Connecting a solar array charging source to PROsine series system [RE-wrench

[Allan Sindelar]

Bob,
I'd go for a complete redesign:
1. Dump the inverters. You are going beyond what 12V is designed for. For
example, even though the Outback MX60 can convert higher-voltage modules
(Sharp 180s are 24V; I think 175s are too) 6X175W is 1,050 watts, which is
87 amps, so you'd need two MX60s.
2. Never run inverters on separate battery banks. The loads on separate 120V
legs are never equal.
3. Statpower/Xantrex ProSine inverters have high idle losses - at least the
early ones did. That's part of the gennie runtime issue.
4. Too many parallel strings. Do I understand 20 12V batteries, ten in each
parallel string? Use one or two 48V inverters (depending on pump HP and
wiring issues) with two sets of 4 batteries in series, rather than parallel.
If Outback, an X-240 with "Outback stacking" will give you the 120/240 you
have now. Wire the Sharps as two 72V strings - or three 48V strings,
depending on winter temps. The MX60 has the necessary capacity at higher
battery voltages.
Add a DC disconnect enclosure of your choice. That's where to connect the DC
charging source.

Quick and dirty response. Hope it helps.
Allan at PosE

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Clark" <bclark at solar-wind.us>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Monday, October 09, 2006 3:51 PM
Subject: Connecting a solar array charging source to PROsine series system
[RE-wrenches]


>
>
> Dear Wrenches:
>
> BASIC QUESTION:  HOW and WHERE do I connect a DC charging source (solar
array fed through an MX60 charge controller) to an existing AC
charging/inverting system?
>
> BACKGROUND:  This OFF-GRID client is interested in decreasing his
generator run time (he has logged over 8000 hours in 4 years!) by helping to
charge his large battery banks with solar (he has already purchased 6, 175W
SHARP panels and erected the pole and rack to hold the panels and an Outback
MX60 charge controller).  It seems he has kept the batteries in a good state
of charge, so they are probably still serviceable.
>
> EXISTING SYSTEM:  GenPro 10 kW generator feeds into the main panel power
bus (i.e., the generator serves as the "grid").  The system is two Xantrex
PROsine 2.0 inverter/chargers each with an array of 10, 12V/200AH Xantrex
XS12-200 sealed batteries wired in parallel for a 12V, 2000AH battery bank
connected thereto (these are separate battery banks, one battery bank per
inverter/charger, they are not wired together).  The inverter/chargers are,
however, wired for "series operation."  Series operation refers a wiring
configuration that allows you to connect two PROsines in a way that produces
two, 120V phases which are synchronized to produce 240V.  This is commonly
referred to as a "120/240VAC split-phase" supply or "240V single-phase with
a center-tap neutral" and is the same as the utility connection to most
houses. This series system can power both 120VAC and 240VAC single-phase
loads. Two PROsines connected in series can provide up to 4kW continuous
power to almost any combination of 120V and 240V loads.  His major (perhaps
only) 240V load is his well pump.
>
> ALTERNATIVE QUESTIONS:  Should this system be redesigned totally using
different components, such as an Outback inverter or two, PS2DC breaker
panel, X240 auto transformer, plus more solar panels?  Which is likely to be
the most cost-effective and most user-friendly system in the
long-run--adding to the existing system, if possible; or a complete
redesign?
>
> Thank you for your responses.
>
> Bob Clark
> SolarWind Energy Systems, LLC
> bclark at solar-wind.us<mailto:bclark at solar-wind.us>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
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>


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