Inverter does not connect to generator

[Herman Solar]

Hi, I have a Kodak 7.2 kW inverter that would not connect to the generator (Honda 6.6kW) The setting is on APL not UPS, but the generator would not charge the batteries. It goes in and out and it seems it is dropping as soon as it takes a load and the frequency drops below 49.6Hz. I have played with the frequency adjusting screw on the generator, but could not find a sweet spot. The inverter has no frequency range settings apart from the choice between 50 and 60 hertz.
Any advice?

 

[RonSwanson]

Hi, I have a Kodak 7.2 kW inverter that would not connect to the generator (Honda 6.6kW) The setting is on APL not UPS, but the generator would not charge the batteries. It goes in and out and it seems it is dropping as soon as it takes a load and the frequency drops below 49.6Hz. I have played with the frequency adjusting screw on the generator, but could not find a sweet spot. The inverter has no frequency range settings apart from the choice between 50 and 60 hertz.
Any advice?

What is the power rating of the genny, and what is the load that the inverter is servicing, as well as the rate of charge of the batteries?

 

[Herman Solar]

It is a 6.5 kW gennie and I have set the battery charge at 10 amp. No other load.

 

[Herman Solar]

Can it be that the software on the inverter is outdated?

 

[RonSwanson]

It is a 6.5 kW gennie and I have set the battery charge at 10 amp. No other load.

What battery (and voltage)?
So the inverter is charging battery only, and not servicing any essential loads in the home?

Edit: I see that the Kodak 7.2 uses a 48V battery bank, so the rate of charge seems very low (480W), can't be that unless there is another load pulling it down in excess of the genny's capacity (the manual states that the genny should be 2x the capacity of the inverter). From what you have described, this seems to be the case because the inverter's load is killing the genny.
It could also be that the cable supplying the AC is too long or too thin, or the generator is supplying AC voltage / frequency that is outside the input voltage range set on the inverter.

Or, as you have suggested, firmware issues. Have you posted this issue on powerforum.co.za? There are a few Axpert specialists there.

 

[Herman Solar]

It is a 48 volt Shoto battery. I have switched off all loads in the house in an effort to get the generator connected. I have eventually bypassed the inverter and powered the house from the generator, but not the ultimate solution. I will try powerforum, thank you for your suggestions.