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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Bob Gil on September 17, 2008, 11:52:24 AM

Title: inverter terminology
Post by: Bob Gil on September 17, 2008, 11:52:24 AM
I am wondering what is meant when it is stated that the inverters are stacked?

I know it is not one mounted on top of the other.

I am assuming that they are both wired to the same curcit?

Please excuse my stupidity.

Bob
Title: Re: inverter terminology
Post by: boogiethecat on September 17, 2008, 01:22:24 PM
Just like honda inverter generators, with some extra control lines, some kinds of inverters can be hooked together in parallel, "stacked" to get more power from a multiple bank of lower powered inverters...
Title: Re: inverter terminology
Post by: jjrbus on September 17, 2008, 01:41:35 PM
There is so much terminology today that is foriegn, remember when a cat played with a "mouse", when stacked meant a lady looked like the front of a Caddy?
To publicly annouce that you do know something is a sign of strong self esteem and high intellegence, not stupidity.  Jim
Title: Re: inverter terminology
Post by: David Anderson on September 17, 2008, 06:41:33 PM
In my Trace manual stacking refers to wiring two inverters to achieve two 120 volt legs on opposite phases, ie. to give you a 240 volt circuit.   Good question.

David
Title: Re: inverter terminology
Post by: pvcces on September 17, 2008, 07:21:35 PM
Some of these units are capable of parallel or serial stacking, IIRC. Trace SW4024 comes to mind as one of these.

For what it's worth.

Tom Caffrey
Title: Re: inverter terminology
Post by: Len Silva on September 18, 2008, 05:35:06 AM
Just be sure that they are indeed stackable.  There is usually a control lead between the units.  You cannot parallel any two inverters that are not designed for it.
Title: Re: inverter terminology
Post by: TomC on September 18, 2008, 08:10:12 AM
To simplify- stacking is an electronic control that will synchronize two inverters to work as one-to keep the 60 cycles of AC in synch between the two.  Then they think as one and you double your output-but also double the need for more batteries.  I have seen as many as 16 8D batteries being used to power a bus-that's almost 2500lb of batteries.  Then you have to charge them up again.  Personally-use the inverter for convenience items, not for primary electricity.  Have 2-4 8D's, or 4-8 6volt batteries, use a single inverter for convenience items (like microwave, coffee maker, TV, Stereo, etc) and for your primary electricals, use the generator.  It'll weigh alot less-considering a 12kw genset weighs about 650lb and 4 8D's weigh about 600lb.  Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: inverter terminology
Post by: luvrbus on September 18, 2008, 08:26:11 AM
My,Traces are stacked for 220 volt dumb to install a European type cook top but I am not the cook,Marathon uses 2 4000w stacked inverters with 6 4-D batteries
Title: Re: inverter terminology
Post by: Bob Gil on September 18, 2008, 10:32:25 AM
Thanks that help me understand a lot of what i have been reading here.

Bob