New Yo Power W10 inverter review


New Yo Power W10 inverter
makes a great first impression

W10 makes impressive debut
Yo Power 3000 rocks it with an impressive and world class 30w tested idle draw.

As most folks know, I’m a big fan of “new.” And Hefei Yo Power Technology has a new “hybrid” inverter. Some of you also know I’ve been waiting for the new hybrid inverters to come out for some time. So what do I think?

Yo Power first review

This is the class of 2018. And its looking good.

First unboxing

The new hybrid came quick. We had some payment issues with our bank but once we got the money to China it was just a few weeks to get the new inverter to Canada.

The inverter arrived in top condition. The cardboard box had reinforcing bars and the inverter was packaged in a large box with large heavy duty foam holders. Thanks Yo Power.

Score 1 for Yo Power.

First impressions

Wow. This is a beast. 30+ kg. That’s some heft. Now usually weight equals inefficiency. So let’s get the beast on the table.

 

Check the specs: 30 watts idle draw! That’s fantastic. And note that the hz is perfect at 60.

The voltage is accurate right at 120.

Adjustable Charge Rate!

This new “Hybrid” has a charger complete with adjustable charge rate.

Adjustable charge rate is ideal for those with smaller battery banks, or, more likely, smaller generators. You can charge your battery bank without beating up your generator. Remember, most gennies are best run at around 50% load. This will reduce gas consumption and keep the generator running for more years.

So the Yo Power can be set from C1 to C6. That’s roughly 250 to 1500 watts*. I like the low power. It lets me charge individual modules easily for load testing. Sweet. And the C6 will make for good charging with the generator come winter.

  • Remember. When you’re charging at C6 and you’re using 1500w just for charging. You’re also using the generator to run your house loads. So if your house load is 1500 and your charger is using 1500 and you want 50% load. You need a 6kw generator. At least. So be careful with your C rate of charge. Especially with a smaller generator.
Adjustable battery type

I was able to select from Lead Acid/AGM or Lithium battery types. Nice. As you all know. It’s Lithium for me!

3 user modes

Three user modes lets you select how you want to use the inverter.

Mode 1: Grid priority. Grid power passes through the inverter, running your loads and charging your battery. Surprisingly the inverter will kick in battery power if the grid voltage falters or disappears.

Mode 2: Battery priority. I really like this mode. If the battery is full the inverter uses battery and solar power. If the battery is not full then the inverter will use Grid power, if that is available. But it won’t change the battery like in Mode 1. Instead it relies on solar power to charge your battery.

Mode 3: Energy saving mode. I honestly couldn’t come up with a use for this. But if your load is 20% of capacity. The inverter will stop and start regularly to save power. This might be useful if you have fridges as your main load. Then the inverter is not using power all the time.

PV power option

The “hybrid” now comes with PV power. In this case I didn’t need PV power as I already have solar controllers. However, I am asking Yo Power when MPPT solar control will come to this inverter.

This looks to be a super star

Of course this is only the first impression. But this inverter looks to be a real superstar.

My hat is off to the engineers and assembly folks at Hefei Yo Power. Very nice work.

Note pass through and charge test
Note the frequency and voltage of my current inverter as seen by the “pass through”. That would explain why my stove clock runs fast. 

I have done some preliminary burn in and testing on the charger. Note I’ve set C1 as I’m drawing off my solar system. I am using a CNBOU 3000 inverter. Check the hz. 61. And the voltage 118. I love the CNBOU but I am very excited to get this Yo Power on the bench and see how it handles heavier loads.

The oscilloscope comes out 
Top of sine wave.
Bottom of sine wave.

As you can see. Beautiful clear pure sine wave!

(Yes yes, I was in a hurry and didn’t use the probes. I could have had the full sine wave shown on the screen but I was rushed for time so I just hooked up the alligator clips. They aren’t adjustable as to readout so the wave form is BIG. Blush.)

Result

I am really gobsmacked by this inverter. It is beautiful. Has some lovely features. And is one of the best priced inverters I’ve ever seen.

Now on to the test of time. The W10 comes with a 2 year warranty and the manufacturer is saying to expect a 10 year or better lifespan. Lovely. I will have more details on the tech inside the box in a later post.


One response to “New Yo Power W10 inverter review”

  1. Later reply: I still love the Yo Power inverter. However I have found the signal in AC won’t charge my electric car. I’m not sure why. The signal might be a bit dirtier than anticipated under load. I’ve notice my microwave buzzes when on the Yo Power inverter as well. I might think that this class of inverter/charger is best suited to job site use.

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