[RE-wrenches] Trace Change out

[Dana]

We just replaced a single SW 4048 where the inverter could not hold the EQ
charge for more than 5-8 minutes and would drop out to 54 volts and then
start back up to 62 volts again. The Gen checked out fine till it got
dropped by the inverter then the HZ went bonkers. The mobile mechanic c/o'd
the voltage regulator and went over the generator and no change in the
problem. I pulled the cover off the 4048 to check for loose terminals [per
Robert at One stop Custom shop] and too much surprise, all three
transformers were baked and 2 were charred [literally ash on top]. Looking
back the inverter had been used [abused] while the house was under
construction severely. In that these folks were second owners we did an
energy analysis and found that the potential for instantaneous and
continuous run loads was 1KW more the 4KW of the 4048 & we went for a dual
Outback VFX 3648 panel. The Peak potential load of several pumps starting
was also beyond the single SW4048 too.
Problem solved, happy battery bank and clients.

Thanks
Dana Orzel -  Great Solar Works, Inc -  E - dana at solarwork.com -  V
970.626.5253
F - 970.626.4140     C - 970.209.4076     web - www.solarwork.com  
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"
P Please consider the environment before printing this email


-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Phil
Undercuffler
Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2012 5:24 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Trace Change out

Bill,

If reducing the input and charging amps allow the inverter to stay connected
to the generator, then I don't think you have an inverter problem, you more
likely have a generator tuning problem.  Inverters rarely "half" break --
for the most part they either work, or they don't.

Do a simple tune-up, plugs and wires, change the filters.  Check the fuel
supply to the generator -- use a manometer to check the pressure while under
full load.  Isolate and test the system one step at a time
-- generator to simple resistive loads, then add inverter for charging but
with the house loads disconnected, then bring the whole system online
together.  I've seen cases where the appliances in the house caused just
enough surge to make the generator stumble, which caused the inverter to
drop the generator.

BTW, one of the best tools to have on a
troubleshooting-a-generator-charging call is an oscilloscope -- I can't
begin to tell you how much trouble and grief it can save.  I picked up a
Picoscope a couple years ago, it's a USB connected device which uses a
laptop computer for power, memory and display.  Best thing since sliced
bread, highly recommended.

Good luck with it,

Phil



On Sat, Apr 14, 2012 at 6:21 PM, frenergy <frenergy at psln.com> wrote:
> Wrenches,
>
>         I have a customer that may be having some issues with the 
> reliability of his 11 year old Trace4024.  If my current fix doesn't 
> solve the problem, I have suggested having the unit fixed, which I 
> think still happens on these puppies. I have also suggested replacing 
> it with either an Outback 3524 or a Magnum MS 4024.  He is now running 
> a 1 HP Submersible pump ala autoformer along with the usual array of 
house loads.
>
>         The issue is the inverter accepting and then rejecting the 
> generator power, which I have been watching recent comments here 
> regarding this issue.  I have not thoroughly checked out pump wiring 
> (was apparently already done by the well/pump guy, whom is reputable), 
> but have checked the output of the Kohler 8.5 genny and Hz and voltage 
> appear stable with and without load.  So far I've gone the route of 
> programming in a few less amps on the "battery charging" and "AC2 IN" 
> functions.   The inverter seems to be happy with new settings, this 
> new programming was just done a few hours ago.
>
>         So this may be a more generic question for those with more 
> experience than I: Are both the OB and Magnum inverters considered 
> equally capable of replacing the Trace? I guess I'm thinking mainly of 
> that pump, but are there other considerations?
>
>         Thanks Folks
>
> Bill
> Feather River Solar Electric
> 4291 Nelson St.
> Taylorsville, CA  95983
> 530-284-7849/6544 fax
> solar powered since 1982
>
> _______________________________________________
> List sponsored by Home Power magazine
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Options & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List-Archive:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List rules & etiquette:
> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>
> Check out participant bios:
> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>
>
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine

List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org

Options & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

List-Archive:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm

Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org