generator/inverter incompatibility

[Henry 8]

Hello, this is my first time on this forum, so I am hoping you geniuses? out there can assist me.

My problem is that when I run my diesel-generator ( 6kw 230v 50hz 1ph ) to charge my battery bank on board my narrow boat (12vdc) via an inverter-charger, the inverter (Heart Freedom 2000 ) will not stay "locked" on to the generators output, but keeps on tripping out. The only way I can make the inverter stay online is to simultaneously run a 1kw fan heater. this appears to lock down either the generator or the inverter I'm not sure which, whatever, it is a daft state of affairs especially in the summer months when additional heat is not really needed!.

Therefore, can anyone offer a solution to this problem.

Cheers

 

[Apache]

When you use 240V to charge batteries, the process isn't completely efficient, some energy is lost as heat. Without the fire this heat cannot escape and so the batteries will not charge, the electricity will build up to dangerous levels and it will trip out.

 

[mikep]

Sounds like the generator's output may be too high or it may require a minimum load to work, by having the fire on it may damp the generator's output down a bit, best speak to the manufacturer on your setup.

Mike.

 

[Lurch]

As above, the generator probably can;t sustain a constant voltage at low loadings. The heater will give the generator something to power as it probably barely notices the load of the inverter so effectively just does what it wants regardless, with the heater there it will calm itself down a bit. Might be more efficient in the long run to look at other methods of keepoing the batteries topped up, or use a smaller genny possibly.