Last year I was offered a used /  refurbished Inverter by a Randburg based business.  Preferring not to go for any of the newer cheap inverters I decided to go for a Axpert 5kw - Open Range Solar as I already have an 7 year in service Mecer 5kw also running.

After first not working when I installed it, the seller 'repaired' it.  Now the unit worked - with a noisy fan - but anything above 3kw output it would stop working - error 51.  

The seller refused to look into it claiming that it is the installers fault.  I took it to a reputable repairer and it was repaired in one day.

The repairer stated that some parts were missing and some crucial diode was of wrong value - photos of board as found inside attached.

I am thinking of 'going after' the seller, but thought it would be wise to get more opinion on the state of the inverter as bought.

Please comment on the photos.

 

 

I decided to launch a complaint with the Ombudsman against the seller that sold me this. Has anyone been successful or should I follow another route?

I took it to a reputable repairer and it was repaired in one day. Who did the repairs for you?

Megavolt in Waverley Pretoria.

Since my post I referred a friend to them as well and he was very satisfied.

Phone: 061 507 2595

Thanks for the prompt responce and info @KennyS I really appreciate that.

@KennyS I'm not qualified to comment on the photographs ... but. Not having the IGBT's screwed firmly to the printed circuit board is crazy negligent. Also there is a big square capacitor missing. Normally this capacitor is removed to facilitate the replacement of the IGBT's. Could they simply have forgotten to replace it. Have a look at this video for context. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXX5MhukVBY

Pity you can't get an electronics engineer or technician to look at the pictures and comment.

Edited January 29Jan 29 by Worlock

5 hours ago, Worlock said:

@KennyS I'm not qualified to comment on the photographs ... but. Not having the IGBT's screwed firmly to the printed circuit board is crazy negligent. Also there is a big square capacitor missing. Normally this capacitor is removed to facilitate the replacement of the IGBT's. Could they simply have forgotten to replace it. Have a look at this video for context. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXX5MhukVBY

Pity you can't get an electronics engineer or technician to look at the pictures and comment.

@KennyS The root cause is obvious in the photo. The IGBTs are not mechanically fixed(screwed down) to the heatsink they’re sitting above the thermal pad.

Result: elevated junction temps, thermal derating, and the inverter never reaching full rated power.

The IGBTs that has no heat transfer to the heatsink will derate long before rated power.

Yes, the extreme unprofessional work done is laughable to a person that has knowledge in this field.

It looks like some guy tinkering on the side of the street in a slum.

I never got anywhere with this seller; I asked for his repairers credentials but then he refused. Lodging a complaint also got me nowhere.

This inverter is still working as we speak after the work done by the guys I posted.

Be CAREFULL out there!