Inverter bit the dust

Sequence power manager looks like a load shed device that keeps the inverter from overloading.

Hi lc0388,

It is not false but it may be misleading.

Generator support mode. When I checked carefully 3 years ago that meant that, if I exceeded what the generator was producing, the transfer switch in the inverter would take over 100% of the load, drawing all power from the battery bank. Then, when the load became lower, the generator would take over, and the charger portion of the system would recharge the batteries. I was extremely disappointed. It is possible that they have, in the mean time, redesigned that feature.

Load support from Victron, Outback, and Magnum blends power from the generator (or shore power) and inverter. So in my case, the generator can do 22 amps (2640 watts), and I can use up to another 25 amps (3000 watts) from the Magnum inverter. In the case of Magnum and Victron, this requires the use of the remote control. I've not looked too closely at the Outback, so I'm not quite sure what additional add ons may be necessary.

Here is a quote from a Xantrex manual:

"GENERATOR SUPPORT MODE IN BRIEF

The factory default settings are intended to operate the inverter as an inverter/charger connected to a generator. When the generator is off, the inverter will power the AC loads from the battery. Once the generator is started, the AC loads will be transferred to the generator and the inverter will become a battery charger and store the unused power in the batteries for later use. The inverter will automatically limit the draw of the battery charger to prevent overloading the generator. When the generator is turned off it will be disconnected and the inverter will instantly take over and power the AC loads from the batteries."

Since Xantrex lists the freedom sequence manager as an accessory I guess that may be what would be necessary to allow the generator (or shore power) and inverter "share" the load. I would make darn sure of this before I purchased.

In any event the Xantrex can't be fixed and would only be replaced under warranty, where as Magnum and Victron can be repaired. Also the Magnum 24 volt may be cheaper than the Xantrex, as well as more capable, offering 4000 watts of inverter power.

BTW load support is NOT the same as voltage support. I did find a way to "force" the Magnum to do voltage support. I have an autoformer now, so I won't have to do that any more.

lc0338 wrote:


You might want to read this link. Is it false advertising?

http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Inverter-Chargers/Freedom-SW-24V/DS20160505_FreedomSW24V.pdf

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

The Xantrex is not a true hybrid inverter. It will not blend power from shore power and battery bank, nor from generator and battery bank. It is a single phase power device so not well suited to a 50 amp service in an RV.

For true hybrid operation look at Magnum, Outback, or Victron. They offer 12, 24 and 48 volt units.

Best price on the Magnum 3012 is Imarine. Magnum has 24 and 48 volt models as well.

SMK's approach has a lot of merit. Separate components are often more flexible. The only item missing is the load support feature of the true hybrid inverter/chargers, so if you don't need that then the separate components are simpler and inherently more reliable, not to mention a heck of a lot cheaper.

You might want to read this link. Is it false advertising?

http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Inverter-Chargers/Freedom-SW-24V/DS20160505_FreedomSW24V.pdf

smkettner wrote:
Don't forget the DC-DC converter to run 12v items as the main battery goes to 24 volts.

This is for a solar generator so I only use the 120v created to plug into the RV or plug something 120v directly into the generator. Thanks for the input.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

I would jump all the way to 48 volts.

I only have 4ea 6 volt batteries in my unit. would have to go to 12 volt batteries to do 48 volt and really with only 4 batteries I think 48 volt would be overkill. I like 6 volt batteries. My unit has 4ea full river with 250ah

Don't forget the DC-DC converter to run 12v items as the main battery goes to 24 volts.

For the Xantrex to operate as a true hybrid one has to add the Sequence Power Manager. I'm not sure that turns it into true hybrid, for I did no deep research.

The other REAL issue with the Xantrex is that post warranty, no repairs are possible.

Hi,

The Xantrex is not a true hybrid inverter. It will not blend power from shore power and battery bank, nor from generator and battery bank. It is a single phase power device so not well suited to a 50 amp service in an RV.

For true hybrid operation look at Magnum, Outback, or Victron. They offer 12, 24 and 48 volt units.

Best price on the Magnum 3012 is Imarine. Magnum has 24 and 48 volt models as well.

SMK's approach has a lot of merit. Separate components are often more flexible. The only item missing is the load support feature of the true hybrid inverter/chargers, so if you don't need that then the separate components are simpler and inherently more reliable, not to mention a heck of a lot cheaper.

smkettner wrote:
You can buy an IOTA at 24 volts. Then a dedicated 3000 watt inverter such as GoPower. I like separate components. If something goes bad that is all you replace.

Having separate items is sometimes good when something goes south but a good feature of the xantrex combo inverter and charger are they are made to work together. It will allow the use of a smaller generator and the inverter will help boost the wattage needed for the load, if the generator can't keep up. Also it doesn't look like I would save any money initially, only if things go south, and the xantrex has higher temperature capability (up to 140 deg). My unit failed when the ambient temperature was 95 deg. Since the inverter sits in the sun with the panels I need a sturdy unit with higher heat capability.

byronlj wrote:
My next inverter will be a xantrex sw 3024. That is a nice unit and very simple to hook up and use.
Dave

I have been struggling with the decision for a few weeks, whether to stick with 12v or jump to 24v. I guess the main reason I struggled is that it will obsolete my 12v iota charger and the fact that, yes, I could heat a cup of coffee water by other means but dad gum I have spent a small fortune on this solar generator and I had intended it to be capable of handling my usual routine while boondocking.
Anyway, I have been looking where to purchase the unit and believe I will get it here:

http://www.starmarinedepot.com/detail.asp?product_id=ZZ19776&action=1&qty=1&prodname=Xantrex+Freedom+SW3024+Inverter+Charger+3000W+24V