Limited Inrush Current with Paralleled EU2000i's
Have a pair of new EU2000i's (standard & Companion). When paralleled they're capable of producing their rated "continuous" output of 26 amps into a non-inductive load (using the Companion's 30 amp outlet).
However, starting my 13,500 BTU a/c compressor with the two EU2000i paralleled (ECO mode on) I encounter a severe voltage drop (less than 100 volts), along with low inrush current capability (only 54 amps). The voltage drop will instantly trigger the E4 low-voltage fault on my PI EMS if I leave EMS protection turned on during startup. Turning the ECO mode off reduces the voltage drop and improves inrush current (60 amps), but the underlying problem still remains.
Interestingly, each EU2000i alone will successfully startup the a/c compressor with the ECO mode off. During startup each unit produced a very impressive 54 amps of inrush current and did not trigger the PI EMS low-voltage fault. In fact, each EU2000i will startup the a/c compressor with the ECO mode on, but they struggle badly (EMS must be turned off)--while still producing 50 amps of inrush current. Parallel issues aside, these units do have significant amounts of headroom!
There certainly appears to be an issue with my EU2000i's parallel circuitry--specifically when trying to produce inrush current into an inductive load.
FWIW, my 13,500 BTU a/c compressor draws 61-62 amps of inrush during startup when powered commercially. The manufacturers rated LRA is 63 amps, so all appears well with the compressor. I know some will recommend using a hard-start cap**, but that's really not the issue here. If one EU2000i can produce 50 amps of inrush current with the ECO mode on, then certainly two EU2000i's paralleled should easily produce 75-100 amps of inrush current with the ECO mode on. More than enough inrush current to start this compressor with little to no voltage drop.
Anywhoser, sure hoping this issue can be rectified under warranty. I'm certainly curious if anyone else has had similar problems with their paralleled EU2000i's.
However, starting my 13,500 BTU a/c compressor with the two EU2000i paralleled (ECO mode on) I encounter a severe voltage drop (less than 100 volts), along with low inrush current capability (only 54 amps). The voltage drop will instantly trigger the E4 low-voltage fault on my PI EMS if I leave EMS protection turned on during startup. Turning the ECO mode off reduces the voltage drop and improves inrush current (60 amps), but the underlying problem still remains.
Interestingly, each EU2000i alone will successfully startup the a/c compressor with the ECO mode off. During startup each unit produced a very impressive 54 amps of inrush current and did not trigger the PI EMS low-voltage fault. In fact, each EU2000i will startup the a/c compressor with the ECO mode on, but they struggle badly (EMS must be turned off)--while still producing 50 amps of inrush current. Parallel issues aside, these units do have significant amounts of headroom!
There certainly appears to be an issue with my EU2000i's parallel circuitry--specifically when trying to produce inrush current into an inductive load.
FWIW, my 13,500 BTU a/c compressor draws 61-62 amps of inrush during startup when powered commercially. The manufacturers rated LRA is 63 amps, so all appears well with the compressor. I know some will recommend using a hard-start cap**, but that's really not the issue here. If one EU2000i can produce 50 amps of inrush current with the ECO mode on, then certainly two EU2000i's paralleled should easily produce 75-100 amps of inrush current with the ECO mode on. More than enough inrush current to start this compressor with little to no voltage drop.
Anywhoser, sure hoping this issue can be rectified under warranty. I'm certainly curious if anyone else has had similar problems with their paralleled EU2000i's.
