Inverter Issue

GreenPowerManiac
GreenPowerManiac Solar Expert Posts: 453 ✭✭✭
in PV Installers Forum - NEC, Wiring, Installation #1
Having an issue with "Input too high" on voltage with this inverter: PE-4500PSW on TopSalesDepo.com

The voltage when erroring out reads 15.2-15.5v and the battery bank is about 14v. With 13 Gel SLA batteries, it doesn't give my charge controller (Morningstar ts-45) a chance to divert the load since it's dip-switch settings are at 14v. Won't set any lower that I know of. The issue is that the inverter voltage and readings are incorrect and need to be calibrated somehow. Is this inverter capable of firmware update? Something else was mentioned: "pot". Acronym for ??? NOT WEED, either.
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Comments

  • john p
    john p Solar Expert Posts: 814 ✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: Inverter Issue

    POT =potentiometer .usually rotary a variable resistor "ie the volume control in a radio"
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: Inverter Issue

    GPM, I hate to say it but this is a problem often found on inexpensive inverters. Usually it's the 15+ Volts of EQ that causes them to scream "over Voltage!" and shut down. In this case it seems it is calibrated wrong and thinks your 14 Volt Absorb level is a Volt higher than reality.

    The pot (potentiometer as John explained) may be for adjusting that calibration so that the inverter detects correct Voltages. If you can't do that then you'll have to shut the thing off while the batteries charge. Major nuisance! Otherwise it looks like you've got a new doorstop. :roll:
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  • waynefromnscanada
    waynefromnscanada Solar Expert Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭✭
    #4
    Re: Inverter Issue

    A very common problem. Even my Morningstar SureSine inverters will shut down in Winter when the batteries are cold and the battery voltage sometimes exceeds 15.5 volts. Some inverters can handle 16, 16.5 or even 17 volts before they shut down. Check the specs before you purchase. Your batteries must be permitted to properly change, otherwise they will all too soon get ruined, so don't do like a friend? of mine did. Every time his battery voltage went above 12,5 he's turn on his inverter and load it up - - "to keep the batteries from overcharging". Now his batteries are useless after just 6 months and he just "knows" in his heart that it's his own fault for letting them overcharge. Hahahahaha
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  • Vic
    Vic Solar Expert Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭✭
    #5
    Re: Inverter Issue

    Hi GPM,

    Well, before the inverter HVD issue, two other things come to mind:

    1. Think that 14 volts is a bit hot for Gel charging. Deka considers this to be MAX, but do not know what Gel batts you have, and the charging specs. Too bad that you have only Dip Switches to set the crucial charge voltages for these sensitive and expensive batteries (IMHO). Know that you are using a Battery Temp Sensor on all charge sources.

    2. Am sorry, did you say 13 batteries ???!!!?!..? Are these 13ea 12V batts? Or just what is the string config? Hope that it is not 13 parallel 12 V batts.

    Whatta I know? Sjorry for the attitude, Vic
    Off Grid - Two systems -- 4 SW+ 5548 Inverters, Surrette 4KS25 1280 AH X2@48V, 11.1 KW STC PV, 4X MidNite Classic 150 w/ WBjrs, Beta KID on S-530s, MX-60s, MN Bkrs/Boxes.  25 KVA Polyphase Kubota diesel,  Honda Eu6500isa,  Eu3000is-es, Eu2000,  Eu1000 gensets.  Thanks Wind-Sun for this great Forum.
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  • GreenPowerManiac
    GreenPowerManiac Solar Expert Posts: 453 ✭✭✭
    #6
    Re: Inverter Issue

    Yes. 13 parallel batts.

    Problem somewhat fixed. Did a Fonzerelli tap on the face of the digital display. Lol. Voltage came down half a volt! WTF? And put a 24 hour timer on it running a battery car charger during its peak production hours. Got lots of things to charge out there.
    Nature's Design & Green Energy on FaceBook : Stop by and "Like" us anytime.. Many up-to-date articles about Renewables every day.
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #7
    Re: Inverter Issue

    Ah, there's nothing like buying quality equipment! :p
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  • john p
    john p Solar Expert Posts: 814 ✭✭✭
    #8
    Re: Inverter Issue

    Yes. 13 parallel batts.If that doesnt create enough heartache to send Dr Phil into a spin you are the luckiest battery owner in the world.
    2 batteries in parallel = ok
    3 batteries in parallel = just so so
    4 batteries in parallel =problem
    5 batteries in parallel = not good
    6 batteries in parallel =big problems
    7 batteries in parallel = huge problems
    8 batteries in parallel = disaster
    9 batteries in parallel = big disaster
    10 batteries in parallel = train disaster
    11 batteries in parallel = Chernobyl disaster
    12 batteries in parallel = Japan Tsunami
    13 batteries in parallel = bigger than Titanic disaster
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #9
    Re: Inverter Issue

    wire the parallel batteries properly - on the diagonal:
    http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html

    But more than 4 parallel circuits, it really becomes un-predictable, even using buss bars & matched cables.
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