Outback and gensets was: Selecting an inverter/battery system [RE-wr [RE-wre

[Steve Johnson]

Interesting thread.  Sounds like the generator support issue isn't a 
problem if the generator can handle the AC loads plus battery charging 
at the same time.

The European Sunny Islands can be ordered at 60Hz and will support a 
multi cluster of 12 units at 3 phase.  However it is European 3 phase 
which is 230/400Y.  That would have to be transformed to whatever your 
mini-grid is.  Of course this would be for use out of the US.

Sunny Boys are also available at 230v 3 phase if they were to be AC 
coupled to the Sunny Islands.

Steve Johnson
LightWave Solar Electric
Nashville, Tennessee


wratterman at SunEnergyPower.com wrote:
> 
> Jeff:
> 
> Walt Ratterman here.
> 
> I have done many Outback hybrid systems with generators and all of them
> are in very remote areas.  I would be glad to share with you what I have
> learned.
> 
> I am in route back to the states now, and if you want we can discuss
> these issues over the phone, but some basic principles are:
> 
> The generators should not be undersized.  
> 
> If you are using large, three phase generators, you should see if it
> works to make the Outback system three phase as well - balances out the
> charging load on the generator much better, and works well.
> 
> Be sure not to get a cheap generator, or a "standby" generator.  
> 
> I simply refuse to do any automatic start systems anymore.  Even if the
> generator controls are great, and everything seems like it will work,  I
> will not do it. These remote systems need to have operators who are
> interested and know that the systems require constant attention.  
> 
> Instead of auto-start, I use the aux relay to (a) light a light in a
> prominent location to indicate that the system thinks the batteries need
> charging soon, and (b) sound a loud, obnoxious horn.  I have it so the
> horn can be silenced for 6 hours, but the light can will not go out
> until the system is no longer calling for a charge.
> 
> I set all of the battery protection set points considerably higher (more
> conservative) than the factory defaults.
> 
> And then......lots and lots and lots of training.
> 
> Be glad to go over more with you off line.  Just did a bunch of
> hospitals - some solar some shitty grid UPS systems, all over Rwanda....
> 
> See ya,
> 
> Walt
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jeff Oldham [mailto:starpower4u at juno.com] 
> Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 1:05 PM
> To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> Subject: Outback and gensets was: Selecting an inverter/battery system
> [RE-wrenches] [R
> 
> 
> 
> I'm about to embark on two very large o-t-g genset/inverter projects,
> one w/28 inverters and a modest 16kW PV array and the other w/10
> inverters and no PV for now. These both need to rely on genset interface
> and I have not got a handle on the Outback genset interface issues that
> some have spoke of. Please enlighten me before I get in too deep, these
> are both outside of the U.S. and very remote so any "small" issue is
> really a very big issue. I've yet to experience any issues so far
> w/Outback and gensets but I tend to not do many fully automated systems
> w/auto start/stop and perfer the human interaction and logic.
> Much thanks!
> -jeff o.
> 


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