[RE-wrenches] Outback inverter generator question

[Ray]

They need to add a transformer to operate the generator at full power.  
As Jerry noted, running at 120 vac, they are only pulling off one leg of 
the generator.  This unequal loading can damage the generator.  I'm 
guessing they damaged both Hondas.  A transformer will allow the 
generator to operate at 240 vac, and step down to 120 vac for the 
inverter input.  At that point, a Honda 5 K becomes a decent match for 
that inverter.  In its current state, they will just keep frying 
generators.  Some generators offer full 120 vac output, like the 
Ecogen.  Either way these folks need to spend some money on the right 
generator or a transformer and repair the old generators.

Ray Walters

On 12/16/2017 7:04 PM, Jerry Shafer wrote:
> Ron
> A 5 k 120/240 genny pushing a 24 volt 3500 watt sounds way over kill and
> only pushing one leg only will result in issues, have not seen them with
> hondas but have with others. No mate means no programming so it might be
> over throttling the little inverter. You did not say anything about the
> batteries so we cant do the math but with the miss match it is not
> surprising that there are issues. Is the a PS-1 type panel or anything
> besides the inverter. maybe its me but I don't see parts required to make
> this a safe system. the Gen set issues also fit if there was no proper
> programming done. these can be fun to get all fixed up right and doing what
> they are designed to do.
> Jerry
> 255 *24 = 6120 / 2 = 3060 / (5000/2) => a 20 amp 120 vac is 2400 with this
> as an example with not much to go on, with the battery bit IF the batteries
> were dead they would be charged in just over an hr. and NO l did not take
> any losses into account but this was with D-8 DCFLA not sealed AGM's
>
> On Sat, Aug 12, 2017 at 2:32 PM, Ron Young <solareagle at solareagle.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Have a client where I recently installed an Outback VFX3524 inverter in
>> June. He’s using a Honda generator and has recently started having issues.
>> He has been complaining that the inverter seems to be running hot but I
>> believe this is because he doesn’t have good ventilation around it. He is
>> probably also running high on the loads. He doesn’t have a Mate so can’t
>> identify the error. He is in a remote location and I am currently unable to
>> travel due to fire restrictions in my area (major BC wildfires).
>>
>> Here is his recent email:
>> -Seems the inverter is recognizing the power in as an issue, and throwing
>> an error.
>> -My existing 5000 Honda generator has been online with the unit since you
>> installed it.
>> -The last few days, when there is very little load, or the unit goes to
>> float, the generator goes into a high rpm.
>> -My existing 5000 Honda crapped out on me this morning, and holds a low
>> rpm, not putting out much power.  Will run a tool, but still won’t hold a
>> higher rpm.
>> -I borrowed an identical 5000 Honda generator, and it seemed to be doing
>> fine for about 1.5 hours.
>> -Now it’s doing the same thing as the other generator.  The inverter
>> system throws an error, the generator is taken offline, and the generator
>> rpm go up.
>> -If I manually manipulate the throttle not he generator lower, then the
>> inverter re-engages.
>>
>> What the heck could this be?  I don’t want to fry the borrowed generator,
>> but we can’t systematically bypass the inverter, and the house requires the
>> power.
>>
>> Ron Young
>> earthRight - Solareagle
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