Finally flipped the switch!

MadJack
MadJack Solar Expert Posts: 47 ✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
Thanks to this site and a good handful of folks here, I flipped the switch "ON" yesterday morning. I still have a lot of reading to do to fully understand the overall operations of each piece in the system [and get a very good battery meter & shunt].

Yesterday afternoon I turned on the generator just to check the auto-switch in the inverter, it ran 20+ minutes, then I noticed the 'AC in' light went out and I was back on 'inverter power' from the batteries/PV. When I checked the Genny [motor still running] I noticed the red 'overload alarm' light was flashing on the Honda EU3000. [Eco-Throttle OFF]
Restarted Genny and no further trouble. Curious, I thought...

Anyway, thanks to all who helped, especially offgridme [Ned] who drove an hour each way several times to give me a hand!
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Comments

  • Vic
    Vic Solar Expert Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: Finally flipped the switch!

    Hi Mad,

    If you see the generator overload again, you should probably reduce the AC current setting for the charger. I have NO esperience with the OB inverters, but this is often the way one sets the maximum current for charging. Also, the genset is supplying the power for any loads on the output of the inverter, so a largish load on the AC side of things, like a water pump, microwave or other large load may have been the culpret in the O/L. Even a refrigerator starting could make the genset trip off.

    Have fun with the new system. 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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  • vtmaps
    vtmaps Solar Expert Posts: 3,741 ✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: Finally flipped the switch!

    Your outback 3524 can be configured to limit its draw from the generator. You can also tell it how much AC current can be used to charge the batteries. For example you can allow 20 amps to be drawn from the generator and 10 of those amps to charge the batteries. If your AC load (water pump, microwave, etc) is 15 amps, the Outback will then only allow 5 AC amps to charge the battery.

    You can't do any of this without a Mate. You do have a Mate, don't you? If not get one ASAP. --vtMaps
    4 X 235watt Samsung, Midnite ePanel, Outback VFX3524 FM60 & mate, 4 Interstate L16, trimetric, Honda eu2000i
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  • MadJack
    MadJack Solar Expert Posts: 47 ✭✭
    #4
    Re: Finally flipped the switch!

    Yes sir, got the mate! I'll look in the manual for the set-point and fix her up!

    Thanks again!
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  • TheBackRoads
    TheBackRoads Solar Expert Posts: 274 ✭✭
    #5
    Re: Finally flipped the switch!

    Awesome! Congrats, now show us some pictures!!!

    http://forum.solar-electric.com/showthread.php?11240-Show-Me-Yours-And-I-ll-Show-You-Mine-)/page9
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  • MadJack
    MadJack Solar Expert Posts: 47 ✭✭
    #6
    Re: Finally flipped the switch!

    Vic & vtmaps, default setting was 48amps! Poor Honda only produces 23.3amps, no wonder it was showing overload! Reset it to 20amps from the genny and everything is good at the moment. Still reading and learning the programing...

    Pics will come soon...
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  • offgrid me
    offgrid me Solar Expert Posts: 119 ✭✭
    #7
    Re: Finally flipped the switch!

    Jack if that is the charge amps it is DC amps at 24 volts so around 9.6 amps on the 120v generator. For your battery you should probably set the charge amps at 40 or a little over 10% charge rate. You also need to look at the ac generator breaker size setting. I can understand the overload if the charger was pulling 10amp and the coffee maker and fridge/ well were on. This could surge well above 30amp on the generator.
    Ned
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  • MadJack
    MadJack Solar Expert Posts: 47 ✭✭
    #8
    Re: Finally flipped the switch!

    Ned, the MATE's menu [where I set the draw from the genny] says " 20 aac" which I thought was 'amps - AC'. Let me know if I'm wrong as I don't want to mess the system up!

    And... thanks again for all your assistance!
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  • vtmaps
    vtmaps Solar Expert Posts: 3,741 ✭✭✭✭
    #9
    Re: Finally flipped the switch!
    MadJack wrote: »
    the MATE's menu [where I set the draw from the genny says " 20 aac" which I thought was 'amps - AC'. Let me know if I'm wrong as I don't want to mess the system up!

    You got it right. The outback settings are in AC amps. --vtMaps
    4 X 235watt Samsung, Midnite ePanel, Outback VFX3524 FM60 & mate, 4 Interstate L16, trimetric, Honda eu2000i
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