I agree with Graeme regarding the hash the switched-mode/pwm power supplies make of many generator outputs. The caps are a appropriate solution to the problem. If the generator is oversized by about 75-100% the generator generally manages to overcome the problem through brute force. Thus if you are using a 2500 watt generator to provide, say 6 amps/240V worst-case reactive power to the charger then I think something else may be amiss as well. For instance, are you sure you do not have other loads running at the same time? Washing machine, fridge, pump?
Rob Quoting Frank Leslie <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > > > > > 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 ? 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