[RE-wrenches] Off-grid 1nverter replacement for 3 HP

[Hilton Dier III]

I have an off-grid client who is having trouble with his aging Xantrex 
SW4024 inverter and is considering an upgrade. I need some advice.

One of his problems with his present system is that he can't run his 3 
HP 240VAC table saw on the 4024. He'd be content to run his generator 
for any long sessions of sawing, but he'd like the capability to do a 
cut or two without firing it up.

I was thinking about stacking a couple of Outbacks. I'd like to know 
people's real-world experiences with the relationship between motor HP, 
rated inverter watts, and surge watts. How much wattage does he need to 
actually do the job? That is, without flailing the inverter(s) into a 
shortened life span.

Also, how do Outbacks compare with Magnums or whatever? I have been 
using Outbacks for a while with good results, but I have been hearing 
murmurs and grumbling since they were bought out. I haven't used 
Xantrex/Schneider for a while and I have no experience with Magnums. I 
notice that the Magnums offer split phase 240.

I should note that he has his inverter setup in his wood shop. I am 
theorizing that some of his inverter trouble could be from a tree's 
worth of sawdust in the case. He presently has a 24V system, but he is 
considering a battery replacement, which would be an opportunity to 
switch to 48V if necessary. The sawdust issue makes me lean towards the 
sealed Outbacks, but he does have a partially finished box for the 
inverter with filters and a fan.

Opinions?

Many thanks.

Hilton

-- 
Hilton Dier III
Renewable Energy Design
Partner, Solar Gain LLC
453 East Hill Rd.
Middlesex, VT 05602
Tel: 802-223-6652

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