combine a Trace SW4024 with solar panels

TAB42
TAB42 Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
How to add solar panels to a Trace SW4024 inverter&charger system?
Specifically, how to disable this charger while the solar panels charge the batteries?  The solar and Trace chargers should work in parallel, but not simultaneously!
Tagged:
· Share on Twitter

Comments

  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Why would you want to disable anything?  Off-grid, you only run a generator when you need to.  If you don't need the genny as well as solar, "disable" charging by turning the genny off?
    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
    · Share on Twitter
  • TAB42
    TAB42 Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭
    #3
    Estragon said:
    Why would you want to disable anything?  Off-grid, you only run a generator when you need to.  If you don't need the genny as well as solar, "disable" charging by turning the genny off?

    My house is on-grid, but only 6…8 h/day. If the grid is on during daylight, how will the solar charge controller and the grid-supplied charger (Trace) ‘share’ (or compete for) the job of recharging the batteries?
    Ideally, recharging should be done exclusively by solar panels during the day, and from the grid at night only if necessary.


    · Share on Twitter
  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #4
    With two charging sources, they will both contribute current to charging in the bulk stage to the extent they can.  With batteries over ~85% full, bulk stage is quite short.  Under that, you probably want both sources charging anyway, but if not you should be able to set a limit on grid charging current.

    Once a charger sees battery voltage at the absorb voltage setting, it will reduce current to the extent needed to hold the battery at that voltage.

    A simple way to have the solar preferentially charge would be to set the absorb voltage slightly lower on the grid charger.  For example if the solar charge controller is set for 29.4, set the grid charger to ~29.2.  When the grid charger sees voltage > 29.2 it will reduce current to near zero.  As long as the solar alone can keep voltage at 29.4 given loads and available sun, it will.  If voltage drops to 29.2, the grid charger will contribute current to keep it there to complete the absorb charge.


    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
    · Share on Twitter
  • KL2020
    KL2020 Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭
    edited January 2020 #5
      To add more solar panels to your photovoltaic system is ok if you have a mppt charger controller capable to manage the bigger imput of power from the panels.
      One of this controller chargers is the TS mppt series from Morningstar, wich is able to suport and manage a imput power bigger with 30%, for example the ts60mppt from Morningstar it is able to manage on output  on 24vdc 1600w but on the pane side you can ad panels up to 2000w and more, and this is very good in winter time when you can colect more power from the sun, and another advantage is the fact you do not need dumper load for the excess of power produced by the panels whit this charger. 
        To limit the inverter charger to charge your battery bank you can set the charging voltage lower with 0.2-0.4vdc, or set the charging curent to 0A, and made the settings on the inverter charger to asist your photovoltaic system  when you need larger loads, with ac power from the grid if it is possible. 
       I have one of grid system whit xantrex sw 3024e inverter charger with  buckup generator( sportman tipe 3500w 240vac inverter generator whit electric start) and I can do this setings, but in your system with  grid suport I do not know if it is possible but you can try to do that, even with one or two of the relays on your inverter doing the settings in the manner to open the ac grid power when, for example you battery have a low stage of soc and the battery bank have 22 vdc and stop the source of power from grid when when the voltage on your battery bank go up to 25vdc, in this case you must use a external dc/ac relay large enough to manage the power you need.
      But for doing that you must know exactly how you system work and when you must help it with power from the grid in critical condition.
       
    · Share on Twitter
  • KL2020
    KL2020 Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭
    #6
       I read today, after more than two years, the user manual of the trace / xantrex SW serie inverter charger and you will be able to do the settings for what your needs, you can limit the charger to charge your battery bank in the same manner in grid power or generator support power supply mode.
    · Share on Twitter

Categories