question

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john-roberts asked

Using large load variable control

I wish to use a 3KW Immersion heater on my 5KW Inverter and control its power using a variable control...... As you would dim a light bulb. The inverter makes a humming noise and I am wary of causing damage.

Has anyone got experience of this usage please and any comment?

John Roberts

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1 Answer
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wkirby answered ·

You did not mention if you are off-grid or on-grid. There are several commercial solutions for minimising export of energy for on-grid situations.

Lamp dimmers will undoubtedly cause horrible noise and the inverter will struggle. This is due to the common topology used which basically chop the sine wave at random sections, often peaks in order to reduce the power. It's not so detrimental to a low power light, but a 3KW immersion heater will cause huge spikes on the line if it is switched in that manner.

Also, check this out:

https://www.victronenergy.com/blog/2019/06/11/hot-water-on-the-skeleton-coast/

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