Using a 110 to 220 step up converter

MainelyTom
MainelyTom Registered Users Posts: 1
Hi, have an off-grid 110 volt solar system. Need to add a well pump to the system (previously gravity fed surface water). Problem is that the well head is 120 feet from the house (septic system set back requirements) and about 230 feet deep (with about 40 feet to the top of the water). Plan is to place the pump at about 210 feet. But that gives a run of at least 330 feet and the pump installer is figuring a 3/4 hp pump. Likely a Grundfos 5SQ07-270. Because it has built in soft-start, we are hoping to avoid the usual motor start up surge. But still, that's 600 watts. At 330 feet I'm not sure what wiring to run. I've done the calculations and it should be able to handle 12/3wg the whole distance. Just don't want to get caught having to move up to 10/3 for the higher amps over that distance. Luckily the pump has a wide voltage range so It should be able to handle even a 20 volt drop at 220. Any thoughts? Go with the 110 volt without a step up converter? or go with the 220 with a step up converter. And do the step up converters use power when not in use? couldn't find an answer to that.
Thanks.

Comments

  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    FWIW, I had a similar issue with a submersible (lake) pump.  I ended up going 240v (my only 240v load) with an autotransformer.  The autoformer doesn't use much just being on (a few watts).  If power is tight, I turn it off at night, as water in the pressure tanks is usually enough.  The inverter search probe makes the autoformer a bit noisy, but it's almost silent just being on.   

    I also found if the autoformer is turned on with the pump pressure switch closed, the gfi opens, but if the autoformer is powered first, no problem.  A well pump likely wouldn't have gfi though, so likely not an issue.


    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
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Your 3/4 hp pump will consume more than 600w    My inverter logs my 1/2 hp at 1,000 watts, because of losses and power factor.

    A DC or integral inverter pump may be less and if you starve the pump for power with small 12ga wire, your pump rate will decrease. for that distance, I'd suggest the 10ga if you can swing it.


    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

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  • freddieoliveras
    freddieoliveras Registered Users Posts: 33 ✭✭
    Hi, what step up transformer dis you use?
  • NANOcontrol
    NANOcontrol Registered Users Posts: 260 ✭✭✭
    You still have losses in the step up transformer.  Besides the core loss, there is all the wire resistance of the windings. Transformer should be way oversized to make those losses minimal.
  • Mike_in_PA
    Mike_in_PA Registered Users Posts: 12 ✭✭
    edited August 2019 #6
    Question.  Can I use a transformer to step up 120 volt (SI 6048) to 240 volt for the well instead of an autotransfomer?  The only load on the output side would be the 240 volt well.  I have one of the  PSX-240s autotransformers at work, so I do understand how that works to balance loads. Wondering if I could use a cheaper 3 KVA transformer for the new back up system at home. I realize the well needs split phase--just don't if you can get that out of of step up transformer somehow. Also, can a 3 KVA transformer handle the higher well start up power?  Its a typical 3 wire 1/2 hp well pump, head is less than 80 feet. TIA.
    48 GEPV-110, 2 SMA 2500U, 7 AE32s since 2004 
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It's nice to have some overhead in the transformer, once the core saturates, it simply cannot supply any more power.
    here's a chart of well pumps with LRA specs.
     Have you tried your pump on your PSX-240 ?  is it able to start the pump ?
     And watch for the load of the transformer magnetics stabilizing as the pump comes on.  you may need a 5 second delay, so the transformer is going, before the pump starts.  Both inductive loads at the same time may overload the inverter.



    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭✭
    Gut feeling is 220 volt pump wanting 8 AWG wiring and consuming over 1000 watts. Well pumps are huge energy hogs. Water is heavy and pushing it 230' high then another 150' or so... 
    Just guessing though. My 1/2 hp pump is an energy hog at 100'. And 12 AWG was barely enough - voltage sinks to ~108 under use. 
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭✭
    This may sound dumb but I don't understand how a step up converter from 110 can replicate American 220. European 220 - sure. 
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
  • Mike_in_PA
    Mike_in_PA Registered Users Posts: 12 ✭✭
    edited August 2019 #10
    Not dumb.  I think you would need two step up transformers out of phase to each other somehow, just wondering if anyone has tried it. I will be replacing the well with the Grundfos SQ when it finally goes, so just need a solution till then.  Pump is 27 years old now.


    48 GEPV-110, 2 SMA 2500U, 7 AE32s since 2004 
  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭✭
    Not dumb.  I think you would need two step up transformers out of phase to each other somehow, just wondering if anyone has tried it. I will be replacing the well with the Grundfos SQ when it finally goes, so just need a solution till then.  Pump is 27 years old now.


    It is the out of phase part that seems kind of impossible to me. People don't use two inverters to make 220 volts for the fun of it. 

    I'm not sure what gensets do to make 220 volts. That may yield the answer. 
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here's 2 articles about autotransformers (& regular CT transformers would work the same)


    And, many generators over 5Kw have a split phase winding to produce both 120 & 240VAC


    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭✭
    ^^^ If I read this correctly then autotransformers are used for reducing voltage. Useful for steeping down grid voltage (ex - 660) to neighborhood voltage (ex-440). Then another transformer around the back yard steps it down to 220 for household/commercial use. 

    Highly simplified becaause thats how I roll. 
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Autoformers can be used either way. 

    My X240 can step up from 120v source to 240v load (which I do to run a pump), or step down from 240v source to 120v load. 

    Step down might be used, for example, on a split phase 120/240v generator to load balance L1/L2 where a big 120v load taken directly off one leg can cause issues for the genny.
    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
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I use my autotransformer as a step up, from 120 to 240VAC,
    or no step at all, but simply for load balance, because many 240VAC inverters need balanced loading to operate most efficiently.
    I am using the 240V windings only.



    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • freddieoliveras
    freddieoliveras Registered Users Posts: 33 ✭✭
    That’s a 480v to 240v (split phase), how did you connect it?
    120 in one leg?
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I only used the 240V winding.  The 120v generator went to x4 x3 .  Jumper x2 & x3 and the 240 comes out of x4  x1

    totally ignore the 480V winding.

    So to do this, you really need to understand how transformers and electricity work and should be wired.  Make a mistake, and you will be looking at the charred stump where your hand was.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭✭
    mike95490 said:
    I only used the 240V winding.  The 120v generator went to x4 x3 .  Jumper x2 & x3 and the 240 comes out of x4  x1

    totally ignore the 480V winding.

    So to do this, you really need to understand how transformers and electricity work and should be wired.  Make a mistake, and you will be looking at the charred stump where your hand was.
    Sounds to be a different level than a typical 120 volt pop.  :*
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
  • jonr
    jonr Solar Expert Posts: 1,386 ✭✭✭✭
    edited August 2019 #19
    It's also perfectly fine to treat a 480V:240V transformer as a 240V:120V transformer (ie, you can the 480V winding if you want to).

    But I'd avoid the issue and use a 115V well pump.    No need for 3/4 HP when water is at 40' (+ draw down).

    12 gauge copper is fine for the Grundfos 5SQ07-270 (8.4 amps, 2000 watts).

    I am available for custom hardware/firmware development

  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭✭
    jonr said:
    It's also perfectly fine to treat a 480V:240V transformer as a 240V:120V transformer (ie, you can the 480V winding if you want to).

    But I'd avoid the issue and use a 115V well pump.    No need for 3/4 HP when water is at 40' (+ draw down).
    He might be saying the water level is 190'. I can't hardly see doing 230' when water is hit at 40'. Many stop as soon as they hit water. I'd go another 30' or so myself - and I'm no expert on this. 
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
  • Mike_in_PA
    Mike_in_PA Registered Users Posts: 12 ✭✭
    Yes the 120 v SQ is the correct solution, but then I have to pull the existing pump.  Have to work up to that.  Around here, the well drillers do that...

    Pump is set at 120', but water depth is about 35' below the pressure tank, and I run low PSI in the systems, so pumping head is low.

    Neat use of the secondary windings to make an autotransformer Mike.
    48 GEPV-110, 2 SMA 2500U, 7 AE32s since 2004 
  • MichaelK
    MichaelK Registered Users Posts: 234 ✭✭✭
    He might be saying the water level is 190'. I can't hardly see doing 230' when water is hit at 40'. Many stop as soon as they hit water. I'd go another 30' or so myself - and I'm no expert on this. 

    An important parameter with drilled wells is the "refresh rate", that is how fast water enters the bore hole.  There may be more than one underground aquifer passing through his property.  If the one at -40 feet has a refresh rate of 2 gallons per minute, and the pump pushes out 5 gallons per minute, then the borehole will run dry.  By drilling the borehole deeper than necessary, you are both likely to drill through additional aquifers producing more water, and also increasing the available collumn of water available if the refresh rate still isn't high enough
    System 1) 15 Renogy 300w + 4 250W Astronergy panels,  Midnight 200 CC, 8 Trojan L16 bat., Schneider XW6848 NA inverter, AC-Delco 6000w gen.
    System 2) 8 YingLi 250W panels, Midnight 200CC, three 8V Rolls batteries, Schneider Conext 4024 inverter (workshop)
  • wellbuilt
    wellbuilt Solar Expert Posts: 763 ✭✭✭✭
    Most of the time the guys drill in to the aquifer and the water pops up almost to ground level.
    then they set the pump 20’ off the bottom .
      You may have water up at 40’ but they had to drill down to 400’ to get it . 
    Out back  flex power one  with out back 3648 inverter fm80 charge controler  flex net  mate 16 gc215 battery’s 4425 Watts solar .