@Hedges and @timselectric
I have contemplated re-purposing the transformer out of a Schneider SW inverter to use as a step-up "auto-transformer" to be able to charge with an inverter that does not accept 120V only input (needs to be 120/240V), using a 120V only generator such as a Honda EU3000. Any thoughts on this? What I was thinking is to to leave the low side of the transformer open (and capped off of course!), then just hook up to the 120/240V high side of the transformer same as you would on an auto-transformer. E.g. 120V from gen connected to L1 and N on transformer and also to inverter input L1 and N, then L2 from transformer would connect to inverter input L2.
Would this tend to be especially inefficient for any reason? Not that it is such a big deal anyway, if it is only used for a backup charging option...
Does the additional (low side) set of windings affect power when it is in an open state? I am assuming no since it would be able to introduce any amperage load in an open state, but I'm not a transformer expert.
The reason I would want to try this is that we have a number of SW inverters laying around with blown circuit boards, but perfectly fine transformers. So why wouldn't I try it out... I have a standby gen at home and if it is not working for some reason I need to always re-configure my (4) Victrons to have a single inverter charging from a 2000-3000 watt 120V generator. While this works perfectly fine, it would be nice if my wife could switch over easily in a pinch, and a transformer would (should..???) do it.
On a side note, it's pretty cool how the Victrons operate in the above mentioned scenario! One inverter connects to the generator and charges while the other 3 stay in phase (with full 120/240V split phase!) and are inverting! So when my 240V well pump runs, the generator is providing one leg and the inverters on the other phase are providing the other one! Pretty amazing capability if you aske me!
I have contemplated re-purposing the transformer out of a Schneider SW inverter to use as a step-up "auto-transformer" to be able to charge with an inverter that does not accept 120V only input (needs to be 120/240V), using a 120V only generator such as a Honda EU3000. Any thoughts on this? What I was thinking is to to leave the low side of the transformer open (and capped off of course!), then just hook up to the 120/240V high side of the transformer same as you would on an auto-transformer. E.g. 120V from gen connected to L1 and N on transformer and also to inverter input L1 and N, then L2 from transformer would connect to inverter input L2.
Would this tend to be especially inefficient for any reason? Not that it is such a big deal anyway, if it is only used for a backup charging option...
Does the additional (low side) set of windings affect power when it is in an open state? I am assuming no since it would be able to introduce any amperage load in an open state, but I'm not a transformer expert.
The reason I would want to try this is that we have a number of SW inverters laying around with blown circuit boards, but perfectly fine transformers. So why wouldn't I try it out... I have a standby gen at home and if it is not working for some reason I need to always re-configure my (4) Victrons to have a single inverter charging from a 2000-3000 watt 120V generator. While this works perfectly fine, it would be nice if my wife could switch over easily in a pinch, and a transformer would (should..???) do it.
On a side note, it's pretty cool how the Victrons operate in the above mentioned scenario! One inverter connects to the generator and charges while the other 3 stay in phase (with full 120/240V split phase!) and are inverting! So when my 240V well pump runs, the generator is providing one leg and the inverters on the other phase are providing the other one! Pretty amazing capability if you aske me!