[RE-wrenches] Generator automatic disconnect

[Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems]

William, Chris, Ray, Allan, et al.

Gen support would be ideal but this inverter setup will be a quad pack of Magnum 4024PAE (120/240 split; 16kW). Their New MSH inverter is single phase only and can not be stacked.

While disabling load(s) is the antithesis of the desired outcome, I'll review this possibility further. 

Using a separate charger could work but it would need to be about 200A @ 32V which would add quite a bit of cost and be hard to sell since the Magnum inverters already have 4 high quality charges included.

A larger generator might be necessary if the customer won't agree to load shedding. Their plans are to expand the loads over time, operate a business, install a hot tube and more. Of course I have pushed the concept that conservation is paramount. The PV array and inverters are being oversized now for the future growth.

My ideal solution...Since Magnum inverters monitor the AC input and control it based on quality of power, it seems to me that there could be a setting for disconnecting the AC input if loads exceed a setpoint. Change in control software would be great.


Thank you,
Larry 



On Sep 30, 2013, at 4:14 PM, William Miller <william at millersolar.com> wrote:

Larry:

Maybe a better approach might be to use an inverter with "Gen-support."
That is unless a system already exists that does not have this feature.

Plan B:  use the gen start signal to disable one or more of the larger
loads.

I know this is not what you asked for, just trying inject some different
ideas.

William
-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry
Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems
Sent: Monday, September 30, 2013 1:02 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Generator automatic disconnect

Wrenches,

I want to use the Ecogen 6kW generator on a large off grid system. The
location has very few overcast or rainy days and the generator will rarely
be needed. My concerns is nuisance tripping the generator output breakers if
the household load exceeds 6kW. The power system control has a feature for
reducing the AC current used to charge the batteries but does not have a
feature for disconnecting the AC input based on input load.

Does anyone have a solution for monitoring AC load from the generator and
disconnect it if overloaded? It must automatically reconnect after a short
timeout.

Thank you,
Larry Crutcher