[RE-wrenches] MATE3 Controller RE: Re-configuring expanded array

Jason Szumlanski Jason at fafcosolar.com
Fri Sep 30 11:03:43 PDT 2011


This reminded me of another subject about the MATE3.

 

I was surprised to find out that advanced generator start does not work properly if the batteries reach LBCO before the 2 minute start timer fires the generator with an external relay attached to one of the inverters. The AGS settings are stored in the MATE3, so it tries to tell the inverter to trigger the external relay once the 2 minute voltage has been reached, but if LBCO has been reached, the inverter will not supply voltage to the coil.

 

This logic does not work. Let’s say you have LBCO set to 46.0V and the 2 minute start voltage set to 47.2V. Under a very heavy load, it is completely plausible that the LBCO could be met before the AGS via the inverter has time to start the generator. The only “solution” is to have an unacceptably high (IMHO) spread between the 2 minute start and the LBCO.

 

In this case, I don’t want to set the LBCO too low (i.e. default) because the system is unattended and if the generator does not start for whatever reason, it is reasonable to expect that the battery voltage could slowly decrease to the LBCO and then stay there for a long period of time until the problem is discovered. I want to keep the LBCO relatively high, but I want the generator to reliably start using start timers, SOC, or load. I think this is a poor implementation of this feature, leading me to consider a completely separate or auxiliary AGS system that is voltage dependent without relying on the inverter relay to start the generator.

 

Jason Szumlanski

Fafco Solar

 

 

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of holtek at sbcglobal.net
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2011 12:06 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Re-configuring expanded array

 

Maverick,

I don't think system owner will let me pry his mate3 out of his hands.....and oops! it will be 2- 6 slot combiners....thanks for the feedback. Look forward to meeting you someday.

 

 

Holt E. Kelly
Holtek Fireplace & Solar Products
500 Jewell Dr.
Waco TX. 76712
254-751-9111
www.holteksolar.com

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