Inverter Issue
GreenPowerManiac
Solar Expert Posts: 453 ✭✭✭
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.
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
POT =potentiometer .usually rotary a variable resistor "ie the volume control in a radio"
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:
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
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
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.
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Ah, there's nothing like buying quality equipment!
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
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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