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

[Bob Ellison]

Bob,
While you are at it, look into getting rid of or at least load testing,
(then replace) the sealed batteries. They just don't last long, especially
with that much gen time. The probability of over charging is pretty high and
the cycle life is quite low compared to a good flooded battery.

A total redesign is in order, dump the 12 volt inverters. 

Later,
Bob Ellison

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Clark [mailto:bclark at solar-wind.us] 
Sent: Monday, October 09, 2006 5:52 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
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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