Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Mate 3s AGS problems
That was a quick solve, thanks Wrench Dan at Foxfire + Lones at Outback who called me after 5PM on a Friday evening. For future search indexing reference on this list (which I do a LOT): Inverter 12VDC output controlling AGS MUST be on Port 1 on the Outback Hub. Problem solved. Dan Fink Buckville Energy Consulting 970-672-4342 On Fri, Jan 7, 2022, 15:11 Foxfire Energy wrote: > Seems I was once advised to drive the AGS goodies from the Master (P1). > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Jan 7, 2022, at 5:02 PM, Dan Fink wrote: > > > > > > Wrenches; Having a frustrating problem here with a Mate 3s and 2-wire > AGS. The generator starts and stops fine from the Mate 3 AND via Optics RE > from my smartphone, but will not autostart by either SOC or Voltage. It is > wired to use the inverter (VFXR 3524A) 12vdc aux output to an Outback relay > board in the gen as I've had issues in the past using the FNDC relay (as I > think other Wrenches have too). The Mate 3s AGS is set for the Inverter > port (4). > > > > In the past on other Mate 3s systems, I seem to remember always making > sure the Inverter AUX relay mode is set to REMOTE to allow the Mate 3s to > control the gen instead of the very limited GEN FAULT AGS setting in the > inverter. But when I pull that up both via Optics and the Mate 3s itself, > there IS no "remote" option anymore. The Mate3s firmware was updated last > month to the latest version. > > > > If the REMOTE setting for the VFXR inverter no longer exists, what do I > set the inverter AUX relay for to enable the Mate 3s advanced AGS to assume > control? Or should I delegate AGS responsibilities to one of the FX PV > controllers , just re-routing the 2 genstart wires? Not to the FNDC I > assume because of those past problems. > > > > I'm pretty sure this issue has to be conflicting AGS instructions from > different components, as sitting here at the kitchen table at the client's > off grid house I can start and stop the gen from my phone! > > > > Thanks for any suggestions! > > > > Dan Fink > > Buckville Energy Consulting LLC > > 970-672-4342 > > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the other: https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Mate 3s AGS problems
Seems I was once advised to drive the AGS goodies from the Master (P1). Sent from my iPhone > On Jan 7, 2022, at 5:02 PM, Dan Fink wrote: > > > Wrenches; Having a frustrating problem here with a Mate 3s and 2-wire AGS. > The generator starts and stops fine from the Mate 3 AND via Optics RE from my > smartphone, but will not autostart by either SOC or Voltage. It is wired to > use the inverter (VFXR 3524A) 12vdc aux output to an Outback relay board in > the gen as I've had issues in the past using the FNDC relay (as I think > other Wrenches have too). The Mate 3s AGS is set for the Inverter port (4). > > In the past on other Mate 3s systems, I seem to remember always making sure > the Inverter AUX relay mode is set to REMOTE to allow the Mate 3s to control > the gen instead of the very limited GEN FAULT AGS setting in the inverter. > But when I pull that up both via Optics and the Mate 3s itself, there IS no > "remote" option anymore. The Mate3s firmware was updated last month to the > latest version. > > If the REMOTE setting for the VFXR inverter no longer exists, what do I set > the inverter AUX relay for to enable the Mate 3s advanced AGS to assume > control? Or should I delegate AGS responsibilities to one of the FX PV > controllers , just re-routing the 2 genstart wires? Not to the FNDC I assume > because of those past problems. > > I'm pretty sure this issue has to be conflicting AGS instructions from > different components, as sitting here at the kitchen table at the client's > off grid house I can start and stop the gen from my phone! > > Thanks for any suggestions! > > Dan Fink > Buckville Energy Consulting LLC > 970-672-4342 > > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the > other: > https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette: > http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > http://www.members.re-wrenches.org > ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the other: https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Outback Mate 3s AGS problems
Wrenches; Having a frustrating problem here with a Mate 3s and 2-wire AGS. The generator starts and stops fine from the Mate 3 AND via Optics RE from my smartphone, but will not autostart by either SOC or Voltage. It is wired to use the inverter (VFXR 3524A) 12vdc aux output to an Outback relay board in the gen as I've had issues in the past using the FNDC relay (as I think other Wrenches have too). The Mate 3s AGS is set for the Inverter port (4). In the past on other Mate 3s systems, I seem to remember always making sure the Inverter AUX relay mode is set to REMOTE to allow the Mate 3s to control the gen instead of the very limited GEN FAULT AGS setting in the inverter. But when I pull that up both via Optics and the Mate 3s itself, there IS no "remote" option anymore. The Mate3s firmware was updated last month to the latest version. If the REMOTE setting for the VFXR inverter no longer exists, what do I set the inverter AUX relay for to enable the Mate 3s advanced AGS to assume control? Or should I delegate AGS responsibilities to one of the FX PV controllers , just re-routing the 2 genstart wires? Not to the FNDC I assume because of those past problems. I'm pretty sure this issue has to be conflicting AGS instructions from different components, as sitting here at the kitchen table at the client's off grid house I can start and stop the gen from my phone! Thanks for any suggestions! Dan Fink Buckville Energy Consulting LLC 970-672-4342 ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the other: https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters
Hi Jeff Thanks for the info. As to out of balance 120v. How are you configuring for that? Just putting potential problem loads on the xformer or ? Which transformer are you using with a 9kw inverter? Most I’ve seen are only 5-6kw. And as many people are using the sol ark, a question about repairing. Is it possible to repair in the field? Has anyone actually done it? If not field repairable, how quickly/easily is the repair/warranty process working Thanks Jay > On Jan 6, 2022, at 9:04 PM, Jeff Clearwater > wrote: > > We just ordered a 3 Sol-Ark system with 16 Storz Power batteries I'll let > you know this Spring once I have it up and running. Yes they are closed loop > will be UL9540 soon. > > We have several Sol-Arks in the field - all working great - yes a few minor > issues that have required software updates - but tech support is great and > they push the updates for me. I love the monitoring and ability to remote > program every parameter. Conversion efficiency in all modes is high (though > slightly under what they claim but still great) > > Surge is fine per leg with multiple inverters or a balancing transformer. > Gen support could use an upgrade for sure but they are working on it. > > The Time-of -use features and interface we love as you can really fine tune > daily cycles - optimizing solar and battery and grid and generator inputs - > Especially great for grid-tie with strong off-grid capability as opposed to > most lightweight GTTB systems. In pure Off-grid I find them robust and > reliable so far. > > Enjoy! > > Jeff Clearwater > Village Power Design > > > >> Jason Szumlanski January 6, 2022 at 5:52 PM >> Is anyone installing Storz? From what I understand, they have closed loop >> comms with Sol-Ark and a very close working relationship between >> manufacturers. I believe all customer support for Storz supplied Sol-Arks >> goes through Storz. They have a special Sol-Ark firmware that they maintain. >> >> Maybe users have a better experience with this collaboration. >> >> Jason Szumlanski >> Florida Solar Design Group >> >> >> >> ___ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org >> >> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >> >> Change listserver email address & settings: >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the >> other: >> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> List rules & etiquette: >> http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> >> Check out or update participant bios: >> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org >> >> Mac Lewis January 6, 2022 at 5:09 PM >> Eric and Wrenches, >> >> We have come to the same conclusion. Sol-Ark isn't ready for prime-time >> off-grid. Too many glitches... >> >> One serious off-grid disadvantage with Sol-Ark is idle consumption. It >> really is much, much higher than older style inverters so it needs to be >> factored into the load analysis. The spec sheet is not accurate. The >> firmware is all over the place, many glitches and issues. >> >> I do admire that they are diving into the battery communication arena but >> voltage control works quite well. If a system can't effectively keep power >> on, do we care if the charging algorithm is slightly more efficient? >> >> My big question, that I've never really understood is why is it so hard to >> standardize battery communication? Isn't CanBus, Modbus and RS-485 a >> standard? Doesn't that mean that it should be easy and structured? I must >> not really get it... >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> >> >> Mac Lewis >> >> "Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates >> >> >> >> ___ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org >> >> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >> >> Change listserver email address & settings: >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the >> other: >> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> List rules & etiquette: >> http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> >> Check out or update participant bios: >> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org >> >> Christopher Warfel January 6, 2022 at 11:59 AM >> Eric, Have you had the same issues with SolArk when multi-mode? We are >> getting ready to put one in. Chris >> >> On 1/6/2022 1:25 PM, Eric Smiley wrote: >> >> >> ___ >> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >> >> Pay optional membe
Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters
Hi Jay and All,
So I jumped the gun a bit on the auto-former - My experience thus far is
mostly with multiple inverter systems (3 systems of 2 & 3 units) and so
I have not had any single leg issues on those systems. And the few
single inverter systems I do have out there (2 systems) I haven't had
any problem - so I was just suggesting that could be a way to deal with
it if you were having that issue - I should be more careful to speak
only from experience!
As for field repair I do know that some early Sol-Arks had issues with
sharing the load while paralleling and there is an MC board ("Master
Control" I assume) that they offer for those instances that is field
installable. I have not had that problem.
I've had customer calls twice on those 5 systems in a years time - both
times a simple reboot solved the problem and other issues I've had were
simply my learning curve with settings as they are a lot of options
-especially if using the Time-of-use interface. The one system I have
that is a single inverter that is in GTBB mode (on grid as sell-back 99%
of time with battery there for outages) has not burped once in a year's
time so that's simple. The Off-Grid systems work like a charm though
high loads did cause a reboot once.
It's true what Eric says that there are settings on the PowerView
interface that are not covered in the Manual - the control software is
more powerful than most inverters but it does take some time to get to
the bottom of all of them and it seams even Sol-Ark tech support is
learning. The control is highly customizable and that has come in super
handy with a customer that is on-grid but really likes to be off grid as
much as possible - so during the seasons in New England she changes her
Time-of-Use settings to match the seasons and that has worked out super
well (it's just changing the SOC levels that we let the batteries come
to at different times of day) - can't imagine doing what she's doing
with any other inverter.
In talking with tech support one tech did mention that sometimes some
data gets into the "wrong ledger" or some such and that's why a simple
reboot works and they say they are refining that in subsequent
firmware. A deeper level reboot is sometimes required he says by doing
a factory reset rather than just a restart but then you have to reset
settings but he says that is a rare need. They have had multiple (like
4 or 5?) firmware upgrades over the year but none seemed to be that
critical.
So that's my fuller report. I consider the Sol-Ark my replacement for
the Sunny Island (that sadly simply isn't evolving with the times except
perhaps the European model) - Robust - stackable and much easier to
install with DC coupling option and included switchgear. Yes you do
need to learn the software interface but I find it clearly no more
complicated than say the Outback or Schneider XW interface once you are
use to it and once you do you have much more control and easy remote
programming both on laptops and phones and the customer has the same
access if you want to programmables.
I've never been put on hold for Sol Ark tech support and they spend as
much time as it needs while looking at the same data you are looking at
through PowerView - super helpful.
Hope that helps!
Best,
Jeff
Jay
January 7, 2022 at 5:55 AM
Hi Jeff
Thanks for the info.
As to out of balance 120v.
How are you configuring for that? Just putting potential problem
loads on the xformer or ?
Which transformer are you using with a 9kw inverter? Most I’ve seen
are only 5-6kw.
And as many people are using the sol ark, a question about repairing.
Is it possible to repair in the field? Has anyone actually done it?
If not field repairable, how quickly/easily is the repair/warranty
process working
Thanks
Jay
Jeff Clearwater
January 6, 2022 at 8:04 PM
We just ordered a 3 Sol-Ark system with 16 Storz Power batteries I'll
let you know this Spring once I have it up and running. Yes they are
closed loop will be UL9540 soon.
We have several Sol-Arks in the field - all working great - yes a few
minor issues that have required software updates - but tech support is
great and they push the updates for me. I love the monitoring and
ability to remote program every parameter. Conversion efficiency in
all modes is high (though slightly under what they claim but still great)
Surge is fine per leg with multiple inverters or a balancing
transformer. Gen support could use an upgrade for sure but they are
working on it.
The Time-of -use features and interface we love as you can really
fine tune daily cycles - optimizing solar and battery and grid and
generator inputs - Especially great for grid-tie with strong off-grid
capability as opposed to most lightweight GTTB systems. In pure
Off-grid I find them robust and reliable so far.
Enjoy!
Jeff Cl
