Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Voltage Spikes?

2019-03-20 Thread Mike Kocsmiersky 
My vague recollection of a similar problem I saw 10 yrs ago was that the surges 
and sags of a balancing transformer like the T240 are greater than that of a 
true isolation transformer.  Whereas the T240 has both primary and secondary 
sides sharing a neutral, the surge that the generator sees becomes too high.  I 
recall we fixed this by using a 2400VA acme isolation transformer.  Can’t 
really remember the engineering explanation, but you may want to explore this 
avenue.

 

Mike Kocsmiersky

Principal

Spirit Solar Inc.

 

 

 

From: drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org 
[mailto:drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org] 
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2019 6:50 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Voltage Spikes?

 

Hi Jay,

 

The diversion load is AC, and controlled by the Aux output dump load function 
on the MX 60. The aux output triggers a relay that opens the 1000 W, space 
heater dump load 

 

Since this is an AC coupled system, the dump load is between the inverter and 
the Stirling generator, fed from the off grid service panel where the AC 
coupling takes place. The Stirling puts out close to 1000 W. 

 

When the Stirling is charging batteries, the FET board on the Outback is 
working hard, turning the AC into DC. When the batteries reach the programmed 
voltage level, the relay triggers and the power goes to an electric space 
heater. The inverter has little to do. 

 

A sketch of the setup is attached. 

 

 

The problem  seems to occur when there is a change in the load. It can also be 
other loads that cause the Stirling to go into high voltage shutdown 

 

Thanks,

 

Drake 


- Original Message -

From:

"RE-wrenches" 

 

To:

"RE-wrenches" 

Cc:

 

Sent:

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 08:29:33 -0700

Subject:

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Voltage Spikes?


Hi Drake,

Can you explain the diversion load more. 
Dc or ac
Size, Watts
What type of load
How is it turned on, off

My reasoning is that you seem to point to a connection between diversion load 
and shut down. 

Thx
Jay




> On Mar 19, 2019, at 6:25 AM, drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org wrote:
> 
> Hello Wrenches,
> 
> We have an Outback VFX3648 inverter AC coupled to a Stirling Generator. We 
> use an Outback autotransformer to get the 240 V needed to match the Stirling. 
> The Stirling generator must run continuously, as it is difficult to start up 
> after a shut down.
> 
> The system works flawlessly for many hours. At some point, usually when the 
> dump load kicks on, the generator shuts down on a high voltage error. High 
> voltage is about 264 V. We have never seen voltage that high on the system. 
> 
> We replaced the control board on the inverter, and the output voltage appears 
> very stable. The Stirling people say that the Outback must be putting out 
> high voltage spikes that are so brief that we will not be able to see them 
> with a voltmeter. 
> 
> Can an Outback inverter create such spikes? 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Drake 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Voltage seeking transfer switch

2019-03-20 Thread Kienan Maxfield 
I’ve used the Cumins, and it works well. It has a 120 VAC to 12 VDC converter 
inside, so it doesn’t require a generator battery. That being said, the power 
supply comes pre-wired to the grid side, so I had to rewire it to the “gen” 
(solar) side since that side always has power.

-Kienan


On Mar 19, 2019, at 5:51 PM, Darryl Thayer 
mailto:darylsol...@gmail.com>> wrote:

Hello, the generator transfer switches work as you request, however the ones 
that I have used require the generator start battery 12-volt connection to pull 
the transfer switch.   You may have to provide a 12-volt source to accomplish 
this transfer.  The last ones I used were from Eaton, Generac, and others, all 
using a 12-volt to activate the transfer

On Tue, Mar 19, 2019 at 9:54 AM Mac Lewis 
mailto:maclew...@gmail.com>> wrote:
Hello Wrenches,

Does anyone have experience with a 200A outdoor transfer switch that will 
automatically seek voltage?  Meaning that if priority voltage source (grid) 
isn't available and second source is available it will switch to it with no 
external communication?  We are trying to do a whole house backup, and critical 
load panel isn't possible.  This may be common, I just haven't done it.

Thanks in advance

--



Mac Lewis


"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates

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[RE-wrenches] Shopping for an irradiance sensor that can connect to LAN local area network

2019-03-20 Thread Mick Abraham 
Hello, Mechanix~

Any leads on finding this item would be appreciated. I'd like the sensor to
be mounted in the same plane as the PV array. I think the communication
protocol I need for this is Modbus/TCP.

Thanks & Jolliness~

Mick Abraham, Proprietor
www.abrahamsolar.com

Landline: 970-731-4675
Cell phone or for text messaging: 970-946-6584
ᐧ
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Anyone recognize this pole mount system?

2019-03-20 Thread Lorenzo Ortiz 
Yeah, I'm pretty sure that one is an old Unirac TPM, but the one with the
adjustable screw is a mystery.

On Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 7:12 AM Kienan Maxfield 
wrote:

> These are not MT Solar. That is certain.
>
> Thanks,
> Kienan
>
>
>
> > On Mar 14, 2019, at 2:12 PM, Timothy Econopouly <
> tim.econopo...@suncommon.com> wrote:
> >
> > They look like vintage Tamarack or MT Solar top of pole mounts
> >
> >
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-- 

Loren Ortiz
Technical PV Design Specialist - Commercial/Residential/Off-Grid

lo...@cal-solar.com californiasolarco.com

*Main: 530-274-3671 ext: 311 * *Fax: 530-274-7518*

-- 
 
*Showroom located at: 149 E 
Main St. Grass Valley, CA 95945*
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Anyone recognize this pole mount system?

2019-03-20 Thread Kienan Maxfield 
These are not MT Solar. That is certain. 

Thanks,
Kienan 



> On Mar 14, 2019, at 2:12 PM, Timothy Econopouly 
>  wrote:
> 
> They look like vintage Tamarack or MT Solar top of pole mounts 
> 
> 
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