In a message dated 06/23/2001 2:56:18 PM Pacific Daylight Time, ipl@sover.netThe simple direct-intertie systems can use either of the options above. The battery-based Trace SW systems are more challenging, since they've got one pair of AC terminals that are strictly output, and a second pair of AC terminals that can be either input or output. (Any incoming DC energy beyond what is needed to float the batteries is converted to AC and offered first to the AC output terminals, with any excess then flowing to the AC1 terminals and the main breaker panel.)
writes:What system monitor is working out well for homeowners to monitor their netThough not digital or fancy, I like the basic KWH meter and base sold by
metered pv systems?Dave Palumbo
Schott. The price is good. I also plan to use the metering option offered by
Xantrex (if they get their act together and start shipping inverters)
Best, Don
I've put a package together with Ethan Brand using one of his fancy digital meters. It monitors DC power into the battery, plus both AC outputs. The AC circuits are summed together. So if there's 2500 watts going out the AC output terminals, but 2000 watts coming into the AC1 terminals, the net display is 500 watts output. You can then compare this AC value to what's coming in on the DC side. In the example above if the DC input is reading 750 watts, then your batteries (and inverter inefficiency) are eating 250 watts.
Very slick, programable, expandable, and talks to any PC for logging, but it's an $800 to $1,000 solution, and I honestly have yet to put one into operation. Although that's the plan later this year when my new shop goes up. I figured I can't be the only RE nerdy type who really wants to know how his/her SW-based system is actually performing.
Doug Pratt
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