[RE-wrenches] Trace 2548 intermittent power problem...55 not 25

SunHarvest eric at harvesthesun.com
Thu Oct 17 11:27:55 PDT 2013


I was looking at a scratch pad note where I wrote 25 instead of 55...Yes, it is a SW5548. Definitely not set to "Search"...it's in "On" mode. I've checked error codes. No "Yes" messages. I am wondering about a firmware upgrade although I have serious doubt that will clear up the problem.

I guess I will try the swap and see if that does the trick.

On the genny, I try to stay away from genset service but I can definitely check some of the more simple items like check oil & coolant.

Thanks guys.

 ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Allan Sindelar 
  To: RE-wrenches 
  Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2013 10:36 AM
  Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Trace 2548 intermittent power problem


  Eric,
  A Trace 2548 with automatic generator start? I don't believe there ever was such a thing. I suspect that you're referring to either a SW4048 or SW5548. If so, your first step is to check the error codes, some of which are found in Menu Heading 2 (for generator-related issues) and the rest in Heading 5. Any "Yes" message as you scroll through them is a good hint. 

  This inverter is at least 13 years in service, likely more. Sounds like a pre-GTI Y2K system. The units are remarkably robust and reliable, but it may well have a glitch in the firmware or voltage/frequency sensors. The extra inverter is your ace in the hole, once you determine what the issue is.
  Allan



  Allan Sindelar
  Allan at positiveenergysolar.com
  NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
  NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
  New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
  Founder, Positive Energy, Inc.

  A Certified B CorporationTM
  3209 Richards Lane
  Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
  505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell
  www.positiveenergysolar.com



  On 10/17/2013 10:41 AM, SunHarvest wrote:

    I have encountered a Trace 2548 in seemingly good working condition. I was called out to troubleshoot a Grid-tied, battery back-up system with the following problem:

    - Upon loss of grid power there is about a 5 second lapse (no power to house) before the BB system engages. Power to the critical loads panel from the Trace is restored after the 5 second lapse.
    - After another 5 seconds the Trace will disconnect power to the loads. This on-off cycle continues until grid power is restored.

    After checking voltage & S.G. values, I determined that the 11 year old batteries needed to be replaced and I assumed this was the cause of the Trace on-off cycling.
    I also found that half of his PV array had bad BP modules. BP replaced all of the modules under somewhat of a warranty. So, new modules, new batteries, and a new Outback FM60 charge controller. After all upgrades I ran through a simulated power outage again and the intermittent power problem persists!

    He also has gen support enabled - connection to an Onan "RV Genset BGE NHE (??) - and when I start the genny from the inverter, by selecting "On" not "Auto", the genset fires right up but only stays on for about 30 seconds before it too shuts off and enters a cycling between auto-starting from the inverter and shutting down.

    This behavior is beyond me. So, I'm seeking help from the pros. Anyone know what's going on here? The customer has another Trace 2548, unused, sitting in a box. So, if I needed to I could swap out the inverter and see if that makes a difference...?

    Eric
    SunHarvest
    (530)798-3738

     

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