Schneider XW+ 6848 to 2 single phase generators

rayslan

On a Grid tied system I want to connect my two single phase 120v generators to the XW+ 6848's AC2 L1 and L2 inputs so I can to help the solar panels charge  my SimpliPhi 48v batteries during extended power outages on cloudy days. I guess my first question is "does the generator have to be a split phase 240v type or can I use 2 120v generators instead?".  I have done all the wiring and the Inverter sees 120v on both sides of AC2. The Inverter says Qualifying, not Qualify Good.  I have not simulated a power outage and am not sure how to further test this. I am assuming that the generators only kick in (I manually start them) when the grid is down and the batteries need charging or the system needs help with heavy loads.
Thanks
Ray S.

mcgivor

Welcome to the forum @rayslan

The better solution would be to use a single phase 240V generator without neutral to avoid any neutral bonding issues, using two 120V generators would result in an out of phase situation thus being regected by the XW inverter charger, at least that's my view.

Dave Angelini

You need a split phase genset or a 120 to 240 transformer. Doing what you propose will never qualify the genset. And yes, it is in the manual.

mike95490

Syncing 2 different generators is going to be
1) difficult
2) resulting in both being in same phase, which would not work. They need to be phase locked in opposite  phases.

You need to get a generator larger than 6kw  Those often will have 240V output.

Is this for emergency use only, or battery maintenance in the winter ?

You do NOT want or need an "inverter" style generator, they are expensive but very quiet.    Any good Contractor grade generator should work for emergency use.  If you need extended days of running in winter, for house and batteries, you can either get 2 cheap contractor generators and split the run time between them, or get a higher quality off grid generator.

The more hours you anticipate needing the generator for, lower RPM generators will last longer. ( 1800 rpm or 650 rpm diesels)

rayslan

Thanks all. Couldn't find it in the manual. I was told (not by Scheinder) I could charge the batteries by connecting just one generator to AC2 L1. Thought I would try it. Charging batteries is really all I need from a generator and that would be a rare occurrance.  I was also advised I could hook both my generators up. Looks likes bad advise. I know a new 240 genset would do it but I already own 2 inverters since Hurricane Maria left us with 8.5 months no power, no solar.

Dave Angelini

The other Schneider inverter CSW 4048 can do what you want with one 120V genset or 240. That may have been the mix-up. XW needs 240 split phase.

rayslan

Dave you mentioned a 120v to 240v transformer. Any suggestions on which one? I have looked but no joy yet.

mcgivor

The choice would depend on if you currently have a 120V generator, if not and are looking into getting a generator, then a 240V would be the best option. Should you already have  a 120V generator then a step up transformer of greater VA, by at least 20% of the generator rating, would be required. A simple Google search would link to many options......what do you currently have, if anything?

mike95490

A common step up auto transformer is the PSX-240
https://www.solar-electric.com/psx-240.html

rayslan

Thanks Mike95490. That auto transformer might do the trick. 
FYI mcgivor I have 2 120v generators a EU3000is Honda and a iPower Yamaha 2000

rayslan

Not 60 cycles. As I mentioned I have 2 gas powered inverters. I measured both of them with my Hewlett Packard test bench volt meter and neither reads 60 cycles. Way off. So I think that is why the xw6848 is not qualifying them. ??  I used to have a Blackmax gas generator which read 60 cycles no problem as long as the RPM's were right. I found an inexpensive 120/240 generator non inverter type, maybe that's all I need. 

BB.

What brand/model of inverter generators are those?

Do you have an oscilloscope to look at the want form?

Need to replace an inverter control module?

Bill

Dave Angelini

This thread is being over thought a bit.

 " I found an inexpensive 120/240 generator non inverte typer, maybe that's all I need. "

Most definitely this is what you need. XW will not work with 120 gensets, inverter or not.. Even if synced and the same model gensets it will not be close enough. No use trying this, it was done 15 years ago and has not changed.

I only use the Honda EU 7000i 240vac with XW but any decent 240vac genset for north america will work if XW is configured properly. Back to the fire.....