[RE-wrenches] 12V battery charger

Wed Oct 30 13:58:12 PDT 2013

Hi dave

I have used the power max, it works well. 
Made by some ex Iota engineers if I have the correct info. 
http://www.powermaxconverters.com

Jay

Peltz power

> On Oct 30, 2013, at 1:16 PM, "Dave Palumbo" <dave at independentpowerllc.com> wrote:
> 
> Wrenches,
>  
> I’m looking for a battery charger to augment an OutBack FX 2012 inverter/charger for a 12V off-grid system that could use shorter charging times during our cloudy late fall/winter periods in northern Vermont. Both the generator and the battery bank are amply sized as is the PV array. I have used Iota chargers in the past, but wondered if they are other options worth considering.
>  
> Thanks,
> Dave
>  
> David Palumbo
> Independent Power LLC
> 462 Solar Way Drive
> Hyde Park, VT 05655
> www.independentpowerllc.com
> Vermont Solar Partner
> 25 Years Experience, (802) 888-7194
>  
>  
>  
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Allan Sindelar
> Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 10:57 AM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] To stack or not to stack? Off-grid 240V
>  
> Hilton,
> Kevin's comments are well taken. To add a bit:
> 
> Magnum are exceptionally easy to set up and program. The user interface is well designed. A few issues to be aware of from my experience: 
> - All of our Magnum-based off grid systems have been single inverter. At 4 kW, a single inverter may not be enough for that particular 3hp motor - best to CYA with the customer on the possible need for a stacked pair. 
> - Magnum allows a pretty wide voltage dip to accomplish surge capacity, so when the saw starts, expect lights to flicker. Our CF bulbs flicker when the refrigerator starts.
> 
> Our trial with Apollo a couple of years ago was probably the single most negative experience with an inverter manufacturer of my career. Kevin's comment that the most basic programming required hooking up to a computer is accurate. The computer must have their proprietary software installed, and the hookup was necessary even to initiate an equalize charge from an AC source. We have several warranty replacement and takeout units on a shelf here, from two installations (including in my own home) where the equipment was replaced after being unable to get it to work reliably. Ultimately, Apollo agreed in writing to reimburse us for the cost to replace their equipment with another brand. They never came through. 
> 
> Allan
> 
> Allan Sindelar
> Allan at positiveenergysolar.com
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
> New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
> Founder, Positive Energy, Inc.
> A Certified B CorporationTM
> 3209 Richards Lane
> Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
> 505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell
> www.positiveenergysolar.com
>  
> On 10/29/2013 10:32 PM, Kevin Pegg wrote:
> Hi Hilton,
>  
> My $0.05 worth as off-grid is my primary domain.
>  
> The SW4024 is an excellent inverter, reliable, robust and if you can find another stack them for 240 and will have no issues with the 3 HP table saw (assuming batteries can handle that is). I run my whole home from a 13 year old pair of them.
>  
> Magnum makes an excellent, robust, and reliable off-grid inverter. Available in 120 or 240 without stack. Stacking Magnums (for more power) is straightforward and the user interface is very simple and intuitive. There is some different hardware required for stacking. If a second SW4024 isn't an option then this is what I would do.
>  
> I test installed an Apollo unit last year. What a frustrating experience that was. It requires a computer and a RS485 interface to program the most basic features to make the unit usable. Nice when I was real remote and without Internet. That alone makes it unappealing in my books. Seems they are a bit behind the rest of the crowd. I'd not trust a marketing department claim it will start that saw unless they can demonstrate it. (with of course some other loads on the system - having to power down the house so one can work in the shop is hardly usable).
>  
> Outback units are common, though suffer from weak battery chargers and power quality issues while under charge so for off-grid that involves any significant generator charging they are not ideal. They are complex to program and operate and end users report lots of frustration.
>  
> Kevin
> -----Original Message-----
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org]On Behalf Of Hilton Dier III
> Sent: October 29, 2013 6:48 PM
> To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] To stack or not to stack? Off-grid 240V
> 
> Hello Wrenches,
> 
> I have an off-grid client with a 24V system and an old Xantrex SW4024. He wants 240VAC capability with enough oomph for sometimes making a cut with his 3 hp table saw without starting the generator.
> 
> I am looking at Apollo, Magnum, and Outback inverters. I'm most familiar with Outback. I have a couple of installations out there with stacked 3.6 kW Outbacks.
> 
> However, the Apollo marketing promises that their 3.2 kW inverter will start a 3 hp motor. Will it actually, and is this a good idea even if it can?
> 
> I'd appreciate hearing about your experiences with 240V Apollo units, stacked Magnums, and stacked Outbacks. I know from experience that the Outbacks require some hundreds of dollars of extra fittings and electronics to make a proper stacked installation. How about Magnum? Any comments on reliability?
> 
> Many Thanks,
> 
> Hilton
> 
> -- 
> Hilton Dier III
> Renewable Energy Design
> Partner, Solar Gain LLC
> 453 East Hill Rd.
> Middlesex, VT 05602
> 
> 
> 
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