[RE-wrenches] Responses Welcomed!: 230/400 50Hz in the U.S Off-grid?

[Jeff Clearwater]

Hi Jay and All,

This island is remote and stand-alone - the client owns the whole island.

Yes the multi-cluster box is available now in the US - up to 60 KWs - 
European version goes up to 300 KWs.

400/230 would reduce wire sizes over 208/120 before we go to 
transformers and allow bigger micro-grids to make up the island mini-grid.

There's a larger selection of energy efficient appliances and light 
fixtures available in the rest of the world vs the US & Canada.

Where exactly in the code does it say that things have to be listed - or 
is that a local jurisdication thing?

And the Bahamas uses the Canadian Code.  Bahaman authorities might 
accept Euro listings.

That's the thinking so far!

Any more insight from anyone before I waste time on an impossible quest 
would be most appreciated!

Best,

Jeff
Village Power Design



jay peltz wrote:
> Hi Jeff,
>
> Likewise.
>
> Yea I think you are correct about the voltage/hz thing, but still at 
> least here if its not listed then?
> It also looks like they only use 120/240 60 hz in the Bahamas.
>
> My understanding from John B some years ago was that the multi cluster 
> boxes would work with the US version, but were not listed.
>
> So for me my big question is this place so unique/ remote that you 
> could have to have only euro equipment?
>
> peace,
>
> jay
>
>
> On Aug 9, 2011, at 10:58 AM, Jeff Clearwater wrote:
>
>> Hi Jay,
>>
>> Thanks for the input!  Was nice to see you at Intersolar.
>>
>> WELL This is the Bahamas so it's the Canadian Code.  So let's say 
>> everything was listed - what are the other showstoppers?
>>
>> >From what I know (and I risk embarrassing myself here) - the code 
>> doesn't specify voltage or frequency - just standards and practices - 
>> so I'm thinking it's the way neutrals and grounding are handled that 
>> would be the issue.  And even there I can imagine some work arounds.
>>
>> Help me our here . . . .
>>
>> Jeff C.
>>
>>
>>
>> jay peltz wrote:
>>> HI Jeff,
>>>
>>> I don't see how you could as the equipment isn't UL listed.
>>>
>>> Then you'd have the issue of what equipment are people going to be plugging into it, and none of that would be UL either.
>>>
>>> I think its great stuff and would love to see it happen, but I'd also like to know how, but if anyone can pull it off it'll be you,
>>>
>>> Good luck,
>>>
>>> jay
>>>
>>> peltz power
>>>
>>>
>>> On Aug 9, 2011, at 10:28 AM, Jeff Clearwater wrote:
>>>
>>>> Esteemed Wrenches,
>>>>
>>>> Is there any possibility at all I can install a 230/400 50 Hz Sunny Island Micro-grid in the U.S. or Canada and have it meet code?  Is it the neutral and grounding that's going to prohibitive?  Or is there a way around that?  Anybody ever done it and gotten it through an inspector?
>>>>
>>>> I'm working on an island mico-grid and the European standard would bring us higher voltage - larger multi-cluster boxes from SMA (the US version only goes to 60 KW whereas the European version goes to 300 KW) perhaps better SI support from Germany, and access to a wider variety of energy efficienty appliances.
>>>>
>>>> One can only ask!
>>>>
>>>> Jeff
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -- 
>>>> Jeff Clearwater
>>>> Village Power Design
>>>>
>>>> Renewable Energy Consultant
>>>> 32 Years in all Aspects of Renewables
>>>> www.villagepower.com
>>>> skype: jclearwater
>>>> 413-559-9763
>>>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>>
>>>
>
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