SW2512 "work around" [RE-wrenches]

[Jeffrey Wolfe, Global Resources]

While I would love the idea of an "efficient Trace" battery system, I 
shudder at the idea of hot rod components. I'm spending a lot of time on 
net metering hearings with the utilities, trying to make our (already ok) 
net metering law a lot better, and trying to get rid of the disco switch.

One of the contentions of the utilities is that even though the SW might be 
UL listed when installed, the home owner can modify it and make it so that 
the lineman will get killed because the Trace did not disconnect (and 
because the lineman didn't follow proper procedure too). After presenting a 
demonstration where I held the in/out wires of an operational Trace in my 
hand, and didn't die, I was asked if I would go back to a customers home 
after a year, and do the same. I answered that it depended upon whether the 
owner had made modifications, and was no different than getting in a car 
and driving after it had been in someone else's posession (do the brakes 
still work?)

If the utilities knew there where non-UL listed pieces being added that 
could affect the protection circuitry (and if they affect the way the Trace 
runs, I would say they could affect the protection circuitry) then they 
would have an irrefutable argument against removing the disco switches, 
insurance requirements, and other froward progress.

So if someone is going to make a Trace add-on, PLEASE don't refer to it as 
a Hot Rod, please get it UL Listed (I know, this kills it....), and please 
don't through out the baby (net metering) with the bathwater (efficient 
battery systems).

End of rant.

Jeff

Jeffery D. Wolfe, P.E.
Global Resource Options, LLP
A Woman-Owned Vermont Limited Liability Partnership
4 Kibling Hill Road
P.O. Box 51
Strafford, VT 05072
802/765-4632
802/765-9983 (Fax)
global at sover.net
www.globalresourceoptions.com


----------
From: 	R. Sparks Scott[SMTP:sharkey at mrsharkey.com]
Reply To: 	RE-wrenches at topica.com
Sent: 	Friday, December 29, 2000 11:50 PM
To: 	RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: 	Re: SW2512 "work around" [RE-wrenches]

>This means we can purchase an SW2512MC
>and a set of standard SW eproms and build SW2512's in the field if we
>truly need one.

	Bob-1;

	Who is going to sell the EEPROM's? I'm assuming that Trace doesn't just
hand them out to anyone who asks without first knowing the unit's serial #,
etc. Also what would this do to the UL approval of the unit if it is
installed in a code system?
	What would be great is if there was a legal after-market method of
supplying EEPROM's that were 'tricked up' to add desired
performance/function changes to SW inverters, similar to the hot-rod chips
available for internal combustion engines that allow users to modify one or
more parameters for better power/performance. Usually, these hot chips are
inserted between the vehicle's computer and engine electronics. Anyone want
to construct/program an external controller for SW series inverters that
can plug into the serial/stacking port and modify the behavior of the 
unit???
	Better yet, build a better controller board to replace the internal one in
the SW. Just use the best parts of the Trace unit (transformer, transfer
relays, MOSFET's, cabinet, etc.) and make it stand up and do tricks
Zantac/Statpower never considered.
	Yeah! Hackers for RE!!

	-S

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To send a message:
 RE-wrenches at topica.com

The archive of previous messages: 
 http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

To unsubscribe send a message to: 
 RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

To check out the other RE-Wrench participants:
 www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine: 
 www.homepower.com

For info contact list moderator by email:
 michael.welch at homepower.com

___________________________________________________________
T O P I C A  http://www.topica.com/t/17
Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics