EasyStart useful with Hybrid Inverter?

[daleyocum]

I've upgraded the electrical system on my 2018 FC25 to a Victron Multiplus Hybrid Inverter that drives all the outlets. One of the cool things about hybrid inverters is they can supplement shore power with the batteries when needed. That's especially nice when we use our little Honda 2000 generator to run the AC. We also on occasion run the AC for a short time off of batteries to cool down the trailer after we've been gone all day (500ah of Lithium.)

In previous trailers I've installed an EasyStart on the AC to reduce the starting current. I haven't bothered in this one because the Victron seems to handle the start current fine.

Here's the question, does an EasyStart do anything else, like reduce running current, that would be worth the expense and installation time?

[wulfraat]

I have easy start with my multiplus. It’s good all around and reduces wear on the compressor motor if the AC. Electrical systems in general don’t like sudden loads, wears on things like the capacitor in your genset, which is first to take the hit before hybrid function kicks in.

[daleyocum]

Originally Posted by wulfraat

I have easy start with my multiplus. It’s good all around and reduces wear on the compressor motor if the AC. Electrical systems in general don’t like sudden loads, wears on things like the capacitor in your genset, which is first to take the hit before hybrid function kicks in.

One thing I have noticed is my little Honda can’t keep the batteries charged when the AC is running which I found odd. I expected it would need the batteries to get the compressor started each time it kicked on but thought the generator (on LP) would be able to keep up after that. Does yours?

[wulfraat]

The AC will draw close to 1800watts on a hot day. Other AC and DC loads, inverter losses, etc put a draw of more like 2000-2200 watts continuous

The Honda 2000 is rated at 13.3A / 1600 watts continuous output for > 30 minutes run time. You get slightly less on LP and less again for every 1,000 feet above sea level. So you can see the issue - there is no surplus of power from the honda 2000 to charge the batts when the AC is running.

If you have a ton of solar - on a sunny summer day you can bridge the gap. When I say a ton, you are talking 600-800w of high efficiency panels. (This is how I’m setup - 800w of solar - allowing me to be energy neutral or even add some amps back to the battery bank when running the AC with the honda 2000).

[daleyocum]

Originally Posted by wulfraat

The AC will draw close to 1800watts on a hot day. Other AC and DC loads, inverter losses, etc put a draw of more like 2000-2200 watts continuous

The Honda 2000 is rated at 13.3A / 1600 watts continuous output for > 30 minutes run time. You get slightly less on LP and less again for every 1,000 feet above sea level. So you can see the issue - there is no surplus of power from the honda 2000 to charge the batts when the AC is running.

If you have a ton of solar - on a sunny summer day you can bridge the gap. When I say a ton, you are talking 600-800w of high efficiency panels. (This is how I’m setup - 800w of solar - allowing me to be energy neutral or even add some amps back to the battery bank when running the AC with the honda 2000).

I have 500 watts of solar on the roof so I guess that makes sense I'd be running a power deficit. I have another 100w in the form of a portable panel I'll try adding in. I was just wondering if an Easystart would make any difference.

[rmkrum]

EasyStart reduces the startup surge quite a bit, and provides protection for the compressor--If the input power browns out, or the compressor draws too much current the EasyStart logic will shut it down and lockout restart for safety. For running current, its not much help. Run current depends a lot on outside temperature, so you are kinda stuck there.

Might consider a bigger generator, or a second Honda and a parallel kit if all else fails in really hot weather. I'm running a 3400 Champion Dual fuel on propane, but it lives in the back of the truck bed with a hose to the propane port.

[guskmg]

The Micro-Air Easy Start processes the incoming line voltage not only to ease the start load by 70%, but it conditions the AC line input to smooth out irregularities. It is similar to inverter generator output, it will make the units last longer. Besides if you save your old parts you can uninstall and install the EasyStarts on a new trailer. All you have keep up with is the Start capacitor and the thermistor you removed. I like my EasyStarts.
guskmg

[Gulliver72]

My electrical upgrade is mirroring daleyocum’s. Victron 2000w, 400w solar, 300ah Battleborn.
Last year’s 12000 mi trip proved our inadequate system. Our 100lb 3500w Predator Inverter Generator in the back of the PU was a PITA just to run the AC.
New program......2000 Victron Hybrid Inverter, 300ah lithium w/solar, Micro-Air Easy Start, and new Westinghouse 2500w Generator @ a manageable 49lbs! Great combo.

[daleyocum]

Originally Posted by Gulliver72

My electrical upgrade is mirroring daleyocum’s. Victron 2000w, 400w solar, 300ah Battleborn.
Last year’s 12000 mi trip proved our inadequate system. Our 100lb 3500w Predator Inverter Generator in the back of the PU was a PITA just to run the AC.
New program......2000 Victron Hybrid Inverter, 300ah lithium w/solar, Micro-Air Easy Start, and new Westinghouse 2500w Generator @ a manageable 49lbs! Great combo.

It’s impressive the 2000w inverter can handle the AC with an EasyStart!

[Gulliver72]

The new Westinghouse inverter generator is 2500 watts boost (30 sec +\-), and 2200 watts continuous. Easily starts and runs AC with Easy Start.
Can pull additional current through hybrid inverter if necessary.