Xantrex Technology SW Series Generator Auto Start Requirements And Types, Page 76, Operation

OPERATION

GENERATOR AUTO START REQUIREMENTS AND TYPES

In order for the generator to be automatically started, it must include electric start and an automatic choke. An automatic primer system may also be required on natural gas and propane powered generators. The generator should also include remote start ability with accessible remote start terminals or a connector. Protective systems for low oil pressure, over temperature, starter lockout and over crank control are valuable features that will prevent generator damage and increase system reliability. “Two wire” start generator are recommended highly because of the greater simplicity for automatic starting and because they are intended for remote/automatic/unattended operation.

Generators used can be fueled by gasoline, propane or diesel fuel. Propane is often the best choice for residential applications due to the ease of fuel storage and delivery, cost, safety, and ease of starting. Since propane is required for the cooking stove, water heater and space heating as well, most residential applications will already have a tank and propane service. Gasoline is also common, but can be difficult to transport and store on site safely. Most small generators do not hold much fuel in their built-in tanks - refitting the generator to use marine outboard motor type fuel tanks is often a good solution for limited fuel capacity. This eliminates the need to pour fuel into the tank of a hot generator - which can be very dangerous. Diesel is a much safer fuel to use and store. Diesel generators can operate with very little maintenance and have very long lives. The only problems with diesel are the higher initial cost, difficulty with starting in cold weather and possible need for the additional control of the glow plugs before starting.

Generators can be either air or water-cooled. Water-cooled units are usually more quiet but can require more maintenance. Low speed (~1800 / 1500 rpm) generators are preferred by many system designers as they often provide longer life due to less mechanical wear and tear.

TWO WIRE START GENERATORS

Generator starting requirements can be divided into two categories – two-wire start types and three-wire start types. The two-wire start type generator is more simple and the easiest to automate. To start, simply connect the two “remote control” wires together and it starts. The generator provides its own cranking control circuit for start-up. To stop, simply disconnect the two wires. The wires can be connected by a switch or relay. To enable automatic start, connect the two wires from the generator to Relay RY7 COM and RY7 N.O. of the inverter and connect the generator output to AC HOT IN 2 input of the inverter. Two wire start generators are specifically designed for unattended operation and usually include all of the safety and protection devices from the factory. They are highly recommended due to the ease of hook-up and troubleshooting that they allow.

GEN CONTROL RELAYS

COM

RY7 N.O.

2 WIRE TYPE GENERATOR

5 AMP	REMOTE
FUSE
	START/STOP
	TERMINALS

Figure 23, Two Wire Start Wiring Diagram

When a two-wire start type generator is used, multiple loads can signal the generator to run. A good example is a float switch in a water storage tank. When the water level drops, the float switch closes a set of contacts, which signals the generator to run. When the tank is full, the float switch opens its contacts and the generator stops. The float switch can be used in parallel with the automatic control system of the inverter. Either “switch” can start the generator. This allows easy automation of the entire system. For this type of generator, select RUN from the SET RY7 FUNCTION menu item under the GEN STARTING DETAILS (13) menu heading. This is the default setting of this menu item.

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 2001 Xantrex Technology, Inc.	Telephone: 360/435-8826	SW Series Inverter/Charger
5916 - 195th Street N. E.	Fax: 360/435-2229	Part No. 2031-5
Arlington, WA 98223	www.traceengineering.com	Rev. C: February 2001