[RE-wrenches] Power conditioner for Trace inverter

Sat Sep 9 10:13:30 PDT 2023

Friends:

I had an experience with a more modern inverter system creating harmonic
distortion on the output waveform during generator run.  That issue was
documented here
<https://millersolar.com/MillerSolar/case_studies/25_GFI%20Tripping/GFI_Tripping.html>.
The inverter system is Outback Radian.

A few weeks ago I received a call from an individual that was researching a
similar problem.  He called me to tell me he had resolved his harmonic
distortion problem by installing a 20 microfarad capacitor in the circuit
that was having problems.

I have read here about adding a capacitor to solve distortion problems. The
same client is still having problems running a modern oven.  I ordered a 20
microfarad, non-polarized capacitor rated at 440 VAC.  I will let you know
if this provides any resolution.

William Miller

Miller Solar

17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422

805-438-5600

www.millersolar.com

CA Lic. 773985

*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *Ray via RE-wrenches
*Sent:* Friday, September 8, 2023 10:12 PM
*To:* re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
*Cc:* Ray
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Power conditioner for Trace inverter

That's about what to expect from the Psuedo Sine Wave that the SWs put
out.  They shortened the list of problem appliances significantly compared
to "mod sine", but its a stepped pyramid wave.  Later inverters (Outback,
Magnum) were step waves too, but just more steps, which translates to less
trouble.

Trace SW waveform

I have cured the "washer not running on the SW" once, by adding a capacitor
to the circuit.  I can't recommend it 100% from a safety stand point, but
it worked for us. Some body else chime in on the possible dangers?  Cap
blowing, fires, shorts?  Definitely needs to be in a metal enclosure.

I think its either get a different washer or get a different inverter. At
22+ years, its slowly reaching the time to retire those old SWs.

Ray Walters

Remote Solar

303 505-8760

On 9/8/23 2:53 PM, Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar via RE-wrenches wrote:

I would do a load test on the inverter. It may have a damaged FET or two.
They do not last forever! Good Luck

*Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar*

*"we go where powerlines don't"*

*   <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/>https://offgridsolar1.com/
<https://offgridsolar1.com/>  <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/>*

*e-mail  offgridsolar at sti.net <offgridsolar at sti.net>*

*text 209 813 0060*

On 2023-09-08 12:30 pm, Darryl Thayer via RE-wrenches wrote:

New washing machines are small loads 400 Watts about.

On Fri, Sep 8, 2023, 2:27 PM Darryl Thayer <darylsolar1 at gmail.com> wrote:

I once used a ferro-resonant transformer to clean up a sine wave.  You have
to know the power.

On Fri, Sep 8, 2023, 1:59 PM Chris Daum via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

Hi folks:

I have a fellow with a Trace SW5548, purchased from us in 2001.  It's been
working  great for him all this time, but the dilemma is he's gotten a new
Hotpoint washing machine, and its electronics don't like the old inverter.
Is there some sort of power conditioner or 'line tamer' available that will
work for this appliance's operation?  Any ideas would be greatly
appreciated.  He's rather loathe to replace his inverter if he doesn't need
to.

Best,

Chris Daum

Oasis Montana Inc.

406-777-4309 or 4321

406-777-4309 fax

www.oasismontana.com

_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance

Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org

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

Change listserver email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the
other:
https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

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

Check out or update participant bios:
http://www.members.re-wrenches.org

_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance

Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org

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

Change listserver email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the
other:
https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

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

Check out or update participant bios:
http://www.members.re-wrenches.org

_______________________________________________

List sponsored by Redwood Alliance

Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org

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

Change listserver email address & settings:

http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the other:

https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/

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

List rules & etiquette:

http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm

Check out or update participant bios:

http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20230909/a4080a4b/attachment-0001.htm>