Outback system

stooper2
stooper2 Solar Expert Posts: 41 ✭✭
in General Solar Power Topics #1
I thought I would ask my question here before I went to the Outback forum since I've had VERY good answers from here in the past.

I'm putting together a 21.6KW outback system. It consists of 6 - FX3648 inverters plus the FW-1000ac, dc etc etc etc.

The questions I have are as follows-

1. When connecting the Postive battery cables from the inverters to the 6 - 175 amp DC disconnects, I will be using the FW-BBUS (Buss bar) to connect 4 disconnects and then 2. These bus bars do not seem very thick so I was wondering if one was enough or if they should be doubled up etc.

2. When connecting the Negative battery cables from the inverters, can someone explain to me in detail how these will be connected to the DC shunt(s). Looking at the drawing that came with the shunt, it looks like 3 shunts are connected together and then a buss bar connects them together. My question is, I have 6 inverters. Am I connecting 6 - 4/0 cables to this one buss bar?

3. If I'm using a DC combiner box for my array and all my series strings are put on individual breakers, is it still advisable to put an inline 60 breaker from the combiner box to my charge controller(s)?


Thanks for your help guys. I appreciate it.

Rick
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Comments

  • nigtomdaw
    nigtomdaw Solar Expert Posts: 705 ✭✭
    #2
    Re: Outback system

    Mere Mortals on this forum like me cant begin to try and help with 21+kw of power call Crewzerbusters.com just relax he will appear soon, :p
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  • nigtomdaw
    nigtomdaw Solar Expert Posts: 705 ✭✭
    #3
    Re: Outback system

    Thats not snubbing the rest of the experts, just a bit of fun, many more learn'ed
    friends here as well, :p

    Only Im the self proclaimed idiot of the board :blush: thanks to Tim:cool:
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  • Solar Guppy
    Solar Guppy Solar Expert Posts: 1,989 ✭✭✭
    #4
    Re: Outback system

    For a system of this size you should really look at the Xantrex XW-6048.

    Its MUCH more efficient and is split phase built in. You can parallel 3 for 18kW ( a real 6kW , the outback units derate with tempature ) , its also a lower cost.

    Xantrex also as the power panel for the XW inverters so everything can be a single power panels with all the proper disconnects and breakers
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  • stooper2
    stooper2 Solar Expert Posts: 41 ✭✭
    #5
    Re: Outback system

    Thanks for the help so far.

    As for choosing Xantrex, I already have the Outback system. So, in saying that, I'll wait and see what other help I can get from here.

    Again, thanks -

    Rick
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  • crewzer
    crewzer Registered Users, Solar Expert Posts: 1,832 ✭✭✭✭
    #6
    Re: Outback system

    Rick,

    The largest OutBack system with which I have first-hand experience is a FLEXware 1000 with four VFX3648 inverters. Going to six inverters may require adding on a FLEXware 500, and it may also require some specialized applications assistance directly from OutBack.

    Here’s my take on your three questions:

    (1) I think you need to discuss this one with OutBack. It might be worth asking about the “Big Buss” features and capabilities.

    (2) I would think that you’d want to consider using a single shunt such as a 1,000 A model from Deltec. You may also need a combiner buss bar between the inverter negative connections and the shunt. (This combiner buss bar solution might also work for Q #1 above).

    See: http://www.deltecco.com/MKC-DC.html
    and: http://store.electrical-insulators-and-copper-ground-bars.com/ (see ground buss bars)
    and: http://www.solarseller.com/copper_buss_bar_block_by_deltec.htm

    (3) Yes. In fact, the 2008 NEC requires ground fault protection in this circuit, so, for this reason and others, the appropriate breaker from OutBack or MidNite is indeed advisable.

    See: http://www.outbackpower.com/breakers_ps.htm
    and: http://store.solar-electric.com/obdc-gfp2.html
    and: http://www.midnitesolar.com/Price_sheet_Dec_20071.pdf (see “MNDC-GFP”)

    HTH,
    Jim / crewzer
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  • System2
    System2 Posts: 6,290 admin
    #7
    Re: Outback system

    Wow that's big. I forgot about the shunt. Had to call outback for instructions on where to put it. What's it for again? What am I supposed to hook up to it? Wasn't it to measure amps delivered to battery or something? Been working fine without it but could always use more data. At least when I know what it means.
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