High Temperature Fault while charging with generator

[dallasd9]

I sure could use some help with the following problem:

The inverter is supplying power to my cabin and charging the batteries all day with no problems. The inverter continues to supply power to the cabin all through the night.

In the early morning the generator starts and supplies power to the cabin (pass through) and begins charging the batteries until the sun comes up at which time the generator has charged the batteries up to approximately 90% and shuts down.

This has been SOP for the last three years without any problems.

Recently after the generator has been on in the morning for approximately an hour with the batteries still charging I'm getting a High Temperature Fault and the power shuts off (see attached pictures). After approximately fifteen minutes cooling the power comes back on.

Yesterday I replaced all three fans in the Classic and still have the same problem.

Note: Ambient air temps during the day have been 100+ here in South Texas.
No different than past years.

As a side note:  The inverter continues to charge normally during the day with no faults.

Any ideas?

[Vic]

I sure could use some help with the following problem:

The inverter is supplying power to my cabin and charging the batteries all day with no problems. The inverter continues to supply power to the cabin all through the night.

In the early morning the generator starts and supplies power to the cabin (pass through) and begins charging the batteries until the sun comes up at which time the generator has charged the batteries up to approximately 90% and shuts down.

This has been SOP for the last three years without any problems.

Recently after the generator has been on in the morning for approximately an hour with the batteries still charging I'm getting a High Temperature Fault and the power shuts off (see attached pictures). After approximately fifteen minutes cooling the power comes back on.

Yesterday I replaced all three fans in the Classic and still have the same problem.

Note: Ambient air temps during the day have been 100+ here in South Texas.
No different than past years.

As a side note:  The inverter continues to charge normally during the day with no faults.
Any ideas?

Hi dallas..,

I have no real experience with Magnum gear.

So the high temp faults,  IMO, are with the Magnum hardware,  based on the photos that you supplied.

Know that the WX has been HOT in TX.

Make sure that the Magnum gear has working fans, are not blocked, and do not have plugged screens/filters.

The batteries are HOT, as well, which is not good.

If the Classic was faulting,  it would let you know.

Later,  Good Luck, Vic

[Vic]

AND,  dallasd9, I should have said, " Welcome to the Forum".

We do not know the type of batteries that you are using,  but, if they are Flooded cells (ones with easily removable caps), make sure that the liquid levels in each cell covers the tops of the plates, inside the batteries (at the very least).

Make certain that the Battery Temperature Sensor/s are still attached to the side on one battery.

That photo with the Transformer temperature Fault, and 247-ish temperature shows that that transformer (inside the Magnum Inverter, I am sure) is very, very HOT.

If the Classic is running too hot, the first thing you would probably notice, is the "Current Limit" light would be ON,  it is an Amber LED, on the left center of the display panel.

More later,  please DO let us know how you are doing,  Good Luck, Vic

[dallasd9]

Thank you Vic.  I will definitely look into the "Current Limit" light.  The batteries are "Flooded Cells" and I have verified that the water level and battery Temperature Sensor are correct.

Thanks again.  I'll keep y'all posted

[Vic]

Hi dallasd9,

i would bet, that that Transformer Temperature Fault is for the transformer in the Magnum Inverter.

Check the fans in the Magnum inverter.  In hot climates,  the fans need to run for extended periods.  It is common for fans in inverter/chargers to fail in hot climates.  When they run,  they can usually be heard, please try to listen for that fan when charging batteries,  or perhaps use a thin piece of paper to try to note any air flow  at the fan intake, or at the exit of the inverter.

Also,  is it possible that your nightly loads have increased?  Like a new larger, A/C (air conditioner), or an additional A/C that increases the amount of battery charging needed.  This could be a reason for the recent issues that you are seeing.

But check the Magnum fan/s.  Also,  I do not believe that that Magnum control/display only reports/controls the Magnum gear.

FWIW, IMO,  etc,  keep cool Good Luck, Vic

[boB]

Dallas, Please try turning down the charge current some on the Magnum inverter/charger.  Too high of current and also a high ambient temperature (hot summer ?) might make it have this over-temperature error. 

How much current does the Magnum put out with that generator ?

Make sure the Magnum has plenty of breathing room around it, too.

boB

[dallasd9]

Vic,

You are correct about the Magnum.  It only controls/displays the Magnum data.  Not sure why I thought that.

I'm going to check the fans in the Magnum this evening.

Best regards,
Dallas

[Vic]

dallas,

Please do what boB mentions, in the quote, below.  He knows all about this stuff,  thanks, Vic

Dallas, Please try turning down the charge current some on the Magnum inverter/charger.  Too high of current and also a high ambient temperature (hot summer ?) might make it have this over-temperature error. 

How much current does the Magnum put out with that generator ?

Make sure the Magnum has plenty of breathing room around it, too.

boB