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We were called in on a system similar to this, and we ended up just
installing an AC transfer switch. Normally the GT array sold back
to the grid side of the system, but in an extended outage, the
customer had the option to switch the connection to the back up load
side (AC coupled)<br>
He was made aware that battery regulation could be an issue, and to
switch off the GT array when the batteries got even close to full.
Obviously this would not be acceptable in a full time off grid
system, but this option could save your bacon in the very occasional
long outage. <br>
It boils down to: Is it better to let the batteries remain
discharged and the customer to have no power, or take a chance on
over charging the batteries in an emergency?<br>
Essentially, the system would remain full proof until they manually
switched in the AC coupled system. I look at this sort of like any
other manual over ride switch: don't use it unless you understand
the consequences, and really need it. Add strongly worded warning
stickers: " Danger Battery damage could result, Emergency use only!"<br>
The other options you are considering would certainly be better, but
at significantly more cost.<br>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760</pre>
<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 1/30/2016 3:21 PM, Allan Sindelar
wrote:<br>
</div>
<blockquote cite="mid:56AD375A.4030605@sindelarsolar.com"
type="cite">
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Wrenches,<br>
I am serving as a consultant for a homeowner with an array of
solar equipment that doesn't do what he wants, a common story. He
wants independence in the event of an extended utility outage. To
cut to the chase:<br>
<br>
He has one array of 3,100 watts feeding through a controller into
a 48V battery bank. No issues with this.<br>
A second array of 4,230 rated watts (2 9-module strings of 235W
Sharp modules) currently feeds a Fronius IG-4000 inverter and the
grid. In the event of an outage this system shuts down, of course.
He is looking at replacing his existing pair of old SW5548s with a
single Schneider XW system, or possibly a Radian. <br>
I would like to give him the ability to switch from the Fronius
inverter to a 600V charge controller if either a) the grid went
down or b) the Fronius failed. <br>
<br>
I looked at Morningstar's TS-MPPT-600 controller with the DC
transfer switch, but its DC output is rated as limited to 60A,
less than the 4.2kW output of the array. The spec sheet gives a
nominal maximum wattage of 3,200W, although a note adds that
"input power can exceed Nominal Maximum Operating Power, but
controller will limit and provide its rated continuous maximum
output current into batteries. This will not harm the controller."
<br>
<br>
I looked at Schneider's XW MPPT80 controller, which has the
necessary higher capacity. But beside lacking any built-in or
optional input metering, it lacks the transfer switch available
with the Morningstar.<br>
<br>
So questions:<br>
- Is there a good transfer switch to use with the Schneider unit,
to allow manual switching of the PV input between the Fronius
(when the grid is up) and the controller and batteries (when the
grid is down)?<br>
- Should I use the Morningstar unit, recommending that the
periodic flatlining due to the excess wattage be simply accepted
as a small concession to being able to use the array during an
extended outage?<br>
- Is AC coupling simply a better approach?<br>
- Any other solutions?<br>
<br>
Thanks, Allan<br>
<br>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Allan Sindelar</b><br>
<span style="font-size:10.0pt"><a moz-do-not-send="true"
class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated"
href="mailto:allan@sindelarsolar.com">allan@sindelarsolar.com</a></span><br>
<span style="font-size:10.0pt">NABCEP Certified PV
Installation Professional<br>
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional<br>
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician<br>
Founder (Retired), <span
style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Positive Energy, Inc.</span><br>
<b>505 780-2738 cell</b><br
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