Inverter choices for 220 VAC

H2SO4_guy

The ultimate goal is to have 220 volts available to run a mini split AC off grid in a very well insulated space. Initially it will be in the temporary living quarters of 175 sq ft but later it may be possibly moved to the bedroom. A Magnum 4400 is an option and would cost about $2200 or so. There is an Outback FX2548 available used on an auction that was made in 2003. If this was purchased I could possibly use an Outback transformer and just run the AC on the inverter while using Exeltechs on other loads, however, it would be better to get a compatible Outback unit later that would allow 220 VAC stacking.
Questions:

Are there any other Outback inverters that would stack with an FX2548? (Possible the VFX-3048 version?)

What would a used Outback FX2548 be worth?

By the time you add the mate are you actually saving anything over the Magnum?
Are there other good choices for 220 VAC at 48 VDC?

Thanks,

Skip

Cariboocoot

Re: Inverter choices for 220 VAC

In terms of new equipment the Magnum is a better choice for out-of-the-box 240 VAC. Calculate your total power requirements first, as you could have either a 24 or 48 Volt system. And yes you'd be looking at about $2,2000 for either inverter, but maybe you don't need the extra battery capacity available from 48 VDC (some of the higher Voltage stuff like fuses/breakers is more expensive too).

As far as the Outback goes, an FX2548 stacks with an FX2548, FX3024 with a 3024, et cetera. The 'V' designation means "vented" and basically alters the maximum capacity (first two digits in the model number, second two are Voltage). They should always be matched for both system Voltage and power capacity.

The necessary MATE adds about $225 on to the FX $1,700 to $1,850 price, and the auto transformer about $300. So there you are at the Magnum price.

A used FX2548 is worth what you're willing to pay for it. Be sure to check out whether or not it works first (good luck with that).

bbbuddy

Re: Inverter choices for 220 VAC

Several new Magnum 4024 MSPAE inverters available at http://www.marinepartssource.com for $1,792.36 right now.

We bought from them, no problems.

http://www.marinepartssource.com/newdetails.asp?pnumber=MAGMS4024PAE&mfg=Magnum%20Energy&mcat1=5&mcat2=0&mcat3=0&mfgcategory=MS%20True%20Sinewave%20Inverter/Chargers&mfgno=MS4024PAE&desc=4000%20Watt%20Inverter/105%20Amp%20Charger%20120/240%2024VDC

H2SO4_guy

Re: Inverter choices for 220 VAC

I am invested in 48 VDC and just recently got 24 C and D 2 volt cells @ 450 AH @ the 8 hour rate. There is also a single string of 8-D batteries @ 48 volts as well as a single string of 48 volts of Lucent 115 AH @ 8 hour rate. I tried to match up 12 C and D AGM's which are 2 volt cells @ 600 AH @ the 8 hour rate. For the price I get these at I can't complain and they are working well so far, just want to be able to run a higher capacity inverter. I don't live there yet, don't know my loads, but intend to live within the power produced, which is backwards of the normal way to do things. The bigest energy consumer will be AC this spring and summer.

Thanks,

Skip

mike95490

Re: Inverter choices for 220 VAC

Be cautious about a transformer and starting surges. Mini-Splits don't have much of a surge requirement, but if your transformer cannot handle the surge that the inverter and batteries can supply to a load, the transformer "collapses" and gives you nothing till the surge event stops. so a 3KVA transformer on a 3KVA inverter with 6KVA surge, will throttle the inverter to whatever surge the transformer can pass. You could need a 8KVA transformer for a 3 or 4KW inverter, to be able to power surge demands.