[RE-wrenches] Conext SW4048 not charging from generator

[Sindelar Solar]

Dave,

I would first suspect the generator, not the inverter. Check its output 
voltage and Hz under load. If it's overloading, either (or both) voltage 
and frequency will drop below the acceptable range and the inverter will 
unlatch its input relays, wait for a bit, relatch and ramp up input amps 
until it again overloads and the cycle repeats. You may reduce either 
(or both) charging amps and overall input amps, broaden the frequency 
and minimum voltage acceptance ranges (I don't recommend this), adjust 
the AC output voltage of the generator, or advise them to get a better 
gennie.

Allan

On 12/15/2020 11:14 AM, Dave Tedeyan wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I am going to service a system where the homeowner is telling me that 
> their Conext SW4048 had been working fine for 14 months, and then all 
> of a sudden recently stopped being able to charge the batteries from 
> the generator. It is an off grid system.
>
> The inverter would start charging the batteries, but then about a 
> minute later they would hear a relay click and the charging would 
> stop. Then it would just keep cycling. If they turned everything off 
> for a while, they could then turn it back on and charge for maybe 10 
> minutes before it would start cycling. They just have a crappy 4kw 
> generator from Harbor Freight.
>
> I have not laid my own eyes on it yet, but will be there in the next 
> day or two. Just wondering if anyone has experienced these symptoms 
> and have a good idea of what to look for first.
>
> Thanks!
> -Dave
>
> *Dave Tedeyan, PE*
> Senior Engineer | Taitem Engineering, PC
>
> 110 South Albany Street | Ithaca, NY 14850
> o. _607.277.1118 x121_  f. 607.277.2119
> www.taitem.com <http://www.taitem.com>
>
> Solar •Sustainability • Energy • Design
> Certified B-Corporation since 2013
>
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-- 

*Allan Sindelar*
allan at sindelarsolar.com <mailto:allan at sindelarsolar.com>
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc.
*505 780-2738 cell*

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