Hi. We're off grid and therefore installing a 3 phase Diesel generator. Each phase is rated at 20 Amps continuous(23 Amps max). we want to run 3 Split type ACs, one on each phase, plus some other small appliances.Our problem is that each AC has a start up current of 20 Amps, which will trip the safety circuit on the generator everytime it comes on.The ACs running current is only 8 Amps, but jumps to 20 Amps for a split second everytime the Compressor comes on.Is there a simple way to control the start up current on the ACs? I read something about putting a coil of wire on the input of the Compressor. I tried that with a water pump just to check if it works. The surge current was still there.Any ideas if I can use a Capacitor? If yes, can you tell me what capacity I should use? If you give me the formula I can figure it myself. We run on 220-240 Volts, 50 HZ.Thanks for your answers.
Is it too late to switch to a 240 volt single phase generator of the same capacity? This would have a 60 amp capability and would handle the surges with no trouble. I don't see how a capacitor will help. If you are stuck with the 3 phase generator, perhaps you can switch the ACs for ones with 3 phase motors. That will spread the surge over the 3 phases. There are also soft-start ACs .
