Are there aftermarket inline start capacitors for a/c units?

[chrispyny]

most of us know that the larger a stand by generator is, the more fuel of any kind it consumes. Most of us also know that the biggest juice sucker in the summer is the a/c unit, then the fridge and well pump if you aren't on city water. We all know about amp draw on electric motors at start up and how generators love resistive and not inductive loads.
Say a guy wants to have a comfortably sized genset that will get him by with absolute minimal fuel consumption, but won't be big enough enough to start an a/c condenser but is enough to run it once started.
Is there a LARGE capacitive unit purchasable to be wired inline with the condenser to relieve the inrush upon start up JUST to get the condenser going? If not, how feasable would it be to build one?
I'm not talking about the already installed and preengineered start capacitor thats part of every condenser, i'm talking a BANK of caps to get that grunt into the condenser unit to get it going.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, I really don't know, but I know there are start kits for AC compressors. I know just enough to be dangerous so I am going to attempt to let a more confident person address your question.

 

[gungatim]

I've been reading about using 3-phase induction motors converted to a generator. requires a substantial run cap paralleled on the line, wonder if this would make a good dedicated generator for A/C? 3-phase motors go pretty cheap in my area, and coupled to a 8-10hp motor would be a pretty easy way to go. just a thought...

 

[mbutler]

How about one of these?

http://www.gen-pro.biz/#!single-phase/ch6q

I put one of the single phase models on my condenser to keep the lights from
blinking when it started. Supposed to increase the compressor life, as well.

 

[chops101]

These work
SUPCO HS6 (SPP6) Hard Start Relay Capacitor

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002YTLFE/?tag=atomicindus08-20