[RE-wrenches] DC to DC converters

[Ray Walters]

What about building a 30 vdc system (5 x 6v batteries in series) and 
adjust the settings on a Midnite Classic to work with that?  How tight 
does the 30 vdc output need to be?

On inverters, I've had  trouble with the Suresine, basically not working 
with GFCI outlets.
I keep trying different models of GFCIs, but they keep randomly tripping 
on 2 different systems.
Morningstar's list of "approved" GFCIs doesn't list any currently 
manufactured models, while calls to their tech support yields "Oh, that 
shouldn't be a problem, it should work with all GFCIs..."
Way too many free trips out trying to fix this, so I may have to abandon 
GFCI protection, or replace the inverters.
My suggestion for that small load: Exeltech 125.  Better than grid 
waveform, and I recently pulled one out of corroded outdoor enclosure 
almost 15 years old: it looked terrible, but was still working fine.  It 
would also be lower cost and fit in a smaller enclosure.

R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 3/28/2016 2:24 PM, Dan Fink wrote:
> Hi William;
> 30VDC is kind of odd, but 36VDC is common. The folks at Solar 
> Converters might be able to fix you up with a custom one, or perhaps 
> 36V is within the sat unit's input range.
> As for the inverter, I've never gone wrong with the Morningstar 
> SureSine. Slick little unit.
>
> Dan Fink
> Adjunct Professor of Solar Energy Technology, Ecotech Institute
> IREC Certified Instructor™ for:
> ~ PV Installation Professional
> ~ Small Wind Installer
> Executive Director, Buckville Energy
> NABCEP Registered Continuing Education Providers™
> 970.672.4342 <tel:970.672.4342>
>
>
> On Mon, Mar 28, 2016 at 1:44 PM, William Miller 
> <william at millersolar.com <mailto:william at millersolar.com>> wrote:
>
>     Friends:
>
>     I am designing a satellite data interface for a large off-grid
>     system for a state highway department facility.  We will be using
>     the Outback Optics data capabilities along with equipment
>     manufactured by Control by Web.
>
>     I’d like to run the satellite system on a battery power source so
>     I can hope to use it when we need it most, when the power is
>     down.  We have a separate 24 volt battery bank remaining from a
>     previous generator control system.  The satellite system operates
>     on 30 VDC at 2 amps.
>
>     My first choice is to find a DC to DC converter from nominal 24
>     volts.  Do any of you know of one that you could recommend?
>
>     My second choice is to use a small inverter.  Can anyone suggest
>     one at this small wattage?  I don’t know how good the power supply
>     is at rejecting waveform distortion so I presume an inverter needs
>     to be somewhat close to a sine wave.
>
>     Thanks in advance.
>
>     William Miller
>
>     Gradient Cap_mini
>     Lic 773985
>     millersolar.com <http://www.millersolar.com/>
>     805-438-5600 <tel:805-438-5600>
>
>
>
>
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