[RE-wrenches] 3 Xantrex XW system

[William Miller]

Brian:

We reviewed the installation instructions and found them lacking in a few 
regards:

1. The Xantrex system allows for bypass of the inverters only with external 
devices and they do not allow choosing between inverter, utility *or* 
generator.

2. The diagram on page 2-36 shows nine 2 pole breakers.  Today I counted 
the spaces available for breakers and again this evening via job 
photographs, and I see only room for eight 2 pole breakers.  I will check 
this again tomorrow, but I do not think the Xantrex suggested breaker 
arrangement will actually fit.

I have been toying with this dilemma.  With 5 breakers on the output, one 
could contrive to select between utility, generator *or* inverter for 
output bypassing.  This, unfortunately, leaves inadequate room for inverter 
input breakers.

I think the ideal scenario would use two Power Distribution Panels.  One 
would be dedicated to AC and the other to DC (this would be even ore ideal 
if the PDP did not cost an unbelievable amount of money).  A power flow 
diagram of how Xantrex suggests this be wired and also of another concept I 
have been developing are on our web site 
at:  http://millersolar.com/practices/Technical_Procedures/xw/3XW.html

Thanks for the input.

William Miller


At 10:00 PM 4/28/2009, you wrote:
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>boundary="_000_69FFF3377EEF8747A4FDE2CC20CD1DEDA66442A92DREDEXCHaeesol_"
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>William,
>
>In the Xantrex "XW Power System Installation Guide", pages 2-34 to 2-37, 
>there is a parts list and some diagrams on the wiring of a 3-inverter 
>system. The parts list calls for two 5 ft (62" hole-to-hole) 4/0 battery 
>cables to connect the third inverter up to the Distribution Panel.
>
>Also shown is the use of an external bypass switch to make up for the lack 
>of enough AC breaker spaces in a single Distribution Panel. It shows a 
>breaker/interlock panel, but a 2-pole manual transfer switch will also 
>work. Either way, it should be rated for at least 200A.
>
>Brian Teitelbaum
>AEE Solar
>
>
>
>From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org 
>[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of William Miller
>Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 8:49 PM
>To: RE-wrenches
>Subject: [RE-wrenches] 3 Xantrex XW system
>
>Friends:
>
>We are in the midst of installing our first 3 XW system.  Several 
>questions arose during our work today.  I appreciate input any of you 
>might have.
>
>1.  Did you find the leads from the Xantrex connection ki long enough for 
>the third inverter?
>
>2.  How many AC sources did you connect?
>
>3.  Did you provide bypass capabilities?
>
>4.   How did you interlock the bypass capabilities?
>
>5.  Did you use one or two Power Distribution Panels?
>
>6.  Can you offer any advice on how best to connect this equipment?
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>William Miller
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