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Searching_Ut's avatar
Searching_Ut
Explorer
Nov 04, 2016

Hyrbrid Inverter and generator to run AC?

I’m looking for inputs from those using hybrid inverters, especially in conjunction with generators to run high load devices like the AC. I currently have 600 watts of solar on the roof of my 5er, with a samlex pure sine inverter powering the whole rig AC wise. The inverter is wired through an auto transfer switch, and I put in an isolation relay to automatically turn off the Intellipower DC converter when the Inverter is switched on, but all other power management we do manually. (Fridge and Hot water to Gas, AC Off etc.)

I’m going to put more solar on the roof taking the system up to 1000 watts, and the plan for when I retire next year is to replace the current 3 group 24 batteries to 4 6 volt jars. I’m not sure what I want to do inverter wise at this time though. I’m thinking of going to a 2000 watt hybrid, such as the Xantrex freedom SW2012 12V 2000W. Besides allowing the wife to potentially use her hair dryer for short periods without my having to go out and fire up on of the 2 champion 2000 watt inverter generators we have, and maybe even some microwave popcorn in the evening. Currently I have to run both generators in parallel to run one of my 15k AC units. Would I be able to get away with just one generator being used, with the xantrex taking care of the compressor starting surge, and using the solar/batteries to fill in the generator output deficit? Looks good on paper, but I’d love to hear from folks actually making it work, if in fact it is working for them.
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Nov 05, 2016
    Umm- the Xantrex most certainly does do load support - http://xantrex.com/power-products/inverter-chargers/freedom-sw-12v_newgen.aspx
    Xantrex wrote:
    The second generation 2000 watt model has been completely redesigned to include many of the same great features found in its high power counterpart.A key feature enhancement is ‘Generator Support Mode’ which enables the Freedom SW to supplement a generator¹ when AC loads exceed the generator’s capacity. The new generation models also feature improved AC transfer/AC input detection time, providing the ability to transfer AC loads to batteries in less than 10 milliseconds when the incoming grid or generator power is lost. Connected loads are almost unable to feel the power transition due to this quick transfer time.


    You can also stack units for higher output or tie them together to get 240 volt power.
  • brulaz's avatar
    brulaz
    Explorer
    Nov 05, 2016
    Searching_Ut wrote:

    ...
    Since I'll probably go with the old dependable wet cell batteries I realize my high demand loads will have to be kept short.
    ...


    As others have said, voltage sag with 4 wet-cell GC2s might be a problem at high starting loads. You might have better luck with 4 AGMs, especially since you'll have a generator to keep them charged up when there's no solar or shorepower.
  • jharrell's avatar
    jharrell
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    Searching_Ut wrote:
    Wow, it's good to know the Xantrex doesn't do load support as that is primarily what I was looking for. the way we camp we rarely optimize solar so I can't imagine ever running AC completely off solar/batteries, I was more just looking to not have to parallel my generators and use load support to run my AC with just one.


    If you just don't want to parallel generators look into the Micro-Air Easystart, it should let you start of a single 2000 generator.
  • jharrell's avatar
    jharrell
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    wa8yxm wrote:
    This unit consists of an "in-line" inverter and battery that goes between your Generator and RV. when it senses a load LESS than the generator's capacity (programmable I assume) it charges its battery. When the A/C start coils kick in it supports and adds to the Generator's power. It handles all the phasing and such so it does not blow things up.


    My Magnum Hybrid does exactly this and is wired inline, if the load is less than the max shore amps setting is uses whatever is left over to charge batteries, if the load is higher than the max shore amps setting it inverts power to compensate. Also if there is excess charge coming from solar it will invert it mixing with shore/gen power.

    The only problem with the A/C and the Magnum is my 15k BTU A/C draws 70LRA and causes a quick voltage drop that Magnum sees going below it shore low voltage disconnect and would drop the shore/gen for 30 seconds and usually the inverter would shutdown due to overload trying to start the A/C by itself. This is a bug IMO but Magnum said it was expected. I put the soft start on the A/C and it solved the voltage sag and hugely lowered the startup surge.
  • Searching_Ut's avatar
    Searching_Ut
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    Wow, it's good to know the Xantrex doesn't do load support as that is primarily what I was looking for. the way we camp we rarely optimize solar so I can't imagine ever running AC completely off solar/batteries, I was more just looking to not have to parallel my generators and use load support to run my AC with just one.

    The more I read into it, the more I'm inclined to just keep things simple. I'll probably put in a bigger inverter for rare short high powered use, the primary being my wife's hair dryer. Since I'll probably go with the old dependable wet cell batteries I realize my high demand loads will have to be kept short. Most of my 40 or so years of rving I haven't used and inverter, or even a generator so it doesn't really feel like an imposition. I'm Just starting to get a little spoiled as I get older. I can't even use the recliners in the current rig without an inverter as they are electric and run on AC. Not sure who came up with the idea of putting them in an RV.

    For those of you running true hybrid systems, would you consider it worth the trouble and expense, or just primarily a Meh type luxury.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Nov 04, 2016
    Fare as I know there is but one make specifically designed to do what you want, I believe it is a Vector (or Victron, all I emember for sure is VIC....)... This unit consists of an "in-line" inverter and battery that goes between your Generator and RV. when it senses a load LESS than the generator's capacity (programmable I assume) it charges its battery. When the A/C start coils kick in it supports and adds to the Generator's power. It handles all the phasing and such so it does not blow things up. (yup they can do that).

    Lots of chatter about it a few years back but I've not seen anything lately.
  • jharrell's avatar
    jharrell
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    I have a Magnum 3000 hybrid that runs the whole coach including AC. My solar helps run the AC as the Magnum will go Load Support VDC with gen or shore when batteries are full.

    The key to running the AC through the inverter is a Micro-air easystart. This lowers the start current down significantly and would also allow starting the AC off a single smaller generator as well.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Nov 04, 2016
    The Xantrex unit does not do Load Support. It switches the entire load to the battery bank.

    If you are serious about running the roof air from an inverter, I'd recommend going to a 24 or 48 volt 4000 watt inverter. Magnum, Outback, and Victron make units that do true load support.

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