I need help setting up an inverter

Redber1980
Redber1980 Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭
in Solar Beginners Corner #1
I just got this inverter and want to power an air conditioner in my car until I get it fixed. For some reason it cuts off when the compressor goes to kick on. My cheaper inverter from walmart ran a bigger 10k unit longer than this one is running this one. Any suggestions? I have it in a 2014 chevy traverse. It had 2  2 gauge wires running to each post and there about 2 feet long. Do I need a different battery or a second battery? Would a capacitor help it any like a central air unit? 
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  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Possible problems are, the compressor inrush current exceeds the inverters capacity or battery capacity too low to support the load, probably both.

    The DC run current is ~10 ×  the AC, so a 12V battery discharge of 117A,  just running, so a 100Ah battery would be completely discharged in less than 30 minutes, the demand on the alternator if used, would probably kill it in a very short time. The batteries needed to run such an A/C unit would probably exceed the cost of getting the cars A/C repaired, which is what I would suggest.
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
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  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #3
    That inverter has very little surge capacity (2kw 5sec surge vs 1.8kw continuous).  It may provide a better AC waveform than a cheaper inverter (or maybe just costs more), but with such a low surge it isn't well suited to a high start load like conventional air conditioning. 

    Some inverters can surge to 2x or more capacity.  Some air conditioners have almost no surge.  Unfortunately, neither seems to be the case here.  As Mcgivor says, getting the AC fixed is probably your best bet.
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
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