[RE-wrenches] Retrofit variable speed drive to old well pump?

[RE Ellison]

Don't know about the variable speed but are the wires feeding the pump large enough for the distance?
Sounds like it might be voltage starved because of a high resistance / bad connection or a long wire run and the need for a larger wire ?

Just a thought,
Bob Ellison

> On Dec 10, 2016, at 11:39 AM, Dan Fink <danbob88 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Esteemed Wrenches;
> 
> I have a client in a very remote mountain location who is having trouble with his inverter starting his well pump when battery state of charge is below 75%. 24v system, Magnum inverter. 
> 
> It's a 2-wire pump, unknown age, model, horsepower, or well depth. It has always given him trouble, that's why he upgraded to 24v, and the situation is better, but not ideal yet. I don't think adding a hard start capacitor would help as there should be one inside the pump itself, though I suppose it could be blown.
> 
> Because of the distance and the rough road, it would be super expensive for a well company to come up there, pull the old pump and set a new, modern soft-start one.
> 
> Has anyone here had any experience with retrofitting variable speed drive units to an unknown pump? If so, what models have you tried and what do you prefer?
> 
> Thanks; 
> 
> Dan Fink
> Adjunct Professor of Solar Energy Technology, Ecotech Institute
> IREC Certified Instructor™ for: 
> ~ PV Installation Professional
> ~ Small Wind Installer
> Executive Director, Buckville Energy
> NABCEP Registered Continuing Education Providers™
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> 
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