Your last generator Maintenance Run

[3930dave]

Chris - price was right on these VA meters Nik used. That supplier might have another option for frequency.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/350209-my-ice-storm-generator-lessons-2.html

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

My system uses 8w in search mode.
Diamondpilot; I think I have what you want.
I have a xantrex xw4024 a hybrid inverter system capable of handling and managing inputs from solar panels, windmills, batteries and portable generators.
I have a remote a control panel in my kitchen that displays among other things the voltage and amps on each leg along with the frequency.
One feature that is very unique feature is the Generator Assist function that will assist my (small) generator when the load exceeds a preset point preventing an overload, under voltage situation using 24v DC power from the battery pack.
This allows me to use a smaller more fuel efficient generator.
When the generator is in use it feeds into the inverter thru to the loads and uses excess available power (if any) to recharge the batteries.
I've had this system for over 2 years with no issues.
90cummins

Given what all your system does 90, 8 watts seems quite reasonable.

Is that Gen Assist trigger level fixed, or adjustable ?

Battery systems can be a great buffer, allowing gens to do what they do best - run heavy loads.

Rgds, D.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Chris - price was right on these VA meters Nik used. That supplier might have another option for frequency. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/350209-my-ice-storm-generator-lessons-2.html Rgds, D.

I saw his setup. I see he's using a separate FQ meter. It's very close to what I want.

Chris

 

[90cummins]

Given what all your system does 90, 8 watts seems quite reasonable.

Is that Gen Assist trigger level fixed, or adjustable ?

Battery systems can be a great buffer, allowing gens to do what they do best - run heavy loads.

Rgds, D.

The assist trigger level is adjustable.

 

[bcp]

I'm thinking the frequency of power outages is due to overhead lines.

Having lived in places where power is underground... power outages were very rare if at all...

Overhead lines through forested areas around here were replaced a few years ago. The new lines are larger, black, smooth, and shiny. (looks like insulation)

Outages have dropped a lot.

Bruce

 

[3930dave]

The assist trigger level is adjustable.

Easy enough to do in software..... still nice to see that it was made user accessible.

Rgds, D.

 

[ultrarunner]

Overhead lines through forested areas around here were replaced a few years ago. The new lines are larger, black, smooth, and shiny. (looks like insulation)

Outages have dropped a lot.

Bruce

Hope they get to my part of Thurston County soon...

Still remember a bitter cold 7 days without power and temps in single digits.

Did have a small genset for the well which was great and one wood insert and one wood stove to take the chill off.

Of course Thuston does have no burn days too...

 

[dragoneggs]

I'm going to have to do a little research and figuring. I share a well with my neighbor. We alternate yearly on who will provide power as we both have electrical wired to it. about 4 or so years ago, I told the neighbor (suffering cancer and old age of 85) to forget about alternating because he was always worried about it. So it has been on my line since. Has passed away this fall leaving his beautiful bride of 65 years together alone. Now when we lose power I feel bad because I know she isn't getting water either. I have a mechanical interlock and run my 3000w for frig/freezer, a few lights and the TV but I always shut the well pump off. Guess I should figure out the load of the pump, eh?

 

[ultrarunner]

The well was priority one with a week long outage...

Had to be selective with the generator... have one of those 6 circuit selective setup where one or all of the circuits can be manually switched from PSE to Generator...

Two circuits for the Well

Two circuits for the the small electric water heater

One for the refrigeration and a lights

One for selective outlets including one for the shop...

The Generator is 4500 watt and loud.

Having hot/warm running water with a few lights and all is good...

Thankfully the long outage has only happened once... there have been a few all day or overnight outages since.

Though about spending the money for a two burner propane in the Kitchen with a fancy propane heater fireplace in the master suite... they don't take up much room and require no power... never got past the thinking about stage as the home has been rented the last couple of years.

 

[check]

My system uses 8w in search mode. Diamondpilot; I think I have what you want. I have a xantrex xw4024 a hybrid inverter system capable of handling and managing inputs from solar panels, windmills, batteries and portable generators. I have a remote a control panel in my kitchen that displays among other things the voltage and amps on each leg along with the frequency. One feature that is very unique feature is the Generator Assist function that will assist my (small) generator when the load exceeds a preset point preventing an overload, under voltage situation using 24v DC power from the battery pack. This allows me to use a smaller more fuel efficient generator. When the generator is in use it feeds into the inverter thru to the loads and uses excess available power (if any) to recharge the batteries. I've had this system for over 2 years with no issues. 90cummins

Sounds interesting. Will your system provide an instant voltage boost during that critical few seconds before an automatic standby generator switch starts up the generator and restores power? My generator starts within 10 seconds of a power outage, but I have been at the cattage when there are "brownouts", during which there is a momentary dip in the power, but not long enough for the automatic transfer switch to start the generator. And I believe that it is these momentary low voltage incidents hat can cause significant damage to sensitive electronic equipment, yes?