[RE-wrenches] Midnite AIO Generator Functionality

[Jason Szumlanski]

Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems like there is a flaw in the logic
for how generator integration works with this product. Unlike some of the
other AIOs, you can't put the generator on the Grid input in an off-grid
scenario. You have to use the Generator smart load breaker, which isn't a
dedicated generator input, but a programmable circuit. This is problematic
because it seemingly has a normally open internal relay that closes only
when the inverter is ON. At least, that's how it seems to work in my
limited experience.

Why is this a problem? If the battery capacity drops below the low voltage
cutoff, the inverter turns off. You have to turn the inverter ON for the
generator relay to close so you can charge the battery, but since the
battery is too low, the inverter won't turn on. You would have to reprogram
the inverter to drop the cutoff voltage/SOC below the current battery
state. For people who do not want to use AGS, or if AGS fails to start the
generator for any reason, getting the generator to charge the battery
manually is no easy task.

Moreover, turning the generator on manually when the inverter is in an OFF
state will not pass power to the loads, and will not turn the inverter ON
automatically. You have to get the inverter turned ON somehow so that the
generator power can pass through to the loads. And since the startup
sequence for this inverter is very quirky, non-intuitive, and unreliable,
that makes the problem even worse. I'm not sure if you can even turn the
inverter ON when there is generator input and the battery is too low. I
don't think you can because the relay is open and the inverter doesn't even
see generator voltage when it is in an OFF state.

This seems like a serious oversight and a reason to go with one of the
other AIOs on the market. I believe the Sol-Ark 15K and EG4 18kPV will both
immediately power loads and start charging when the generator is on,
regardless of whether the generator is connected to the Grid or Generator
input. Any AC input immediately passes through to the loads. This is
because those inverters stay "on" when a low battery condition is met, and
they simply stop using the battery to invert power if the battery
conditions do not allow it, based on the settings.


The logic of the Midnite AIOs turning "off" when battery cutoff is met and
opening the generator relay doesn't make sense to me. Am I wrong about how
this works?


Jason Szumlanski
Principal Solar Designer
Florida Solar Design Group
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