Testing the Rivian as a ‘backup’ power source

[jjswan33]

So power went out today here in Sandy. I thought ok, lets test the V2L power output on the truck.

My setup. I have a 4 circuit transfer switch that powers: 1. Fridge, 2. Furnace, 3. Living room 4. Master bedroom

According to my Goal Zero Yeti 6000X when the TV, Fridge, Modem, 4 LED B30s, i’m pulling ~800 Watts. Rivian trips out instantly, not sure why as it is supposed to support 1500W.

I’ll have to check later if I can plug the charger for my GZ into the Rivian, at least then I can maybe use the truck to recharge the GZ in an extended outage.

Edit: I found the following article:
https://www.electricgeneratorsdirec...ipping-a-Generator-With-a-Bonded-Neutral.html
I am assuming that the Rivian has that GFCI protection and the problem is incompatibility with my transfer switch.

June 2nd Update: The truck will work with my transfer switch if I don't connect the truck ground to the transfer switch using the below dongle. So this seems to confirm my initial issue was a ground loop of some kind.

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[Mysta]

What part of truck is it plugged into

 

[s12dxer]

So power went out today here in Sandy. I thought ok, lets test the V2L power output on the truck.

My setup. I have a 4 circuit transfer switch that powers: 1. Fridge, 2. Furnace, 3. Living room 4. Master bedroom

According to my Goal Zero Yeti 6000X when the TV, Fridge, Modem, 4 LED B30s, i’m pulling ~800 Watts. Rivian trips out instantly, not sure why as it is supposed to support 1500W. Not a great inverter

I’ll have to check later if I can plug the charger for my GZ into the Rivian, at least then I can maybe use the truck to recharge the GZ in an extended outage.

Interesting data points. We have an F-150 lightning on order as well and hoping to see if it’s inverter would be able to support basic house items in an outage. They’re claiming 9.6kw output I think.

 

[jjswan33]

What part of truck is it plugged into

Tested the outlet in the bed of the truck so far.

 

[jjswan33]

Interesting data points. We have an F-150 lightning on order as well and hoping to see if it’s inverter would be able to support basic house items in an outage. They’re claiming 9.6kw output I think.

Should be no problem.. I’m powering the circuits mentioned above now with my 2kW inverter built into my Goal Zero.

 

[duessell]

Could be the start-up current on the fridge and/or furnace fan.

 

[Canthoney]

Could be the start-up current on the fridge and/or furnace fan.

The inrush current is definitely a factor. Could be a software bug that isn’t calculating properly

 

[jjswan33]

So I investigated further the Rivian trips out as soon as you try to plug it into the Transfer switch. I tried both with the switch set to Gen and Line. I guess it is some sort of safety built in against this use case.

I did check and the truck will run my GZ battery charger but apparently it will only push my 600W charger at 355.7W.

 

[Mysta]

I'm wondering if it's 1500w between all the outlets?

 

[jjswan33]

I'm wondering if it's 1500w between all the outlets?

It is, or at least manual says as much.

 

[Mysta]

It is, or at least manual says as much.

That's what I mean like 500w per outlet? I dunno how many there are tbh.

 

[jjswan33]

That's what I mean like 500w per outlet? I dunno how many there are tbh.

They can all do 1500W just not at the same time.

 

[PAFDenver]

Almost certainly a ground loop. They ran into this at TFL trying to do the same thing with the Ford F150 (not the lightning, but still had power available). Check out this video about 2:30 in.

 

[SFsoundguy]

Can't you just use the Rivian to charge the Goal Zero and have it power the devices...

 

[the long way downunder]

The inrush current is definitely a factor. Could be a software bug that isn’t calculating properly

Right. The "instantly" suggests it's not a load problem. Probably inrush or ground detection.

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