Grid Tie Inverters with Generator
The reason most people go to a second generator (or a larger generator) is because of the startup amps needed to get the Air/Con compressor turning. Once it's turning a 2000-2400watt generator will us...
Forum Discussion
Hi,
I tend to agree with some of your thinking. If the grid tie inverter sees 1,000 amps at 12 volts available, it is designed to put all that power into the grid as quickly as it's 5,000 watt rating can transfer it. This can backfeed the generator, and probably melt it. . .
Grid tie inverters such as Xantex can match the incoming Hz, and just add 'enough' power to overcome the power coming in, so that you do not exceed your maximum input rating. So I have a remote control on my 1997 Trace M1512 inverter control panel. I can set inlet from 5-30 amps in 5 amp steps. It will lower the charge rate to a point where incoming power + charge amps will not exceed the inlet rating. So if I am using the A/C and set the inverter to a 20 amp shore power, it will sense the 14 amps being used by the A/C and not charge at a rate to exceed 20 amps total. Yet the M1512 is modified sine inverter, so it will not contribute to the loads the way you described.
The SW2512 inverter can contribute to the loads, they way you described. If set for say a 15 amp shore power, it will charge the batteries when it can, and if you exceed the 15 amp load, the inverter will contribute to the line amperage, and prevent the 15 amp breaker from tripping, even if you have a 20 - 25 amp load running.
You might be able to find a used SW2512 inverter. It might not be as expensive as a second generator. You might need a 440 amp hour battery bank - 4 batteries to run it that way.
Fred.
I tend to agree with some of your thinking. If the grid tie inverter sees 1,000 amps at 12 volts available, it is designed to put all that power into the grid as quickly as it's 5,000 watt rating can transfer it. This can backfeed the generator, and probably melt it. . .
Grid tie inverters such as Xantex can match the incoming Hz, and just add 'enough' power to overcome the power coming in, so that you do not exceed your maximum input rating. So I have a remote control on my 1997 Trace M1512 inverter control panel. I can set inlet from 5-30 amps in 5 amp steps. It will lower the charge rate to a point where incoming power + charge amps will not exceed the inlet rating. So if I am using the A/C and set the inverter to a 20 amp shore power, it will sense the 14 amps being used by the A/C and not charge at a rate to exceed 20 amps total. Yet the M1512 is modified sine inverter, so it will not contribute to the loads the way you described.
The SW2512 inverter can contribute to the loads, they way you described. If set for say a 15 amp shore power, it will charge the batteries when it can, and if you exceed the 15 amp load, the inverter will contribute to the line amperage, and prevent the 15 amp breaker from tripping, even if you have a 20 - 25 amp load running.
You might be able to find a used SW2512 inverter. It might not be as expensive as a second generator. You might need a 440 amp hour battery bank - 4 batteries to run it that way.
Fred.
