Outback psx-240 standby power use

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Estragon
Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
Does anyone know what the standby or idle power use is on an Outback psx-240 autotransformer? I'll be using for a submersible pump, and am trying to figure out if it needs to be somewhere handy to turn it on and off. Also, does the fan run much and if so, is it noisy?

Thanks
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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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
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    I think they claim a dozen watts loss or so, it's one of the better/efficient transformers. The fan cycle rate will depend on the size of the pump, small pump, no fan, large pump, more run time. The noise it makes, I don't know about.
    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 ,

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  • H2SO4_guy
    H2SO4_guy Solar Expert Posts: 213 ✭✭✭
    #3
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    My PSX-240 runs 10-12 watts according to the Kill-A-Watt meter. About 28 - 30 watts with only the heat pump on it turned off.
    12K asst panels charging through Midnite Classic 150's, powering Exeltechs and Outback VFX-3648 inverter at 12 and 48 volts.  2080 AH @ 48 VDC of Panasonic Stationary batteries (2 strings of 1040 AH each) purchased for slightly over scrap, installed August 2013.  Outback PSX-240X for 220 volt duties.  No genny usage since 2014. 
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  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #4
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    Okay, thanks. 10-12 watts isn't bad at all. It'll only be on during the day anyway, as we switch from 7 kw 48v system to low watt 12v system at night.
    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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  • Constantine Faller
    Constantine Faller Registered Users Posts: 13 ✭✭
    edited May 2021 #5
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    Thanks for these comments, even if dated. This prompts consideration and the possibility for a load actuated contactor on the 110 AC input to control on/off.

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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #6
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    If you are going to be switching that transformer on and off frequently, note that it presents a hefty load to the inverter each time the magnetic core charges up.  Repeat enough and it could be hard on a small inverter.  Something like a pre-charge or soft start might be worth looking.
    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 ,

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  • Saggys
    Saggys Solar Expert Posts: 189 ✭✭✭
    #7
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    I have a Trace Engineering T240 3.9kva rated auto transformer that consumes 14 watt hours. Not an Outback but similiar.
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  • Ralph Day
    Ralph Day Solar Expert Posts: 1,019 ✭✭✭✭
    #8
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    I had a T240 running a 240vac submersible well pump.  Xantrex 4048 inverter.  When the pump would cycle and turn on the  auto trans at the same time the colour would dissapear and the picture shrink inwards from the edges of the tv set (CRTube type).  I once saw the Xantrex status meter hit 45 amps ac when this happened (as high as it would read).  The tv eventually died and I replaced the water pump with a Grundfos soft starter.  Much easier on equipment not having that incredible surge on startup.

    I still use the autotransformer(s) for running my mini split heatpumps,, but in an always on mode when heating or cooling.
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  • Constantine Faller
    Constantine Faller Registered Users Posts: 13 ✭✭
    #9
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    mike95490 said:
    If you are going to be switching that transformer on and off frequently, note that it presents a hefty load to the inverter each time the magnetic core charges up.  Repeat enough and it could be hard on a small inverter.  Something like a pre-charge or soft start might be worth looking.
    Thanks Mike. Same heft to the inverter whether the 240 side is loaded or not? Inverter is a Trace SW4024. 240 load to be Mitsubishi 20,000 btu mini-split drawing 18 amps. We are considering delay-starting the load side while the core charges up.

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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #10
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    Split phase inverters have a imbalance factor. XW's I think can handle 75% No idea about other brands
    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 ,

    · Share on Twitter

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