Microware interference on small generator.

[Padlock01]

Hi Guys, when using a standby generator at the house 5.5kW 50hz 230volt supply everything is ok until the Microwave oven is switch on, then
the Fluorescent lights start intermitent starting.the genset is lightly loaded at the time,The microwave oven is ten years old.any thoughts
on what is causing the lights to play up.

 

[itsmoked]

Your 'old' microwave is a very non-linear load that is messing with your cheap generator's voltage regulator.(cheap = any generator under 10kw)

Try having the generator loaded as much as possible, leaving only the microwave's wattage plus a couple hundred more watts free before turning on the mw.

You can try running the mw thru a hundred foot cable to see if it decouples the mw from the regulator enough to bring peace to the system.

Also, you can try running an unloaded motor in concert with the mw.


Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[waross]

Further to itsmoked's comments: Many generators in that size range don't have voltage regulators. Low voltage under load is a chronic condition.
The first thing to do is measure the voltage at no load and with the micro-wave energized.
The voltage is set by a bank of capacitors. If the voltage is low under load, (common on these sets) look at the capacitor bank and determine the total capacity. Add a capacitor in parallel. the PU size will be the PU voltage increase that you want. eg: for a 10% increase in voltage, add 10% capacitor capacity.
That worked when I had to run my home temporarily from a 6 KW diesel set and the fluorescent lamps acted up.
Note: motor starting capacitors will overheat. Use capacitors rated for continuous duty. eg: Motor run capacitors.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter