[RE-wrenches] Outback Voltage Spikes?

[drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org]

Hi Jay,

The diversion load is AC, and controlled by the Aux output dump load
function on the MX 60. The aux output triggers a relay that opens the
1000 W, space heater dump load. 

Since this is an AC coupled system, the dump load is between the
inverter and the Stirling generator, fed from the off grid service
panel where the AC coupling takes place. The Stirling puts out close
to 1000 W. 

When the Stirling is charging batteries, the FET board on the Outback
is working hard, turning the AC into DC. When the batteries reach the
programmed voltage level, the relay triggers and the power goes to an
electric space heater. The inverter has little to do. 

A sketch of the setup is attached. 

The problem  seems to occur when there is a change in the load. It
can also be other loads that cause the Stirling to go into high
voltage shutdown. 

Thanks,

Drake 

----- Original Message -----
From: "RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
To:"RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Cc:
Sent:Tue, 19 Mar 2019 08:29:33 -0700
Subject:Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Voltage Spikes?

 Hi Drake,

 Can you explain the diversion load more. 
 Dc or ac
 Size, Watts
 What type of load
 How is it turned on, off

 My reasoning is that you seem to point to a connection between
diversion load and shut down. 

 Thx
 Jay

 > On Mar 19, 2019, at 6:25 AM, drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org
wrote:
 > 
 > Hello Wrenches,
 > 
 > We have an Outback VFX3648 inverter AC coupled to a Stirling
Generator. We use an Outback autotransformer to get the 240 V needed
to match the Stirling. The Stirling generator must run continuously,
as it is difficult to start up after a shut down.
 > 
 > The system works flawlessly for many hours. At some point, usually
when the dump load kicks on, the generator shuts down on a high
voltage error. High voltage is about 264 V. We have never seen voltage
that high on the system. 
 > 
 > We replaced the control board on the inverter, and the output
voltage appears very stable. The Stirling people say that the Outback
must be putting out high voltage spikes that are so brief that we will
not be able to see them with a voltmeter. 
 > 
 > Can an Outback inverter create such spikes? 
 > 
 > Thanks,
 > 
 > Drake 
 > 
 > 
 > 
 > 
 > 
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