Thoughts on Battery Bank Design

kelperis
kelperis Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭✭
I am setting up a solar power system in my house. I am starting with 6 200ah 12 volt batteries. I have split the system into two parallel strings with three batteries each. I have two each of high capacity inverter (8000/32000) and two each of medium capacity (3000/5000). I plan to have a battery minder managing both strings, and also connect all of the inverters to each string, and also have a dedicated charge/controller for each string. I have set this up so that I can spread the load across the banks and devices, to keep utilization low, but also to allow me to double the batteries, creating two strings of six batteries. This lets me upgrade and keep the two strings matched as far as age/size. I don’t want to mix the strings. This lets me add load to the system in a controlled manner, and take batteries offline to complete maintenance individually. My question is...

What feedback would you all give me about the design? Any glaring problems, or weak spots.

Ric

Comments

  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    A couple of questions/clarifications:

    - Two parallel strings of 3x12v batteries in series suggests a 36v system voltage, which is unusual. Is there a reason for this voltage?

    - 400ah for the parallel strings is on the small side for an inverter capable (if I'm understanding correctly) of 32kw peak output (is that each, or for two combined?). That's nearly 900a at 36v, which most types of battery will have trouble with, and which would need some very heavy wire to handle. A system of that size would normally use higher capacity (eg 1500ah) 2v batteries at 48v.
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
  • Thom
    Thom Solar Expert Posts: 196 ✭✭✭
    I think you need to rethink .  Why 12v battery ? Guessing it’s 12v system

    thom
    Off grid since 1984. 430w of panel, 300w suresine , 4 gc batteries 12v system, Rogue mpt3024 charge controller , air breeze windmill, Mikita 2400w generator . Added 2@ 100w panel with a midnight brat 
  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    A 32kw peak 12v inverter? Hard to believe such a thing exists.
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
  • littleharbor2
    littleharbor2 Solar Expert Posts: 2,036 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 2018 #5

    2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old  but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric,  460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.

  • kelperis
    kelperis Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭✭
    > @Estragon said:
    > A couple of questions/clarifications:
    >
    > - Two parallel strings of 3x12v batteries in series suggests a 36v system voltage, which is unusual. Is there a reason for this voltage?
    >
    > - 400ah for the parallel strings is on the small side for an inverter capable (if I'm understanding correctly) of 32kw peak output (is that each, or for two combined?). That's nearly 900a at 36v, which most types of battery will have trouble with, and which would need some very heavy wire to handle. A system of that size would normally use higher capacity (eg 1500ah) 2v batteries at 48v.

    > @Estragon said:
    > A couple of questions/clarifications:
    >
    > - Two parallel strings of 3x12v batteries in series suggests a 36v system voltage, which is unusual. Is there a reason for this voltage?
    >
    > - 400ah for the parallel strings is on the small side for an inverter capable (if I'm understanding correctly) of 32kw peak output (is that each, or for two combined?). That's nearly 900a at 36v, which most types of battery will have trouble with, and which would need some very heavy wire to handle. A system of that size would normally use higher capacity (eg 1500ah) 2v batteries at 48v.

    All of the batteries are 12volt. They are in parallel, I intended to add another string of six as I increase usage. I am under the impression that I can connect to each bank. I am looking for redundancy in the system. The higher capacity inverters have mixed reviews, although most people agree that if you keep utilization low, they do okay, but if you overwork them, you get unpredictable results. All of the batteries are new, and are 12 volt 200ah Renogy gel batteries. Six in two parallel banks, then later I will add six more, all new and then I will have two banks of six 12 volt 200ah, for total of 12.
  • kelperis
    kelperis Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭✭
    > @Thom said:
    > I think you need to rethink .  Why 12v battery ? Guessing it’s 12v system
    >
    > thom

    It is a 12 volt system.
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Sorry you wasted money on dangerous gear.

    You cannot save energy, with essentially 4 parallel systems , you gain redundancy & unique flexibility, but loose efficiency.

    The best way to recover from your situation is to return or sell the electronics, buy 2 more identical batteries (for a total of 8), and build yourself a 48V 400ah bank.  (4S2P) 4 batteries in series for 48v, paralleled with an identical bank.

    The battery bank will need at least 40A delivered solar for recharge, which a 3Kw PV array might be able to deliver, but a 4kw array will save you a lot of generator fuel.

    Use quality 48V gear.   Double check your loads, they seem unreasonable with the wattage of inverters you planned on. 

    The 48V 400ah battery bank can support a 4,000w inverter ( for a short while, 85A load )
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    Not the best plan for a number of reasons, as the number of parrallel batteries increase so dose the potential of imbalance, two perhaps three is manageable. Adding new batteries at a later date is not advisable due to difference in capacity between old and new, capacity is lost over time. Current at 12V nominal is high, needing expensive ballance of system components, 12V is ok up to around 1000W.
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
  • kelperis
    kelperis Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭✭
    Thanks for your thoughts. I suppose I will see how it goes. Specifically where are the inefficient parts. I can make it one big bank of 6 12 volt batteries for a total of 1200ah just as easy. Are you saying that accessing two different banks adds overhead, and would be better off just having one big parallel bank. When the time comes to add additional capacity, wouldn’t that be a problem with the different age of batteries, even though they would be from the same vender. I was hoping to isolate the system from that situation.
  • kelperis
    kelperis Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭✭
    > @mcgivor said:
    > Not the best plan for a number of reasons, as the number of parrallel batteries increase so dose the potential of imbalance, two perhaps three is manageable. Adding new batteries at a later date is not advisable due to difference in capacity between old and new, capacity is lost over time. Current at 12V nominal is high, needing expensive ballance of system components, 12V is ok up to around 1000W.

    So six batteries, 12v parallel, for a total of 1200ah can only support 1000W? At this point, unless the equipment fails to deliver as advertised, I guess I have to go with it. All of the batteries match now. If I buy six more, new and matching, and keeping them in separate banks, managed by battery minder, doesn’t that negate the age problem. I was hoping to split the load between the two, and provide redundancy for part of it.
  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Ignoring the 32kw peak, which it maybe does for a second or two before turning into a puddle of lead or whatever it's made of, even the 8kw claimed sustained current at 12v is approaching 700a. How much power does it use just being on at low utilization?

    You'll need some really beefy wire for the interconnects and inverter connection.

    With 3 batteries in parallel, each interconnect positive. should be fused, as well as an appriate sized breaker for the inverter wire. Keeping the battery states of charge balanced could be a problem, especially with the kind of currents you're dealing with at 12v system voltage. I'd highly recommend getting a clamp-on DC amp meter, and checking charge/discharge current balance regularly. With sealed batteries getting reliable state of charge can be an issue, so it's more difficult to catch imbalance problems in time to remediate.

    Connecting all batteries to all inverters means you effectively have 6 in parallel (or 12 if you add another 6) with varying resistance, so I suspect balance problems are inevitable.

    Are all the inverters supplying all AC loads, and if so, how are you planning to avoid backfeeding unsychronized inverters?
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
  • kelperis
    kelperis Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭✭
    > @mike95490 said:
    > Sorry you wasted money on dangerous gear.
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > You cannot save energy, with essentially 4 parallel systems , you gain redundancy & unique flexibility, but loose efficiency.
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > The best way to recover from your situation is to return or sell the electronics, buy 2 more identical batteries (for a total of 8), and build yourself a 48V 400ah bank.  (4S2P) 4 batteries in series for 48v, paralleled with an identical bank.
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > The battery bank will need at least 40A delivered solar for recharge, which a 3Kw PV array might be able to deliver, but a 4kw array will save you a lot of generator fuel.
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > Use quality 48V gear.   Double check your loads, they seem unreasonable with the wattage of inverters you planned on. 
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > The 48V 400ah battery bank can support a 4,000w inverter ( for a short while, 85A load )

    The array that I have so far is 2000w total of 14 panels, with plans to double that at some point. I plan to supplement with battery minder charging at night. Felt like I needed to let the system break in, and see how it performs, then modify it next year based on what I learned.
  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    kelperis said:
    > @mcgivor said:
    > Not the best plan for a number of reasons, as the number of parrallel batteries increase so dose the potential of imbalance, two perhaps three is manageable. Adding new batteries at a later date is not advisable due to difference in capacity between old and new, capacity is lost over time. Current at 12V nominal is high, needing expensive ballance of system components, 12V is ok up to around 1000W.

    So six batteries, 12v parallel, for a total of 1200ah can only support 1000W? At this point, unless the equipment fails to deliver as advertised, I guess I have to go with it. All of the batteries match now. If I buy six more, new and matching, and keeping them in separate banks, managed by battery minder, doesn’t that negate the age problem. I was hoping to split the load between the two, and provide redundancy for part of it.
    No, what I meant was when loads go above 1000W then it's time to think about a higher nominal voltage to keep current down to manageable levels and improve efficiency. Consider the maximum surge rating 32 000W that's  2667A, 667A at 8000W. You really have to reconsider this setup. 
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
  • kelperis
    kelperis Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭✭
    > @Estragon said:
    > Ignoring the 32kw peak, which it maybe does for a second or two before turning into a puddle of lead or whatever it's made of, even the 8kw claimed sustained current at 12v is approaching 700a. How much power does it use just being on at low utilization?
    >
    > You'll need some really beefy wire for the interconnects and inverter connection.
    >
    > With 3 batteries in parallel, each interconnect positive. should be fused, as well as an appriate sized breaker for the inverter wire. Keeping the battery states of charge balanced could be a problem, especially with the kind of currents you're dealing with at 12v system voltage. I'd highly recommend getting a clamp-on DC amp meter, and checking charge/discharge current balance regularly. With sealed batteries getting reliable state of charge can be an issue, so it's more difficult to catch imbalance problems in time to remediate.
    >
    > Connecting all batteries to all inverters means you effectively have 6 in parallel (or 12 if you add another 6) with varying resistance, so I suspect balance problems are inevitable.
    >
    > Are all the inverters supplying all AC loads, and if so, how are you planning to avoid backfeeding unsychronized inverters?

    > @Estragon said:
    > I am setting up a solar power system in my house. I am starting with 6 200ah 12 volt batteries. I have split the system into two parallel strings with three batteries each. I have two each of high capacity inverter (8000/32000) and two each of medium capacity (3000/5000). I plan to have a battery minder managing both strings, and also connect all of the inverters to each string, and also have a dedicated charge/controller for each string. I have set this up so that I can spread the load across the banks and devices, to keep utilization low, but also to allow me to double the batteries, creating two strings of six batteries. This lets me upgrade and keep the two strings matched as far as age/size. I don’t want to mix the strings. This lets me add load to the system in a controlled manner, and take batteries offline to complete maintenance individually. My question is...

    What feedback would you all give me about the design? Any glaring problems, or weak spots.

    Ricarly. With sealed batteries getting reliable state of charge can be an issue, so it's more difficult to catch imbalance problems in time to remediate.
    >
    > Connecting all batteries to all inverters means you effectively have 6 in parallel (or 12 if you add another 6) with varying resistance, so I suspect balance problems are inevitable.
    >
    > Are all the inverters supplying all AC loads, and if so, how are you planning to avoid backfeeding unsychronized inverters?

    > @Estragon said:
    > Ignoring the 32kw peak, which it maybe does for a second or two before turning into a puddle of lead or whatever it's made of, even the 8kw claimed sustained current at 12v is approaching 700a. How much power does it use just being on at low utilization?
    >
    > You'll need some really beefy wire for the interconnects and inverter connection.
    >
    > With 3 batteries in parallel, each interconnect positive. should be fused, as well as an appriate sized breaker for the inverter wire. Keeping the battery states of charge balanced could be a problem, especially with the kind of currents you're dealing with at 12v system voltage. I'd highly recommend getting a clamp-on DC amp meter, and checking charge/discharge current balance regularly. With sealed batteries getting reliable state of charge can be an issue, so it's more difficult to catch imbalance problems in time to remediate.
    >
    > Connecting all batteries to all inverters means you effectively have 6 in parallel (or 12 if you add another 6) with varying resistance, so I suspect balance problems are inevitable.
    >
    > Are all the inverters supplying all AC loads, and if so, how are you planning to avoid backfeeding unsychronized inverters?

    > @Estragon said:
    > Ignoring the 32kw peak, which it maybe does for a second or two before turning into a puddle of lead or whatever it's made of, even the 8kw claimed sustained current at 12v is approaching 700a. How much power does it use just being on at low utilization?
    >
    > You'll need some really beefy wire for the interconnects and inverter connection.
    >
    > With 3 batteries in parallel, each interconnect positive. should be fused, as well as an appriate sized

    I am using 1/0 cable for all of the battery connects. The inverters vender indicate the have the appropriate fuse or breaker to prevent backfeeding. So are you saying I need add another breaker. I have the batteries connected through busbars, and switched, but was relying on the vendors. I have two venders, two identical inverters from each.
  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    > @kelperis said:
    >
    > The array that I have so far is 2000w total of 14 panels, with plans to double that at some point. I plan to supplement with battery minder charging at night. Felt like I needed to let the system break in, and see how it performs, then modify it next year based on what I learned.
    >

    In most climates, 2000w STC rated array will produce ~1500w max in full sun. 1500÷12v=125a, about right for your 6x200ah batteries.
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
  • kelperis
    kelperis Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭✭
    Someone asked about all inverters providing AC. They do, but they don’t overlap. The transfer switches are used to provide AC to my circuit panel, circuit by circuit, not just powering the whole house. I use the smaller inverters to power the smaller (lights, tv, one so forth). I also use the smaller inverters for some of the 20amp loads, the bigger inverters are wired to provide for the higher draw (microwave, fridge and freezers,) all of these items have switched to control where they get the AC from.
  • kelperis
    kelperis Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭✭
    > @Estragon said:
    > > @kelperis said:
    > >
    > > The array that I have so far is 2000w total of 14 panels, with plans to double that at some point. I plan to supplement with battery minder charging at night. Felt like I needed to let the system break in, and see how it performs, then modify it next year based on what I learned.
    > >
    >
    > In most climates, 2000w STC rated array will produce ~1500w max in full sun. 1500÷12v=125a, about right for your 6x200ah batteries.

    Thanks, I was worried I screwed the math up. I also have battery minder to top them off over night. I am hoping not to need it, and I will add batteries and/or panels as I see how it works..thanks
  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1/0 is good for ~150a depending on type.
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
  • kelperis
    kelperis Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭✭
    I can’t get heavier battery cable, it’s thicker than my car batteries.
  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Your car battery isn't potentially supplying 700a sustained. That's one of the reasons not to use big inverters on 12v DC systems, the wire size gets unreasonable.

    What size DC breaker is on the inverters?
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 2018 #22
    kelperis said:
    I can’t get heavier battery cable, it’s thicker than my car batteries.
    To increase capacity with 1/0 simply parallel the run, so for 300a 3×1/0 for both negative and positive, depending on distance it may need to be more, to offset voltage drop, a huge factor with 12V. The breakers to protect the conductors will in all likelihood cost more than the inverters combined, one needed for each positive.
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Estragon said:
    .....

    You'll need some really beefy wire for the interconnects and inverter connection........
    False.   You need impossibly beefy wire for the interconnects.   And most of the cheap inverters will internally melt their 4 ga wires.

    8,000 watts at 12V is 670A.    That requires a  copper rod over an inch in diameter to have losses low enough the inverter won't fault out from low voltage.
    Buying the copper cables and attachment lugs, will cost you more, than scrapping what you have and buying new 48V gear.
     
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • Thom
    Thom Solar Expert Posts: 196 ✭✭✭
     I would only use a max of 1000w inverter on a 12 v system. My off grid system has worked great , batteries I replaced at 8 years . I copied another’s posters system. This is a great place . 
    Off grid since 1984. 430w of panel, 300w suresine , 4 gc batteries 12v system, Rogue mpt3024 charge controller , air breeze windmill, Mikita 2400w generator . Added 2@ 100w panel with a midnight brat 
  • kelperis
    kelperis Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭✭
    Thank you everyone for your input and advice. I have decided to move up my operational testing so that I can put the inverters through more thourogh testing under load. I have decided that a fire extinguisher and detectors would be a good addition to my system. At this point, it seems like the inverters are the greatest point of failure, and are the only voltage dependent equipment. I had thought that my plans to only use a small percentage of their capacity would keep the system safe and functional. I have the largest cables they make short of a solid copper rod. My battery minder can be used regardless of the voltage, the batteries can be hooked in series to get to 48volt, which is also true of the panels I believe. I only have $1700 invested in the four inverters, so if I need to switch the system out, it will only add a year or two to the financials. A big part of the rationale is to be partially independent of the county power, at least the critical stuff. I will keep everyone informed on this thread as I run the tests. Thanks again everyone.
  • petertearai
    petertearai Solar Expert Posts: 471 ✭✭✭✭
    Make it easy on yourself . sell those inverters as almost new , and go straight to 48 volts and a good inverter . you'll be pleased you did in the long run . Promise .
    2225 wattts pv . Outback 2kw  fxr pure sine inverter . fm80 charge controller . Mate 3. victron battery monitor . 24 volts  in 2 volt Shoto lead carbon extreme batterys. off grid  holiday home 
  • oil pan 4
    oil pan 4 Solar Expert Posts: 767 ✭✭✭✭
    edited September 2018 #27
    It looks like you are trying to do the job of a 48v system with a 12v system.
    Do you really want to find out the hard way why no one actually uses big 12v systems exactly like what you have?

    If you want an inverter to run kitchen stuff off that pretty much completely rules out anything 12v.
    For example I have a 24v, 255ah 560lb warehouse tug battery in my garage. I'm going to get a samlex 2,000w inverter and use it for backup power only, an extension cord will be ran to the kitchen, if someone wants to use an kitchen appliance, then that appliance gets plugged in and used.
    I'm not even going to attempt to run my house off even a 24v forklift battery and 24v inverter, because that's the job of a 48v system.

    The biggest inverter I would use on a 12v system is a 2,000w samlex.
    Even then the heaviest load it sees is powering my welder, about 1,700w intermittently.
    The biggest continuous load I would run on a 12v inverter would probably be a 120v refrigerator.

    Solar hybrid gasoline generator, 7kw gas, 180 watts of solar, Morningstar 15 amp MPPT, group 31 AGM, 900 watt kisae inverter.

    Solar roof top GMC suburban, a normal 3/4 ton suburban with 180 watts of panels on the roof and 10 amp genasun MPPT, 2000w samlex pure sine wave inverter, 12v gast and ARB air compressors.

  • kelperis
    kelperis Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭✭
    Ok, you convinced me...sort of. If I ditch the large inverters, and create two systems. One 48v system to handle the higher need stuff like refers, microwaves and so. Then a small 12v system to handle small stuff, lights, tv and such. The 48v would have two strings of PV panels using two combiner boxes, and that should make the long run to the CC a smaller size wire, and the 12v PV panels can be set up maybe 15 feet from the CC. That would give me 800ah battery bank for the 48v side, and a 400ah battery bank for the 12v side. All the rest of my stuff should still be usable, with a few spare parts in the closet to use if needed. Then when I increase capacity I can grow the 48v side. Anyone have a suggestion on a good quality 48v inverter that has a simple interface to the AC transfer switch? I am thinking in the 5-6000W that can handle kitchen stuff, and window unit ac and so on?
  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I use a pair of stacked 3.5kw Outback inverters. The advantage to a stack of smaller inverters include; slave(s) spend most of their lives sleeping with lower self-consumption, and when an inverter goes dark you can get by on the surviving one(s).

    IIRC, each 3.5kw inverter takes ~40w lit but idle, vs ~8w sleeping. 32w x 24hr is ~770wh (about 1/2 a fridge worth). Most of my larger loads are short (toaster, microwave, pumps, tools), so the slave sleeps most of the time.

    There's an internal transfer switch. If the system sees qualifying AC input, it's passed through for loads and to charge batteries. Some have the ability to supplement generator power with battery power to handle a sudden load (like a pump coming on), which might be handy.
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter