Graeme, Consider the difference between volt-amps that express complex power in which generators are rated. Driving a resistive load, it will supply the same number of watts of real power. A reactive load, usually inductive (like motors or transformers), will require imaginary power at phase right angles to the real power. The square root of the sum of the squares of real and reactive powers yields the complex power that the generator must supply.
If the Truecharge has a low power factor, say 0.7 (1.0 is resistive), then the generator may be overloaded if it can't supply the complex power. Capacitors added in parallel with the input can restore the power factor to near 1.0. This is just a guess, as I don't know what the Xantrex power factor value is. These are sharp guys -- ask them. Frank -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Graeme Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2005 11:38 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [microhydro] petrol generator problem - low voltage I am setting up my micro hydro system. Until I get the generator installed at the waterfall and the transmission line in place I am using petrol generators to provide power to charge the batteries. The only load on the generator is a Xantrex Truecharge 40i+ So far I have had a Scorpian DY2500L replaced and the replecement repaired because of low output voltage (ie less than 200v instead of 230v). I also have two GMC 850W units that have the same problem. I have contacted Xantrex asking if the Truecharge puts a strange load on the generator but they didn't answer the question. I can keep having petrol generators replaced / repaired while under warrenty but I need to know the likely fault and how to prevent it. I do not want to have my hydro generator fail as it is not convienient to pull out. If any-one has suggestions on likely cause and how to prevent it please let me know. Cheers Graeme ____________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Never miss an Instant Message - Yahoo! Messenger for SMS http://au.mobile.yahoo.com/mweb/index.html Does your company feature in the microhydro business directory at http://microhydropower.net/directory ? If not, please register free of charge and be exposed to the microhydro community world wide! NOTE: The advertisements in this email are added by Yahoogroups who provides us with free email group services. The microhydro-group does not endorse products or support the advertisements in any way. More information on micro hydropower at http://microhydropower.net To unsubscribe: send empty message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS a.. Visit your group "microhydro" on the web. b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/FGYolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Does your company feature in the microhydro business directory at http://microhydropower.net/directory ? If not, please register free of charge and be exposed to the microhydro community world wide! NOTE: The advertisements in this email are added by Yahoogroups who provides us with free email group services. The microhydro-group does not endorse products or support the advertisements in any way. More information on micro hydropower at http://microhydropower.net To unsubscribe: send empty message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
