storagefaults.comstoragefaults.com

FranklinWH•aGate

Analysis by Marcus & Team

FranklinWH aGate: Mechanical Scraping Noise Diagnosis

Diagnose a FranklinWH aGate hybrid inverter producing a scraping noise. Identify causes, solutions, prevention, and safety measures for residential energy systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

•Is the noise constant, or does it change with PV production or battery charge/discharge?

This helps narrow down the potential source of the noise. Load-dependent noise may indicate inductor or capacitor issues.

•Are there any error codes or abnormal readings displayed on the inverter's user interface or monitoring app?

Error codes can provide valuable clues about the underlying problem.

•When was the last time the inverter was serviced or inspected?

A history of maintenance or repairs can reveal potential recurring issues.

Related questions

Loading related questions...

Marcus leads the technical research department at Storage Faults. Together with a team of systems analysts, he specializes in translating complex solar storage error codes into actionable diagnostic steps for the US market.

← Back to list

Why This Happens:

Cooling fan malfunction: Bearings failing or obstructions causing impeller imbalance.
Relay chatter: A relay oscillating due to control circuit instability or contact degradation.
Inductor noise: Magnetostriction in inductors due to high-frequency switching currents causing audible vibrations.
Capacitor noise: Vibration due to dielectric stress in capacitors, particularly electrolytic capacitors operating near their ripple current limit.
Loose component: A component (e.g., heat sink, PCB) vibrating against the chassis.
Transformer Noise: Core lamination vibration due to magnetostriction, especially under load.

Technical Overview:

The FranklinWH aGate is a hybrid inverter that integrates PV input, battery storage, and grid interconnection. It uses power electronic components (MOSFETs, IGBTs) to perform DC-DC conversion for MPPT, DC-AC conversion for grid-tie functionality, and battery charging/discharging. Cooling fans or a liquid cooling system are typically used to dissipate heat generated by these components. The aGate also incorporates relays for grid isolation and safety features like arc fault detection and rapid shutdown, compliant with NEC 2017/2020 requirements. Audible noises can originate from the cooling system, internal relays, or from failed power components.

Observed Symptoms:

A mechanical scraping noise is emanating from within the FranklinWH aGate hybrid inverter enclosure during operation. The noise is consistently present when the inverter is actively converting DC power from the PV array or battery to AC power for residential consumption or grid export, and may vary in intensity with load.

Important Warnings:

Hybrid inverter systems operate at high DC voltages (up to 600V+). Arc flash hazards are present. All work must be performed by a qualified electrician in accordance with NEC and local electrical codes. Always de-energize the system and verify zero voltage before performing any maintenance or troubleshooting. Adhere to personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, including arc-rated clothing, gloves, and eye protection.

Recommended Action:

1

De-energize the system: Follow proper DC disconnect procedures according to the FranklinWH system manual and NEC 690.
2

Engage rapid shutdown per NEC 690.
3

Verify zero voltage with a calibrated multimeter.
4

Visual inspection: Carefully inspect the cooling fan for obstructions or damage. Check for loose components or wiring.
5

Fan test: If the fan is accessible, manually spin the fan blades to check for bearing noise or resistance. Replace the fan if necessary.
6

Component isolation: Use a stethoscope or insulated probe to carefully pinpoint the source of the noise. Exercise extreme caution to avoid contact with any potentially energized components. Qualified electrician only.
7

Torque check: Tighten all screws and fasteners within the inverter enclosure to eliminate potential sources of vibration. Refer to the manufacturer's torque specifications.
8

Relay inspection: If relay chatter is suspected, check the relay driver circuit for proper operation. Replace the relay if necessary.
9

Submit to FranklinWH for RMA: Document all findings and create a service ticket for an authorized warranty replacement.

Technical Recommendation:

Access the FranklinWH aGate service menu (refer to the service manual for the key combination – typically involves pressing and holding specific buttons on the inverter display). Use the diagnostic tools within the service menu to monitor fan speed, internal temperatures, and relay status. Check the inverter's event log for any fault codes related to the cooling system or other components.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly inspect and clean the cooling fan to prevent dust buildup.
Monitor inverter temperature via the monitoring app or service interface.
Periodically check the tightness of all screws and fasteners.
Perform firmware updates to ensure optimal control and performance.
Conduct thermal imaging analysis of key components such as inductors and capacitors to identify potential hotspots that could indicate early failure. (Qualified personnel only).