support
questions that require immediate response.   

 

I am glad to see that this discussion of automatic generator start
issues include the experience about having the customer being completely
reliant on the system operating completely unattended.  I think doing
this is asking for trouble.  The auto generator start systems built into
all of the inverter systems should be viewed as a convenience device -
not as a comprehensive "bullet-proof system" which will operate 100% of
the time.  A complete generator management system can be installed which
will provide that level of reliable operation - but it would require
much more complexity and cost - I think most people would not be willing
to pay for the cost and maintenance required to ensure 100% reliability.


 

I have been involved with trouble-shooting probably well over 100
generator auto-start systems over the years - and I have always been
amazed at the level of complexity that can occur.   Often the inverter
system is viewed as the "problem" when the real problem turns out to be
something else.   Seldom has the generator selected been designed for
such a critical application or has it been properly maintained.  Often
the relays used in the system are not the right type - people often use
cadmium-oxide contacts when dry circuit rated gold contact relays are
required.  Many times the generator can't handle the low temperatures
and start reliably.  Or the quality of the fuel is poor from long term
storage, etc.... 

 

If the customer expects 100% reliability - a redundant stand alone
auto-start system should be installed as a backup - and the system
really should include a second generator - and many additional
protective circuits such as excessive run timers and of course "murphy
switches" (low oil / over temp shutdown system).  The system should be
designed to alert the system operator of an error and fail in a
operational mode - i.e. running the generator until the system can be
operated manually or repaired.  This will result in excessive fuel usage
unfortunately.  

 

OutBack has built up a  well trained customer service group which
assists homeowners and installers with generator start system every day.
The majority of the time the reason for the problem is figured out - but
there are times where problems can be very difficult to determine -
especially if they are intermittent or not repeatable.  Since we are not
able to be on-site we are only able to certain things to assist with
trouble shooting the system.   We often provide replacement parts "just
in case" they are the problem... and more often then not it doesn't
solve the problem because the real issue is somewhere else.  

 

As with any complex system - there are always "surprises" that occur -
we have updated the software in the MATE a number of times to address
unusual circumstances and unexpected combinations of events.  We upgrade
the software at no charge and always advise using the latest available
MATE software when trouble-shooting and auto generator start problems.  

 

Happy Solstice and a New Solar Year! 

 

Christopher

 

 

Christopher Freitas

Director of Research and Development 

OutBack Power Systems, Inc.

cfreitas at outbackpower.com <mailto:cfreitas at outbackpower.com> 

Tel 360 435 6030

Cell 360 202 4239

19009 62nd Ave NE 

Arlington WA 98223 USA

www.outbackpower.com <http://www.outbackpower.com/> 


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