[RE-wrenches] AC (only) Diversion

[Michael Welch]

Hi Nathan and Wrenches. Sharkey asked me to post this for him:

In response to Nathan Stumpff, I designed and use a microprocessor-based dump load to keep my RE power off the grid: http://www.mrsharkey.com/solar-power-diversion-load-controller (see links at the top of this page for previous editions covering development of the design).

Also, have him take a look at http://openenergymonitor.org/emon/node/841 for a phase-control system that uses a triac device.

Tell him to beware, if he is connected through a modern digital meter, not only will it not credit him for power fed back to the grid, he'll be charged the retail rate for every KwH that he places on the utilities lines!!!


Nathan Stumpff wrote at 12:36 PM 10/12/2012:
>Wrenches,
> 
>We are working on the design for a system where we will be using grid-tied wind and solar but will not be able to net-meter the project (we can interconnect but the meter only runs one way.) Anything we use on site is worth 100%, any production that goes back to the grid is lost forever to the customer. What we would like to do is monitor all solar and wind production, monitor all usage, and then be able to dump every watt-hour of over production as heat, there is plenty of (thermal) storage capacity.
> 
>If this were a battery based system I know how I would approach this and what equipment I would spec, but so far I am having a hard time coming up with a  solution. Anyone have any suggestions for products or strategies in this case? Something like an eGauge with programmable PWM relay outputs?
> 
>Any thoughts or suggestions are most appreciated,
>-Nathan