[RE-wrenches] Battery EQ question, Xantrex XW system

[Kevin Pegg]

Hi Dan, 

Indeed, sounds more a psychological issue than wrenching. Last time I took on a job like this it cost me nearly $100,000 for a job we didn't start and a client we never wanted. I won't do that again that's for sure. Some people can't be helped and walking away, quickly, is the best protection for ourselves. 

However if you do want to work with this client somehow and if the site had internet access, you could also do this EQ remotely. Connect the Xanbus USB Dongle, install the XWConfig software, set the computer up for remote access and you can control the MPPT remotely, including EQ charges. I have a few clients I do this for for similar reasons. 

re: Honda EU2000 - not compatible with XW. Too small, and you need 120/240. I was able to _just_ use a EU3000, via 240 step up, to charge using an XW4024 with all the AC input settings at minimum. 

Kevin

-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org]On Behalf Of Dan Fink
Sent: March 3, 2013 6:10 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Battery EQ question, Xantrex XW system


Esteemed Wrenches;

We recently inherited a "problem off-grid system" from another local
Wrench. We didn't steal, he fled and said "have fun." It's all
Xantrex, and impeccably installed, but we do not install Xantrex and
are just learning the menus and such.

This system gets hit pretty hard every night, and we want to do
regular battery equalizations. Though the client is pretty good on
adding battery water, we really don't like automatic equalization
routines.....bad timing can mess everything up. The client refuses to
install a backup generator of any kind, so we need to EQ via solar on
sunny days.

My question.......I had thought the Xanbuss system let everything talk
to each each other and get along happily. The "Equalize" button on the
inverter looked like a perfect solution. But according to the previous
Wrench, a sinister passage in the XW user manual and a cryptic and
disjointed phone call to tech support after over an hour on hold,
XanBuss can't make this system equalize via the PV controllers? They
*each* have to be manually set individually to do it. This is WAY over
the head of our client. It scares me. And there has been lots of
sticker shock for the client on getting everything working as well as
it has (blew thru an undersized  set of AGM batteries in a year) I
don't think I can sell a battery maintenance contract. Raised eyebrows
and a "harrumph," I can just see it.

So did I miss something here about a Xanbuss system being able to EQ
via the dual PV controllers? Or do I really have to train this client
to dig into BOTH the PV controller menus every 2-3 months and
hopefully not mess anything else up? Or, should I just plan on
bringing my Honda 2000i every couple months to EQ, or hope for a sunny
day, and hope for tea and cookies, if not a maintenance contract?

Thanks in advance. I'd be shocked if the Xanbuss system was so
townie-oriented as to only easily equalize via AC mains. With an
Outback Mate I can EQ from either or both. But I've been shocked
before. And her tea was good, haven't tried the cookies yet.

Dan Fink,
Executive Director;
Otherpower
Buckville Energy Consulting
Buckville Publications LLC
NABCEP / IREC accredited Continuing Education Providers
970.672.4342
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