[RE-wrenches] Magnum and Pumps

[Ray Walters]

Based on many successful installs, I'd say a 3/4 HP pump is not a 
problem at all, and that the Magnum could easily run a 1-1/2 HP 
submersible pump.
2 HP probably, but that's where you start worrying.
The Franklin Subpak controller can be used on regular AC pumps and not 
only offers constant pressure, it removes the starting surge. This is 
the future for all pumping systems, and it makes the solar installer's 
life easier too.  Grundfos makes the SQE line  (as others mentioned) but 
the Franklin Controller is an above ground solution, that you can wire 
in without involving the well guy to pull the pump.

R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 7/2/2014 8:17 AM, Drake wrote:
> Hello Wrenches,
>
> We are hoping to use a Magnum PAE 4448 to back up a household that 
> includes a 3/4 HP deep well pump. There is about 120 feet of vertical 
> rise and about 1000 feet of horizontal distance.
>
> I have been told that there is a correlation between the locked rotor 
> current of a pump and the predictable ability of a specified inverter 
> to power that pump.
>
> The plumber who installed the pump left no paperwork and retained no 
> records of what pump he put in the hole last year. He could only say 
> it was a 3/4 HP pump. We are therefore unable to obtain the 
> manufacturer's nameplate specifications.
>
> The Magnum PAE 4448 has a 1 mS surge of 70 A (at 240 V) and a 100 MS 
> surge of 40 A. According to the NEC Table 430.251(A), a 3/4 HP motor 
> has a locked rotor current of 41.4 amps at 230 V.
>
> This inverter can surge at 35.4 A for 5 seconds. The specified battery 
> bank will be 8 Full River  L-16 AGMs. Can anyone say if:
>
>   * Is there enough information to know if this setup will handle the
>     pump, and if so, will it?
>   * How can an inverter's ability to power a motor or pump be
>     calculated by knowing its locked rotor current? Which surge
>     periods should be compared to the locked rotor current?
>   * Does the surge current need to equal locked rotor. How long must
>     the inverter meet its required maximum surge?
>   * From experience with Magnums and pumps, does this seem like a good
>     combination?
>
>
> Thank you,
>
> Drake
>
> Drake Chamberlin
> /Athens Electric LLC
> OH License 44810
> CO License 3773
> NABCEP Certified Solar PV
> 740-448-7328
> /http://athens-electric.com/
>
>
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