Hello all and I hope someone can point me in the right direction. We are powering the following from dual 220A truck alternators through a 5,000W 120VAC AIMS pure sign wave inverter.
Analyzer: VAC 3A
AC-to-DC Power Supply: VAC 2.8A (This powers the PLC+IO Modules, Switch, NUC, and 9 solenoid valves.)
Heated Load #1: VAC 3.25A
Heated Load #2: VAC 3.25A
Heated Load #3: VAC 0.5A
Heated Load #4: VAC 1.3A
Heated Load #5: VAC 14A
Our actual running load has been about 18A.
We connected the alternators positive terminals together with 4/0 SGX copper cable. The OEM setup has each alternator connected to a battery with OEM 2 gauge cable and the batteries connected to each other with 2 gauge OEM cable as well. We ran 4/0 cable from one alternator positive post to the rear compartment of a four door pickup where we installed the inverter. We ran the negative cable from the inverter back to the mounting bolt of the alternator to ensure a good circuit. One-way distance is 16'.
Once the heated loads reach a 400F operating temperature, the PLC uses PWM to maintain the temperatures at +/- 1F. The system works perfectly when in full power heating mode. Once the PWM begins, we noticed that the alternators start surging slightly. We also noticed that the truck interior lights flicker slightly and the blower motor surges. Voltage on the VDC side of the inverter fluctuates between 12.9 and 14.2VDC constantly.
Other similar installs have worked perfectly for years, but they did not include the PWM requirement. If you turn off the truck, the system continues to function so we know the batteries are in the circuit. Appreciate any help!
Scott
Analyzer: VAC 3A
AC-to-DC Power Supply: VAC 2.8A (This powers the PLC+IO Modules, Switch, NUC, and 9 solenoid valves.)
Heated Load #1: VAC 3.25A
Heated Load #2: VAC 3.25A
Heated Load #3: VAC 0.5A
Heated Load #4: VAC 1.3A
Heated Load #5: VAC 14A
Our actual running load has been about 18A.
We connected the alternators positive terminals together with 4/0 SGX copper cable. The OEM setup has each alternator connected to a battery with OEM 2 gauge cable and the batteries connected to each other with 2 gauge OEM cable as well. We ran 4/0 cable from one alternator positive post to the rear compartment of a four door pickup where we installed the inverter. We ran the negative cable from the inverter back to the mounting bolt of the alternator to ensure a good circuit. One-way distance is 16'.
Once the heated loads reach a 400F operating temperature, the PLC uses PWM to maintain the temperatures at +/- 1F. The system works perfectly when in full power heating mode. Once the PWM begins, we noticed that the alternators start surging slightly. We also noticed that the truck interior lights flicker slightly and the blower motor surges. Voltage on the VDC side of the inverter fluctuates between 12.9 and 14.2VDC constantly.
Other similar installs have worked perfectly for years, but they did not include the PWM requirement. If you turn off the truck, the system continues to function so we know the batteries are in the circuit. Appreciate any help!
Scott