Water Sparkplug

[Chris31]

In theory that diode should ground all the voltages that get above 15V, leaving the inverter unharmed.

Jetijs, no harm in putting a TVS across the inverter input. But its the spikes from the ignition coil that are getting into the inverter output stage and destroying it. Put a bi TVS across the output of the inverter. On a DC put a unidirectional TVS, on AC like the inverters output put a bidirectional TVS across it.

There have been mention of caps getting hot? this is most likely from a negative or over voltage getting into the capacitor.

Make sure you use the TVS with the correct breakdown voltage.

I would use a bi-directional TVS ... suggested by Chris31 from OverUnity.com

Im also in this forum lurking

[gmeast]

Tvs

I mean something like this.



In theory that diode should ground all the voltages that get above 15V, leaving the inverter unharmed.

Hi Jetijs,

Yes a TVS (transient voltage suppressor) located where you indicated should work. I would use a bi-directional TVS ... suggested by Chris31 from OverUnity.com.

Thanks for input,

Greg

http://home.pacbell.net/gmeast/VW/typtvsap.pdf

[gmeast]

Tvs

Hi Jetijs,

Thanks for input,

Greg

[jstadwater]

Cool, I wonder if the local Radio Shack would carry that diode, probably have to order it though. That just might work. Was I correct to assume that while using the isolation transformer, that side (AC side) is already completely protected? So, the only other thing to contend with is the battery side of the inverter.

Thanks....................................Mike

[gmeast]

Tvs

I mean something like this.



In theory that diode should ground all the voltages that get above 15V, leaving the inverter unharmed.

Hi Jetijs,

Yes a TVS (transient voltage suppressor) located where you indicated should work. I would use a bi-directional TVS ... suggested by Chris31 from OverUnity.com.

Thanks for input,

Greg

[Jetijs]

I mean something like this.



In theory that diode should ground all the voltages that get above 15V, leaving the inverter unharmed.

[Jetijs]

maybe we can somehow use transil diodes like the 1.5KE15A, these are designed to absorb high voltage spikes and can handle very powerful pulses. I use these for my attraction motor instead of a neon bulb and they work very fine. They have a peak pulse power of 1500W. Thanks to lighty for this idea.
Here is a datasheet:
http://www.argus.lv/pub/datasheets/1_5KE_C_CA.pdf
Maybe we can put these diodes in parallel to the 12V input and they will start to conduct only if voltage becomes greater than 15V and discharge that spike to the ground. I am no expert so maybe someone can show us how to use these correctly.

[jstadwater]

OK,

So, any device that can be used to "absorb" the spike that could be placed between the battery and inverter? The isolation transformer already takes care of the AC side right? There has to be something that would work here.


Mike

[Jetijs]

Mike, transformers do not work on DC.

[jstadwater]

Hey Greg and everyone,

Like Jetijs once told me, Welcome to the fried inverter club! I guess letting the smoke out of at least one inverter is the price for joining the club, as xpskid mentioned. An observation, I was not able to much more than turn on the inverter and immediately smoke one before I used the isolation transformer in-line on the AC side. Just a thought, is there a 12-14VDC isolation transformer we can use between the battery and inverter? Maybe that would serve to "finish" the isolation process and give us what we're looking for. What are the thoughts of all about this? Later.................Mike

[revizal]

Vexus on SUV (video explaination)

All,

YouTube - Vexus on SUV (explaination)

I've make a video to explain the Vexus setup on my SUV.
I prefer to use 100 watt bulb to home plug or UPS while riding riding instead of inverter. Later it should find better way to restrict 0.5 A current to the circuit.

Rev.

[Aaron]

silent plasma

Hi Timm,

Glad you found the same.

I really have no idea at this point if there is any use for this but it certainly either helps us understand what we're dealing with better or it actually causes more questions.

[xpskid]

Hi Mike,

The VexUs circuit somehow generates a huge spike that fools the inverter electronics into thinking there is a short circuit. I have been using a cheap 400 Watt inverter with no real internal protection.

I have exceeded my all-time record and can proudly say I have fried three inverter in one day ... beat that ... $40.00 a pop!

I'm trying to get a scope picture of the phenomenon while running on wall AC. Don't ruin any inverters you guys before I find a fix. It is a basic issue. As you have said, there is so little current draw in this circuit that it can only be how the HV DC is being introduced. It may be an RF level phenomenon which can be shielded. There is some indication that a spike is frying the CMOS circuitry.

I'm also going to build a "dumb" 3055 transistor oscillator for the HV pump ... probably use voltage doubler ladders to get the voltage.

We'll get it. Input welcome. Peace,

Greg

Hi Greg, Mike,

Just to confirm, I'm also having issues with the inverters. Blew my small one (350W) and have been playing with my 1200, I'm also using a straight connection to line power. Everyone needs to let the smoke out of at least one inverter, it's the cost of joining the club
My larger inverter has a couple of led gauges on it and I can see the amp spikes hitting it. Nothing measureable during operation at a steady state, but large spike pegging the meter. I installed a ballast resistor on the coil which seemed to help a little. I haven't seen the big spikes on the meter, but my voltage drops off every 30 seconds or so. Must be coming back through the battery negative.
I have the VexUs circuit back on the bench and out of my vehicle.
I tried Aaron's choke experiment using a coil of magnet wire. Sound did go away, but only one of the six plugs continued to light an enhanced spark. I'm using an old 8 cylinder distributor on the bench with only 6 leads hooked up (due to moving it into my V6). The plug that lights is first, meaning the two posts before it are missing. This translates to a longer period between discharges for this specific plug. Sorry, I didn't have much time this weekend to play.

Timm

[air mail ef]

This stuff is great. I can't wait till someone starts using water in this system.

[ashtweth]

Jetijs , Okay never mind Bro, ill soon be joining the fried inverter club so i wont feel left out from you and Greg

Okay, ill get the distributor tests done this week, you will bounce back man I don't really mind if there is a little where just wanna prove the MPG like you(concept of spark and booster), and i think we would get good results with wouter's booster. Will set it up tonight (Rev's) and post later to take your mind of that. Cheer up man, i am thinking now we should just make the custom inverters probably cheaper .