Converting 230v international to 220v US Split phase

Lindbergh

Is there a way to convert  an inverter output from 230v single phase European to 220v US split phase?
Back story:
Was sold and shipped a growatt
MIC 2000TLX 
they will not take it back and it clearly states on the box UK and Ireland only. 

BB.

You can use a transformer... But that is another power loss (5% - 10% or so?). You also have issues with transformers (for example a larger transformer can take significant surge current to "turn on" and run without any loads--Some transformers can have a "soft start" NTC resistor to reduce starting current surge). And while 230/115 VAC will probably work fine for pretty much everything in the US, our line voltages are closer to 240/120 VAC.

And the unit is probably 50Hz, not 60Hz for north America (it looks to be switchable 50/60Hz, so you may be OK there)...

https://www.pvo-int.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Datasheet-Growatt-MIC-6003300TL-X-1.pdf

You can find lots of 230 to 115 VAC (or so) single phase transformers pretty cheap (check out Amazon). Can work OK if you have either 230 VAC OR 115 VAC loads... If you have a load that requires split phase 120/240 VAC (grounded neutral)--The simple/cheap options are more difficult to find (if they exist at all).

But to find an isolated 230 VAC to 115/230 VAC split phase with grounded center tap... That is not going to be cheap (probably getting close to the price of the AC inverter itself if looking for new xformer).

I am not a transformer engineer--But a quick search (know nothing about vendor) has a 240 VAC input to 120/240 VAC 3 kVA transformer for something like $579 list price (first link, scroll down to near bottom to find 3kVA transformer):

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/power_products_(electrical)/transformers/1-phase_encapsulated_transformers_(nema_rated)/277-z-240-z-208-z-120_vac_to_240x120_vac?/C1F003WES#sort=undefined asc&start=0

https://cdn.automationdirect.com/static/specs/hpsxfortress277240208120.pdf

I have no idea that this is the right transformer for your needs--Or that your AC inverter would even "start" this transformer (without softstart NTC resistor or other "help")...

But it does give you a data point of "one" to see if this is anything close to what you need or even want.

-Bill

Lindbergh

Well darn ($600) blown. 
you have confirmed what I had thought. 

Best to just mark it up to experience and purchase another inverter that is for US market. 

Thanks for your input. 

BB.

I am sorry to hear of your issues with this inverter...

I think you are in Texas?

In California, we have a 

https://www.justia.com/trials-litigation/docs/caci/1200/1232/

Implied Warranty of Fitness for Particular Purpose. California Uniform Commercial Code section 2315.

It looks like Texas has something similar(?):

https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._bus._and_com._code_section_2a.213

Sec. 2A.213
Implied Warranty of Fitness for Particular Purpose

Except in a finance lease, if the lessor at the time the lease contract is made has reason to know of any particular purpose for which the goods are required and that the lessee is relying on the lessor’s skill or judgment to select or furnish suitable goods, there is in the lease contract an implied warranty that the goods will be fit for that purpose.

If you specifically ordered a UK/Ireland configured unit--That is "on you". If you ordered an inverter for use in Texas--And the supplier (hopefully USA based seller?), then you may have a small claims case against them.

Good Luck,
-Bill "not a lawyer" B.

Lindbergh

Regrettably I fell for the web seller Tesup. 

Buyer beware. 

Just gotta chalk it up to a learning experience. 🤬☹️🤬☹️