Xantrex UX, Truck Series I, and Legend Series I Inverter/Charger Owner's manual

Category
Power adapters & inverters
Type
Owner's manual
UX, TRUCK AND LEGEND SERIES
INVERTER/CHARGERS
Trace Engineering Company, Inc.
5916 195th NE
Arlington, WA 98223
Phone (360) 435-8826
Fax (360) 435-2229
Effective 8/27/97
PN: 3178
V 1.0
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SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
This manual contains important safety and operating instructions as prescribed by Underwriters
Laboratories UL) specifications for inverters used in residential, commercial, and land vehicle
applications.
All 120 V
AC
60Hz versions of the Legend and Truck models are UL listed to UL 458 covering
power inverters for land vehicles. The Export models meet the same requirements (although
the UL specifications may not be recognized in countries other than the U.S.). All 120VAC 60Hz
versions of the UX model are listed to the proposed UL1741 draft specification for residential
and commercial photovoltaic applications.
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1. Before using the inverter/charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings
on (a) the inverter/charger, (b) the batteries and (c) all appropriate sections of
this instruction manual.
2. CAUTION - To reduce risk of injury, charge only deep-cycle lead acid, lead antimony,
lead calcium, gel cell, or absorbed mat type rechargeable batteries. Other types of
batteries may burst, causing personal injury and damage.
3. Do not expose inverter/charger to rain, snow or liquids of any type. The inverter is
designed for indoor mounting only. Protect the inverter from splashing when used in
vehicle applications. Do not mount the inverter in unventilated enclosures or in an
engine compartment.
4. Do not disassemble the inverter/charger — take it to a qualified Trace Service Center
when service or repair is required. Incorrect re-assembly may result in a risk of electric
shock or fire. Before using the inverter/charger, read all instructions and cautionary
markings in this manual and on the equipment.
5. To reduce risk of electric shock, disconnect all wiring before attempting any
maintenance or cleaning. Turning off the inverter may not reduce this risk. As long as
AC input power is present, the charger section will be operable (if installed) regardless
of the on/off switch position. Solar modules produce power when exposed to light -
disable or disconnect before servicing any connected equipment.
6. WARNING - WORKING IN VICINITY OF A LEAD ACID BATTERY IS DANGEROUS.
BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL OPERATION.
Provide ventilation to the outdoors from the battery compartment. Design the battery
enclosure to prevent accumulation and in “pockets” concentration of hydrogen gas at
the top of the compartment. Vent the battery compartment from the highest point.
7. NEVER attempt to charge a frozen battery.
8. No terminals or lugs are required for hook-up of the AC wiring. AC wiring must be no
less than 14 AWG (2.082 mm
2
) copper wire and rated for 75°C or higher. Battery
cables must be rated for 75°C or higher and must be no less than #2 AWG. Crimped
and sealed copper-ring terminal lugs with a 5/16 (8mm) hole must be used to connect
the battery cables to the DC terminals of the inverter/charger. Soldered cable lugs are
also acceptable.
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9. Torque all AC wiring connections to 20 inch-pounds (2.3 N-m). Torque all DC cable
connections to 12 foot- pounds (144 inch-pounds) (4.5 N-m).
10. CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire, use only input circuits provided with 40-ampere
branch circuit protection in accordance with the National Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA70.
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i. Someone should be within range of your voice to come to your aid when you work near
batteries.
ii. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing,
or eyes.
iii. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while
working near batteries. Wash your hands when done.
iv. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid
enters eye, immediately flood eye with running cold water for at least 15 minutes and
get medical attention immediately.
v. Baking soda neutralizes lead acid battery electrolyte. Keep a supply on hand in the
area of the batteries.
vi. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of a battery or generator.
vii. Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto batteries. It could
short-circuit the batteries or other electrical parts producing a spark that could cause an
explosion.
viii. Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches when
working with a battery. A battery can produce a short-circuit current high enough to
weld a ring or the like to metal, causing severe burns.
ix. If a remote or automatic generator-start system is used, disable the automatic starting
circuit, and/or disconnect the generator from its starting battery while servicing to
prevent accidental starting during servicing.
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Symbols used in this manual and on the inverter/charger are shown below:
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1) Tools required to make AC wiring connections: Wire strippers, ½” (13MM)
open-end wrench or socket, Phillips screw driver #2, slotted screw driver ¼”
(6MM) blade, and a torque wrench.
2) This inverter/charger is for use with a nominal battery-supply voltage of 12
VDC.
3) Instructions for shelf mounting: see the mounting instruction section of this
manual. For battery installation and maintenance: read the battery
manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions prior to operating. Do
not mount on or near flammable materials (Plywood, Chemicals, Gasoline,
etc.)
4) No AC or DC disconnects are provided as an integral part of this inverter. Both
AC and DC disconnects must be provided as part of the system installation.
5) No over-current protection for the battery supply is provided as an integral part
of this inverter. Over-current protection of the battery cables must be provided
as part of the system installation..
6) No over-current protection for the AC output wiring is provided as an integral
part of this inverter. Over-current protection of the AC output wiring must be
provided as part of the system installation.
7) Caution: To reduce the risk of fire, use only input circuits provided with 40-
ampere branch circuit protection in accordance with the National Electrical
Code, ANSI/NFPA70.
8) DC GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS - This inverter/charger must be connected
to a grounded, permanent wiring system. For most installations, the negative
battery conductor must be bonded to the grounding system at one (and only
one) point in the system. All installations must comply with national and local
codes and ordinances.
Figure 1, Common Electrical Symbols
Ground Conductor
Phase
AC Output
AC Input
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9) AC GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS – The T and the L versions of this
inverter/charger includes neutral ground switching for the AC electrical system.
The AC system in mobile installations must have the neutral isolated from the
grounding throughout the load distribution circuits. The UX version must have a
ground to neutral bond.
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Thank you for choosing Trace Engineering products to meet your alternative-energy power
needs. We make every effort to ensure that your inverter/charger is properly packaged for
shipping and includes all the materials requested. Every Trace inverter/charger is packaged
with the following materials:
q Owner’s Manual;
q Red and black battery terminal covers with attaching hardware;
q Hardware package for hardwire covers;
q Quick Setup Sheet;
q Declaration of Conformity (for export models only);
q Trace bumper sticker;
If any of the above listed materials are missing from your package, or if it is unsatisfactory in any
manner, please call Customer Service at 360-435-8826 or fax this page with your comments to
360-435-2229.
Model Number:
Serial Number:
Packaged by:
Package Date:
Comments:
.
.
.
.
Check out our web site at www.traceengineering.com for more information and answers to your
FAQ’s.
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viii
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PRODUCT MATERIALS PACKAGE.........................................................................VII
HOW AN INVERTER WORKS .....................................................................................1
W
AVE FORMS.............................................................................................................2
I
NVERTER WAVEFORM ................................................................................................3
R
EGULATION...............................................................................................................3
WHAT AN INVERTER CAN POWER...........................................................................5
R
ESISTIVE LOADS .......................................................................................................5
I
NDUCTIVE LOADS .......................................................................................................5
P
ROBLEM LOADS ........................................................................................................5
MODEL IDENTIFICATION ...........................................................................................7
S
ERIAL NUMBER .........................................................................................................8
FEATURES AND OPTIONS.........................................................................................9
E
XTENSIVE PROTECTION CIRCUITRY............................................................................9
S
EARCH MODE CIRCUITRY ..........................................................................................9
I
MPULSE PHASE CORRECTION.....................................................................................9
T
RUE RMS VOLTAGE REGULATION .............................................................................9
O
PTIONAL STANDBY BATTERY CHARGER...................................................................10
O
PTIONAL RC8 REMOTE ON/OFF..............................................................................11
O
PTIONAL EXTERNAL BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR.............................................13
OPERATING THE INVERTER ...................................................................................15
C
ONTROL PANEL.......................................................................................................15
ON/OFF C
ONTROL...................................................................................................16
S
EARCH SENSE MODE ..............................................................................................16
G
ENERATOR REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................20
ALL ABOUT BATTERIES ..........................................................................................21
B
ATTERY TERMINOLOGY ...........................................................................................21
S
ELECTING THE BEST BATTERY.................................................................................21
C
ARE AND MAINTENANCE..........................................................................................22
BATTERY BANK INSTALLATION.............................................................................25
L
OCATION.................................................................................................................25
E
NCLOSURES............................................................................................................25
T
EMPERATURE CONTROL..........................................................................................25
C
ABLING...................................................................................................................25
S
IZING......................................................................................................................26
E
STIMATING BATTERY REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................26
H
OOK-UP CONFIGURATIONS......................................................................................27
INSTALLING THE INVERTER ...................................................................................29
E
NVIRONMENT ..........................................................................................................29
L
OCATION.................................................................................................................29
M
OUNTING................................................................................................................29
AC W
IRING ..............................................................................................................30
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DC WIRING..............................................................................................................32
SYSTEM GROUNDING..............................................................................................35
E
QUIPMENT OR CHASSIS GROUNDS...........................................................................35
G
ROUNDING ELECTRODES / GROUND RODS ..............................................................35
B
ONDING THE GROUNDING SYSTEM...........................................................................35
D
ISABLING NEUTRAL GROUND SWITCHING.................................................................39
TROUBLESHOOTING ...............................................................................................41
APPENDIX A: INSTALLATION DIAGRAMS AND TEMPLATES..............................43
I
NSTALLATION SCHEMATIC FOR STATIONARY BACKUP SYSTEMS .................................43
I
NSTALLATION FOR MOBILE UNITS WITH AC SUB PANEL.............................................44
I
NSTALLATION SCHEMATIC FOR MOBILE SOLAR SYSTEM.............................................45
S
MALL POWER BACKUP SYSTEM WITH SOLAR ARRAY ................................................46
T
RUCK MODEL INSTALLATION DIAGRAM.....................................................................47
UX/L/T I
NVERTER DIMENSIONS.................................................................................48
F
ULL SIZE MOUNTING TEMPLATE FOR RC8 REMOTE CONTROL ..................................49
APPENDIX B: TYPICAL BATTERY DRAW OF COMMON APPLIANCES...............51
APPENDIX C: WIRE CONVERSION AND GROUND WIRE SIZING TABLES........53
APPENDIX D: SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................53
APPENDIX E: PRODUCTS BY TRACE ENGINEERING ..........................................56
APPENDIX F: WARRANTY & LIFE SUPPORT POLICY ..........................................58
L
IMITED WARRANTY..................................................................................................58
L
IFE SUPPORT POLICY..............................................................................................59
W
ARRANTY PROCEDURE...........................................................................................60
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1
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In its most basic form, an inverter transforms Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC).
This section introduces some basic underlying concepts associated with inverters; describes
the theory of transformer operation; and compares wave-forms such as square waves,
modified sine waves, and sine waves.
Inductance
: When a current flows through an electrical conductor, it can induce a similar,
sympathetic current in any conductor adjacent to it; this is called “mutual inductance.” The
conductor inducing the current is the primary; the sympathetic conductor is the secondary. The
most common conductor used for this purpose is wound copper wire.
Transformer:
The principal component of nearly every inverter is one or more transformers. A
transformer consists of a number of windings of wire around a non-conductive bobbin
surrounded by a number of laminated sheet-iron plates called a “core.”
In a typical inverter transformer, one end of the primary coil is momentarily connected to the
positive (+) pole of a DC current source while the other end is connected to the negative (–)
pole of the same DC current source. This causes a DC current to flow from positive to
negative. The secondary winding has many more turns. When a DC current is passed
through the primary winding, a much weaker DC current is induced in the secondary winding,
but the voltage is increased. When the ratio of the number of turns between primary and
secondary winding is correct, 12 volts in the primary winding become 120 volts in the
secondary winding.
Polarity:
In order to transform DC current to AC current, the flow of the current through the
primary winding must stop and change directions to induce a similar change in the secondary
winding. This is accomplished by alternating the polarity of the primary winding. The end of
the primary winding connected to the positive pole is switched to the negative pole, and vice-
versa. The secondary winding reflects the change in direction while stepping-up the voltage,
thus producing alternating current from direct current.
Figure 2, Simplified Inverter Design
Current Flow
AC Output
Battery Negative
Closed -
Transistor Switch -
Open
Open
- Transistor Switch -
Closed
Battery
Battery
Positive
Battery
AC Output
Battery
Battery
Positive
Current Flow
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Direct current flows from positive to negative and remains relatively constant in voltage;
therefore a graphic representation of such a current would be a flat horizontal line. The polarity
of alternating current changes with regularity, usually 120 times per second (a cycle is defined
as two changes in polarity; therefore 120 ÷ 2 = 60 cycles) while the voltage remains constant.
A waveform is a graphic representation of this alternating polarity and voltage. A typical AC
waveform (sine wave) shows the proportionately increasing and then decreasing voltage of
one polarity (from zero to 120 volts, for example) and then a similar voltage change of the
opposite polarity. See
Figure 3, Comparison of Output Waveforms.
There are three principal waveforms to consider: square wave, modified square wave (also
known as modified sine wave), and sine wave.
Square Wave: produced by instantly switching the polarity of a current while attempting to
maintain the voltage, theoretically resulting in a wave form as illustrated in
Figure 3
,
Comparison of Output Waveforms
.
Modified Sine Wave: produced by introducing a non-polar off-time between alternate polarity
resulting in a waveform illustrated in Figure One, below. The duration of the polarized voltage
and the neutral polarity off time (Pulse Width) can be regulated (modulated) in order to
maintain voltage at a constant level (RMS voltage).
Sine Wave: A smooth waveform created by proportionately increasing voltage and polarity as
illustrated in
Figure 3
,
Comparison of Output Waveforms
.
Figure 3, Comparison of Output Waveforms
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The output waveform of the Trace inverter is a modified sine wave. This waveform is suitable
for a variety of applications such as induction motors (i.e. refrigerators, drill presses), resistive
loads (i.e. heaters, toasters), universal motors (i.e. hand tools, vacuum cleaners) as well as
microwave ovens and computers. The waveform could be more accurately described as a
pulse-width-modulated square wave.
Figure 3,
Comparison of Output Waveforms,”
shows
the relationships between square wave, sine wave and modified sine wave formats.
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The inverter is RMS (Root Mean Square) regulated. RMS regulation ensures that resistive
loads will always have the same amount of power delivered to them as battery voltage
changes. Regulation is achieved by varying the width of each pulse. Peak voltage is the
product of the battery voltage times the turns ratio of the inverter’s power transformer and is
therefore not actively regulated.
The idea behind RMS regulation is to keep the area inside the waveform equal at all times
(see
Figure 2, Simplified Inverter Design)
. Since the peak voltage, or pulse height, is a
product of battery voltage and transformer ratio (as we learned previously), when the
peak voltage increases the area inside the pulse will increase if the pulse width remains
the same. With a square wave inverter nothing can be done about this RMS voltage
increase, but PWM control allows the width of the pulse to be narrowed, thus maintaining
a constant area inside the waveform (Figure 3B).
Conversely, if the battery voltage decreases the RMS voltage will also decrease if the pulse
width remains the same. In this situation, RMS voltage regulation may be achieved by
increasing the pulse width (Figure 3C).
Increase and decrease of pulse width is accomplished by controlling the on-and-off time of the
transistor switches. Realistically, there is a point where the zero time is no longer present as
the pulse width is increased, and essentially a square wave is present. Beyond this point the
RMS voltage becomes unregulated.
Figure 4, RMS Voltage Regulation Using Pulse Width Modulation
120 VAC
Peak
Peak
Peak
Shaded Area is equal for all three
figures so RMS voltage is equal.
ABC
Nominal Battery Voltage High Battery Voltage Low Battery Voltage
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Modified square wave inverters are a great improvement over square wave types. They offer
good voltage regulation, lower total harmonic distortion and better overall efficiency. Electric
motors operate much better from a modified square wave and most electronic equipment will
operate without problems. To measure the output voltage requires a true RMS reading meter.
A standard meter will erroneously read voltages.
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An inverter can power a wide variety of appliances, motors, and other electrical devices.
These have been categorized by the method the device employs to utilize electrical current,
known as a
load.
The characteristics of three types of loads are discussed on the following
pages: Resistive loads, inductive loads, and problem loads.
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These are the loads that the inverter finds the simplest and most efficient to drive. Voltage and
current are in phase (or, in this case, in step with one another). Resistive loads usually
generate heat in order to accomplish their tasks. Toasters, coffee pots and incandescent lights
are typical resistive loads. Larger resistive loads—such as electric stoves and water heaters—
are usually impractical to run off an inverter. Even if the inverter could accommodate the load,
the size of battery bank required would be impractical.
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Any device that has a coil of wire in it has an inductive load characteristic. Most electronics
have transformers (TV’s, stereos, etc.) and are therefore inductive. Typically, most inductive
loads are motors. The most difficult load for the inverter to drive will be the largest motor you
manage to start.
With inductive loads, the rise in voltage applied to the load is not accompanied by a
simultaneous rise in current. The current is delayed. The length of the delay is a measure of
inductance. The current makes up for its slow start by continuing to flow after the inverter
stops delivering a voltage signal. How the inverter handles current that is delivered to it while it
is essentially “turned off”, effects its efficiency and “friendliness” with inductive loads. The best
place for this out-of-phase current is in the load, and Trace’s “impulse phase correction”
circuitry routes it there.
Inductive loads, by their nature, require more current to operate than a resistive load of the
same wattage rating, regardless of whether power is being supplied by an inverter, a generator
or a utility power grid. Induction motors (motors without brushes) require two to six times their
running current on start-up. The most demanding are those that start under load e.g.
compressors and pumps.
Capacitor start motors, typical in drill presses, band saws, etc., require two to four times their
rated amperage in order to start the motor. Universal motors are generally easier to start.
Since motor characteristics vary, only testing will determine if a specific load can be started and
how long it can be run.
If a motor fails to start within a few seconds, or begins to lose power after running for a time,
turn it off. When the inverter attempts to start a load that is greater than it can handle, it will
turn itself off after about 20 seconds.
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Trace Engineering inverters can drive nearly every type of load. However, loads may behave
differently with an inverter than with public power in special situations. Our experience, and the
experience of many other inverter users, is provided herein. Due to the variety of load types
and internal changes made to these loads by the manufacturer, Trace cannot be responsible
for any loads that fail in your specific application.
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Very small loads - If the power consumed by a device is less than the threshold of the search
mode circuitry, it will not run. See the section on search mode operation for ways to solve this
problem.
Fluorescent lights & power supplies - Some devices when scanned by the load sensor
cannot be detected. Small fluorescent lights are the most common example. (Try altering the
plug polarity-turn the plug over). Some computers and sophisticated electronics have power
supplies that do not present a load until line voltage is available. When this occurs, each unit
waits for the other to begin. To drive these loads either a small companion load must be used
to bring the inverter out of its search mode, or the inverter may be programmed to remain at full
output voltage. See the section on search mode operation.
Microwave ovens- Microwave ovens are sensitive to peak output voltage. The higher the
voltage, the faster they cook. Inverter peak output voltage is dependent on battery voltage and
load size. The high power demanded by a full sized microwave will drop the peak voltage
several volts due to internal losses. Therefore, the time needed to cook food will be increased
if battery voltage is low. Some microwave models may not operate at all. Try it before you buy
it.
Clocks- The inverter’s crystal-controlled oscillator keeps the frequency accurate to within a few
seconds a day. However, external loads in the system may alter the inverter’s output
waveform causing clocks to run at different speeds. This may result in periods during which
clocks keep time and then mysteriously do not. Most clocks do not draw enough power to
trigger the load sensing circuit. In order to operate without other loads present, the load
sensing will have to be defeated (see
Search Mode Control
). Clock accuracy is also affected
by the accuracy of the generator.
Searching- If the amount of power a load draws decreases after it turns on, and if this “on”
load is less than the load sensing threshold, it will be turned alternately on and off by the
inverter.
Dimmer Switches- Most dimmer switches lose their ability to dim the lights and operate either
fully on or off.
Rechargeable Devices- Sears “First Alert
” flashlights may fail when charged by the inverter.
“Skil
” rechargeable products are also questionable. Makita
products work well. When first
using a rechargeable device, monitor its temperature for 10 minutes to ensure that it does not
become abnormally hot. That will be your indicator that it must not be used with the inverter.
Laser Printers- While many laser products are presently operating from Trace Engineering
inverters, and we have personally run a Texas Instruments Microlaser
and HP IIP
, we have
had reports of an HP III
and a MacIntosh
Laser Writer failing under inverter power. We do
not recommend the use of laser printers with inverters.
Electronics- AM radios will pick up noise, especially on the lower half of their band.
Inexpensive tape recorders are likely to pick up a buzz. Large loads must not be started while
a computer is operating off the inverter. If a load is large enough to require “soft starting” it will
“crash” the computer, causing it to “reboot”.
Low Battery Dropout - The inverter will turn off to protect itself if your battery bank cannot
deliver the necessary amperage to drive a particular load without falling below the low voltage
protection point for three seconds. With the inverter off, the battery voltage will rise and then it
will resume operation.
8;7/ :$77 02'(/,'(17,),&$7,21
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Trace Engineering inverters are specifically designed to meet the growing demand for high-
reliability, high-quality inverters and chargers for alternative energy systems and truck
applications. This manual covers the UX, Truck, and Legend inverters with various options
and configurations. To determine the model and features of your inverter, check the model
number found on the identification placard on the inverter.
Consider the following model number for a unit with a UX1112 Model number:
UX 11
12 E,SB
Model Type Power Input Voltage Options
Model Type:
- Designates the use for which the particular unit is intended:
UX = Utility version inverters are designed for fixed residential alternative-energy
installations (with or without photovoltaic applications) and are housed in a white
enclosure;
T = Truck version inverters employ neutral ground switching and are housed in a
gray enclosure;
L = Legend version inverters employ neutral-to-ground switching and are
designed for recreational vehicle applications. They also have a white enclosure;
Power:
The second and third (if used) positions in the model number indicate the continuous
AC power output in hundreds of watts. Five hundred, 600, 1100, and 1400 watts are the
currently available power levels. In the example above, 11 would stand for an 1100-watt
continuous output inverter.
Input Voltage
: The number 12 following the power rating indicates an inverter/charger that is
designed to convert 12V
DC
input to 120V
AC
output, and charge 12V
DC
batteries when powered
by 120V
AC
.
Options
: The final one to three positions of the model number indicate the installed options,
which are listed here:
E = Export model with 230 V
AC
, 50Hz output .
SB = includes a built-in, three-stage standby battery charger (standard on the
Legend version).
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Models that begin with ‘UX’ and end with ‘SB’ are backup power systems in permanent
structures such as homes and commercial buildings. These units are listed to UL1741 draft
specification for residential and commercial photovoltaic applications.
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Arlington, WA 98223 www.traceengineering.com Page
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All models with a ‘T’ or ‘L’ designator are for use in mobile applications. They feature 120 volt
AC, 60Hz output, and employ neutral ground switching. These units are designed to UL
specification 458, for power inverters used in mobile applications. When used in some
countries (such as Canada), you may be required to disable the neutral ground switching
feature. Local and national electrical codes will govern installation techniques and
requirements. See page 39, Disabling Neutral Ground Switching
,
for instructions on how to
disable the neutral ground switching feature.
6HULDO1XPEHU
The unit identification placard on the front panel of the inverter/charger will show the serial
number, model number, and options installed. You will find the serial number, model number
and warnings on the identification and warning panel on the end plate of each unit.
Figure 5, Unit Identification Panel
Serial Number
AH = L Series
AR = T Series
AY = UX Series
Model Number and
Options
Date of Manufacture
8;7/ :$77 )($785(6$1'237,216
Copyright © Trace Engineering Tel (360) 435-8826 Part Number 3178
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St, NE Fax (360) 435-2229 Effective Date 9/8/97
Arlington, WA 98223 www.traceengineering.com Page
9
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The UX, T and L series inverters are an advanced design with a combination of features not
available on other products regardless of cost.
([WHQVLYH3URWHFWLRQ&LUFXLWU\
The inverter is protected from high-battery, low-battery, over-temperature and over-heating
conditions caused by overload or overcurrent. When the inverter senses one of these
situations, it will protect itself by disconnecting from the loads, and will signal an error condition
with rapid flashing of the green status LED.
The low-battery, high-battery, and over-temperature protection circuitry resets automatically. If
an over-heating condition continues for more than 20 seconds, the inverter will shutdown and
must be reset with the power button. If the error condition is remedied before the 20-second
period has elapsed, the inverter will automatically reset.
Remember that if the inverter shuts down, it is for a reason, usually a result of too many loads.
Reduce the loads and allow a cool-down period before attempting a reset. The optional
charger will not operate in case of an over-heating condition and will begin the charging
process anew.
6HDUFK0RGH&LUFXLWU\
This circuit determines how much power the inverter draws when there are no loads. The
inverter’s transition from the no load state to full output voltage is fast, eliminating delays when
operating devices such as hand tools. Additionally, the threshold sensitivity of the search mode
is user adjustable, and it may be disabled.
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This circuitry improves the shape of the output waveform while the inverter is running reactive
loads. It allows the inverter to closely duplicate the characteristics of standard public power.
With this design approach, the limitations of the modified sine wave format are largely
overcome. Impulse phase correction has many benefits. The primary benefit is realized when
the inverter is running induction motors and fluorescent lights. Induction motors are commonly
used to run drill presses, fans, bandsaws, and other common loads.
When an inductive load is driven, it tries to return a large portion of the energy that it has
received. This returned energy can be thought of as going ‘backwards’ through the household
wiring to the motor, giving the motor an extra push and making it run smoothly. Impulse phase
correction provides a similar path for this ‘backwards’ energy. The UX, T, and L model
inverters will run small motors at full speed, start larger ones, and run both efficiently.
7UXH5069ROWDJH5HJXODWLRQ
With battery voltages from 11 to 15 VDC and power levels up to the continuous power rating,
the inverter will deliver true RMS regulated power. This insures that while battery voltages
and power levels change, the inverter will deliver the correct output voltage.
8;7/ :$77 )($785(6$1'237,216
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St, NE Fax (360) 435-2229 Effective Date 9/8/97
Arlington, WA 98223 www.traceengineering.com Page
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Proper frequency regulation is assured with the use of a crystal. Battery voltage, power,
and temperature have no effect on the inverter’s operating frequency.
2SWLRQDO6WDQGE\%DWWHU\&KDUJHU
The Trace inverter features a three-stage Standby Battery Charger (SB) option that
automatically recharges and maintains the system’s batteries at full charge. This section
describes three-stage charging and how to configure the charger for your battery bank.
7KUHH6WDJH&KDUJLQJ3URFHVV
The UX, L, and T model inverter/chargers feature a three-stage battery charging and
maintenance program ³ Bulk, Absorption, and Float:
Bulk Stage: During the initial "Bulk Charge" stage, the inverter charges at a constant
current. This causes the battery voltage to rise over time. When battery-bank voltage
reaches the
Bulk Volts DC
setting, the charger starts the second or “Absorption” stage.
Absorption Stage: During this phase, the charge current gradually reduces while the
battery voltage is held constant for two hours at the
Bulk Volts
charge voltage (14.3 V
DC
for sealed batteries, 14.7 V
DC
for vented batteries). If the AC voltage drops below 90 V
AC
during this stage, charging will be interrupted, and the charger will complete the
remainder of the absorption charging period when voltage once again exceeds 90 V
AC
.
This ensures that the battery will be fully charged.
Float Stage: At this point the battery voltage is allowed to fall to the
Float Volts DC
setting, where it is maintained until another bulk-charge cycle is initiated. This reduces
gassing of the battery and keeps it fully charged. A new bulk-charge cycle is initiated
when AC power is reapplied to the AC input terminals.
Float Stage
Absorption StageBulk Stage
Float Voltage
Charging
Started
Max Charge
Amps Setting
Constant Voltage
Constant Current
Reduced Current and Voltage
DC Voltage
DC & AC Current
Bulk Voltage
80-90% Capacity
100% capacity
Two-Hour Absorption Period
Figure 6, Battery Charging Cycles
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Xantrex UX, Truck Series I, and Legend Series I Inverter/Charger Owner's manual

Category
Power adapters & inverters
Type
Owner's manual

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