Off grid with Lutron HomeWorks Interactive Home Automation System [RE-wrenches]

[Nick Nicholas, APS]

Hi Jeff Y. and wrenches:
    Before beginning, I want to mention that this system was designed last
summer, and the inverters are already sold (FX is not an option.)
    I have been contracted to install the complete power system for an
off-grid home.  The installation includes 6.6 Kw of solar modules, 3 SW
inverters (two running pumps, one for home loads,) industrial batteries, a
Kohler 10 ROY Diesel generator, the residential electrical wiring, and the
wiring of a Lutron HWI (HomeWorks Interactive) Lighting Control System.  I
have installed much larger HWI systems (one that switches 400+ different
loads from multiple processors), but not in an off-grid application.  I am
interested in reducing the customer's electrical demand as much as possible
(particularly the relays.)
    HWI is a system which consists of Keypads (same function as wall
switches,)  DC communications wiring, a Processor, and relay modules which
open and close circuits.  To turn on a light or load, you push a button on a
keypad, the DC signal communicates with the processor, the processor sends
the control signal (or signals) to the Remote Power Modules (RPM) which then
closes or opens the circuits.  The processor can also be used to communicate
with relay boards.
    This complicated system allows a single button to control one load,
every load in the house, or a combination of loads which can be programmed
to turn on with time intervals.  Loads can also be controlled from a
telephone or remote computer.
    The system that we will be installing will utilize 96 separate relays
for load control.  We will also control 40 lights/plugs with the RPM's.
        Questions:
    1)  What is the most efficient relay I could possibly use on 15 amp
circuits.
    2)  Has anyone had experience running HWI with an SW series inverter.  I
reviewed old posts on this topic.  Jeff Yago had provided valuable
information about his home's X-10 system with SW inverters.  This system is
different from X-10.  I won't forget Jeff's words of advice "if you think
about utilizing remote controls with an SW series inverter, get a string,
and tie it too the switch!"
Thanks, Nick
Alternative Power Systems
www.alternativepowersystems.com
aps at sbcglobal.net
135 Colfax Ave.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-0588 phone
(530) 274-0589 fax
----- Original Message -----
From: "Joel Davidson" <joeldavidson at earthlink.net>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2003 6:33 PM
Subject: Re: Authorized Installer programs [RE-wrenches]


> Dear John,
> Remember my Omnion inverter installation checklist that installers had to
> sign and return? That put an end to bad installations, saved me a lot of
> money instead of shipping inverters back and forth and made Hans Myers
happy
> that his inverters were not being abused. How about a Sunny Boy
installation
> checklist that has to be signed and returned with the warranty
registration?
> And of course, more of your very informative workshops.
> Best regards,
> Joel Davidson
>
>
> John Berdner wrote:
>
> > Wrenches:
> >
> > This is an interesting topic for me at the moment.
> > I don't want to stir up old arguments over certifications NAPCEP, etc.
> > but I am interested in what I perceive may be a shift in attitudes.
> > Either there has been a shift or I misinterpreted information in the
> > past.
> > This is entirely possible and probably won't be the last time I get it
> > completely wrong.
> >
> > When we first started SMA America I thought there was a fair amount of
> > negative feelings towards certification programs.
> > As a result we decided not to go with an Authorized Installer program
> > early on.
> > Of course it would have been really tough doing it when it was just
> > Vince and I out of my house ;-).
> > Once we moved into our new building we became better equipped to do
> > training seminars and there seems to be a great deal of interest in
> > training.
> > Now it seems like we erred in not doing more training sooner.
> >
> > Sam and I have talked to some of you about what you would like to see in
> > an Authorized Installer program.
> > Based on the number of problems we see in the field and some of feedback
> > from B. Brooks it appears this may be a good idea
> > First and foremost we want to make sure it is something of value for all
> > - Manufactures, installers, and distributors alike.
> > If any of you have opinions about what should be in Authorized Installer
> > programs or why they are a waste of time we would appreciate some
> > feedback.
> > I suggest this be done off line to save bandwidth but perhaps there is a
> > need for online discussion as well.
> >
> > For offline communication please send thoughts to
> > jberdner at sma-america.com or svanderhoof at sma-america.com
> >
> > If you have any questions or if I may be of any further assistance,
> > please do not hesitate to contact me.
> >
> > Best Regards,
> >
> > John Berdner
> >
> > SMA America, Inc.
> > 12438-C Loma Rica Road
> > Grass Valley, CA  95945
> > 530.273.4595 - Tel
> > 530.274.7271 - Fax
>
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