Re: [RE-wrenches] Mate Drop and Charge Functions

2015-07-12 Thread Phil Undercuffler
you to take a new look at the MATE3. Respectfully yours, Phil Undercuffler Director of Strategic Platforms OutBack Power On Sunday, July 12, 2015, RE Ellison wrote: > I doubt that Outback could change the Mate and improve it. I still find it > difficult to deal with and switched to Magn

Re: [RE-wrenches] outback radian question

2015-03-19 Thread Phil Undercuffler
until the peak voltage came back within line, there was still a spike but it wasn't sooo distorted. O'scopes and generators. Darned handy. Phil On Thu, Mar 19, 2015 at 7:37 PM, Phil Undercuffler wrote: > There are two generator charging modes in the Radian -- Generator, and &

Re: [RE-wrenches] outback radian question

2015-03-19 Thread Phil Undercuffler
There are two generator charging modes in the Radian -- Generator, and Support. Generator is also known as diode style charging (there's a diode symbol that shows up in the Mate3 screen when in this mode) because it's a simple circuit that allows the inverter to work with lower quality generators

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback quad stack X240 breaker tripping

2015-03-18 Thread Phil Undercuffler
ither one works. Phil On Wed, Mar 18, 2015 at 1:18 PM, Jerry Shafer wrote: > Phil > Please confirm i have built lots of ps2 and 4 seams to always have 25's on > the x240 not 20's > Jerry > On Mar 18, 2015 10:04 AM, "Phil Undercuffler" wrote: > >>

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback quad stack X240 breaker tripping

2015-03-18 Thread Phil Undercuffler
The PSX-240 (independent unit in enclosure) has active cooling, so it has a higher capacity and therefore the 25A breaker. The X-240 (bare xformer) should have a 20A. The good news is, in OutBack Stacking the xformer is balancing the phases, which since there are inverters on both phases means th

Re: [RE-wrenches] Off Grid Inverter Replacement Questions

2015-02-03 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Wrenches, Allan’s key technical question is “when should I hesitate to replace a 120V legacy inverter with a 120/240V unit?” I’ve reviewed the various scenarios and options with our engineers and tech support team, and the one “watch out” issue that could potentially cause problems when replaci

Re: [RE-wrenches] Low wattage 120vac to 24vdc transformer for LED's

2015-01-29 Thread Phil Undercuffler
I've picked up used laptop or printer power supplies at Goodwill or the local electronics recycler for a couple bucks. Take your reading glasses with you, and look for one with an output in the 24-30v range. Phil On Thu, Jan 29, 2015 at 11:08 AM, wrote: > Hi: > > For such a small amount of pow

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback control boards

2014-12-20 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Jay. I'm on a road trip with the family so I don't have access to pricing but I've sent a message to Matt and the crew to see what is what On Dec 20, 2014 10:32 AM, "jay peltz" wrote: > Hi all > > > I'm looking for control boards to converter 2 GVFX 3648 to VFX. > > If anyone has some or knows wh

Re: [RE-wrenches] Aux Output on Outback Devices

2014-12-05 Thread Phil Undercuffler
The AUX output is protected by a PTC, which is like an analog auto-resetting thermal fuse. It should save you most of the time. However, PTCs are not calibrated devices, and the trip value changes based on resistance and impedance of the fault, temperature, lateness of day, distance from your shop,

[RE-wrenches] Fwd: Aqueous Hybrid Ion batteries

2014-11-11 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Aquion has developed a pretty interesting product and they're continuing to improve it -- I spoke with their engineers at SPI and they've recently figured out some updates that give stiffer voltage profile and therefore more effective energy. Energy density isn't their forte, but temperature and c

Re: [RE-wrenches] 208 3 phase Off Grid Inverter

2014-03-26 Thread Phil Undercuffler
You mentioned this is out of the country -- is it 230v line to neutral, or 120/208? OutBack's export Radian can do three phase, up to 72kW continuous. HTH, Phil On Tuesday, March 25, 2014, Ray Walters wrote: > OK everyone is steering me towards the Sunny Island. I can probably > justify

Re: [RE-wrenches] DC Fusing/Breakers for Battery Circuits

2014-02-06 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Dave, I think the key reference is Section VIII, Storage Batteries, 690.71 Installation. (C) Current Limiting. A listed, current-limiting, overcurrent device shall be installed in each circuit adjacent to the batteries where the available short-circuit current from a battery or battery bank exceed

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery venting issue

2014-02-05 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Allan, The International Fire Code (2006 version quoted below, confirm the version used in your region) give us clear guidance on the ventilation requirements for stationary battery systems, and provides both engineering parameters and prescriptive solutions clearly spelled out . These can be us

Re: [RE-wrenches] GTBB resistance

2013-10-18 Thread Phil Undercuffler
n the TOU rates to > beat the battery cost plus all the losses of AC charging/ discharging a > battery. > I agree with Phil, as I've seen utilities obstruct solar since the 1980s. > Unfortunately their attitude has still not changed. > Its pretty dumb too; battery storage could hel

Re: [RE-wrenches] GTBB resistance

2013-10-09 Thread Phil Undercuffler
egin flowing. Ultimately, it's going to take a chorus of voices to get the CPUC to tell the utilities to shape up and stop obstructing these systems. If people stay silent, the utilities get their way. It's your industry, it's your business. It's your choice. Phil Undercuff

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery backup under attack in CA

2013-08-08 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Wrenches, Unfortunately, this is affecting all battery-based systems -- it's not limited to OutBack. SCE recently issued an External Memorandum stating their position. I've read the memorandum, but I've also read SCE's Rule 21 and their NEM tariff, and the utility's position is not supported by

Re: [RE-wrenches] FW: Re: Dual Radian install

2013-08-06 Thread Phil Undercuffler
William, The Radian was designed to be big enough so that one inverter could handle most residential applications, but also easy to parallel so that very large systems could be assembled by simply repeating the same building blocks, similar to how installers build up 100kW PV systems using string

Re: [RE-wrenches] Fuse sizing in battery circuits

2013-04-06 Thread Phil Undercuffler
ght not be for every installation, but for jobs where they are appropriate this could be a good, code-compliant solution. Phil Undercuffler OutBack Power On Friday, April 5, 2013, Ray Walters wrote: > I just finished a rewire and we kept the Ananda power center, Allan :-) > Back when we used cl

Re: [RE-wrenches] Husqvarna 5500 and VFX3524 Compatibility question

2013-02-01 Thread Phil Undercuffler
OutBack's Radian does AC input support, which can be applied to either a generator or even to grid. Phil On Thu, Jan 31, 2013 at 5:19 PM, John Berdner wrote: > SMA Sunny Island also does this but also discharges battery in parallel > with the generator to create a “virtual generator” that is l

Re: [RE-wrenches] off grid PV connected to generator

2013-01-15 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Eric, Good questions, and you hit on a number of topics so let me see if I can address them one at a time, not necessarily in chronological order. Yes, the optimal application for the GTFX / GVFX inverter series is grid tie with battery backup. If you just want backup to the grid, the traditiona

Re: [RE-wrenches] mate + flexnet DC

2013-01-13 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Jay, the flexnet dc requires at least one inverter or charge controller, plus a hub. The device is powered by the inverter/controller's power supply. Phil On Sunday, January 13, 2013, jay peltz wrote: > Hi All, > > Can you use a Mate 1 with only a flexnet dc? > IE no hub, or inverter or CC? > >

Re: [RE-wrenches] Trace Parts - colorado

2013-01-10 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Some of the Onan three wire gensets use the third wire to stop -- they short it to ground to cut the ignition, if I remember right. Might just need to check the continuity of all the conductors to the genset The other, probably more likely reason is the programming got wiped due to disconnect

Re: [RE-wrenches] Grid tie with BB

2012-09-02 Thread Phil Undercuffler
On Sunday, September 2, 2012, Richard L Ratico wrote: > If the clients have a Trimetric or similar meter, perhaps they could be > trained > to power some loads with their inverter, while simultaneously charging > their > batteries and minding the charge rate, rather than tweaking the CC setup. > M

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback with grid charging

2012-08-25 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Sounds like a case of bad design, misrepresentation to the customer and not understanding the equipment. If they have FX3048T inverters, they cannot sell excess RE generation (and I'm going to be gracious and set aside for a moment any assumptions about the installation of these particular turbine

Re: [RE-wrenches] Small battery bank vs too large array

2012-07-20 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Jul 20, 2012 4:11 PM, "Chris Mason" wrote: > Phil, > Good explanation of the feature. When did GCC make it into the firmware, > and can the older ones be updated? It sounds like a perfect solution for > some of my installations. > > On Fri, Jul 20, 2012 at 12:34 AM

Re: [RE-wrenches] mounting hardware and U.L.

2012-07-19 Thread Phil Undercuffler
I don't think it's formally ratified, certified and adopted, but UL2703 is the new proposed "Standard for Mounting Systems, Mounting Devices, Clamping/Retention Devices, and Ground Lugs for Use with Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels." Also check out SolarABCs.org for an update, there is a

Re: [RE-wrenches] Small battery bank vs too large array

2012-07-19 Thread Phil Undercuffler
OutBack implemented Global Charge Control in the FM charge controllers a while back, based on the input of the good folk at SELF who worked to power a number of hospitals and clinics in Haiti after the earthquake. In some of those systems, the PV array was based on the typical running consumption

Re: [RE-wrenches] Off-Grid to Grid-Connected -essential loads

2012-05-06 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Benn, If the client prefers the independence and thought of remaining primarily offgrid, has sufficient PV and battery for his loads, but wants to use the grid as his "generator" then HBX can really be a great solution. I'll take exception to William's comments -- with the FX you can set grid cha

Re: [RE-wrenches] Trace Change out

2012-04-15 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Bill, If reducing the input and charging amps allow the inverter to stay connected to the generator, then I don't think you have an inverter problem, you more likely have a generator tuning problem. Inverters rarely "half" break -- for the most part they either work, or they don't. Do a simple t

Re: [RE-wrenches] dry battery issue

2011-11-14 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Hi Chris, There's some good advice on the Surrette website, both in their FAQ, troubleshooting and solar battery user's manuals. http://www.surrette.com/content/tech-faqs#dry http://www.surrette.com/content/activating-instructions-dry-charged-batteries-600?phpMyAdmin=0610e516bf803196b5feee0b1ad65

Re: [RE-wrenches] Bifacial modules

2011-11-02 Thread Phil Undercuffler
We've got an array of Silicon Energy modules "out back," and in the interests of scientific discovery and procrastinating from what I really am supposed to be doing, Kelly, Seth and I just ran a few experiments to see if we can quantify the amount of irradiation that makes it through the array. Us

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery voltage set points and specific gravity

2011-09-19 Thread Phil Undercuffler
lan on checking in on the system every now and again to make sure the float LED isn't blinking merrily along... Phil Undercuffler On Sep 19, 2011 7:54 PM, "Ian Eastman" wrote: > Hi. I was hoping that someone could simply answer a couple questions on > battery voltage set points and

Re: [RE-wrenches] 2 SW inverters on three phase

2011-07-28 Thread Phil Undercuffler
x27;m pretty sure you'll see the same performance. The two had a lot of similarities at the core. Phil Undercuffler On Jul 28, 2011 1:54 PM, "William Miller" wrote: ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-w

Re: [RE-wrenches] 2 SW inverters on three phase

2011-07-28 Thread Phil Undercuffler
At my previous employment we had a pair of SW's in exactly this configuration across a 120/208 three phase supply. Stacking on the SW's wasn't so much about coordinating operation between the two as much as it was the master of the moment giving a zero crossing and telling the other to stay out of

Re: [RE-wrenches] Generator/SQFlex problem

2011-07-05 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Use an ac charger to charge a small battery when the generator runs each evening, and then power a timer or photosensor from the battery. Sears, <$40. I wouldn't worry about the phantom load of the timer -- you're running an 8kW diesel genset throughout the night. It oughta keep up. The questio

Re: [RE-wrenches] Warranty Claim Based On Enphase Monitoring Data

2011-06-09 Thread Phil Undercuffler
First, I'd suggest swapping the inverter under the suspect module with it's neighboring module's inverter. See if the reduced output follows the module, or the inverter. If it follows the module, then I'd have a frank talk with the module manufacturer, backed with the data you've gathered, to see

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV water pumping

2011-02-10 Thread Phil Undercuffler
e the majority of the power, and use the grid as "bonus" energy or to cover up for sizing shortages or the inevitable load creep. Phil Undercuffler "imagine if..." On Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 5:29 AM, Tom DeBates wrote: > hello Wrenches, > I have an organization in Hai

Re: [RE-wrenches] Equalizing with SW inverter

2010-12-22 Thread Phil Undercuffler
higher than actual current voltage, you'll get an auto-start. Since it was started under the inverter's command, it will turn off once the EQ is finished. Once the genny's running reset the two minute start voltage back to original. Phil Undercuffler _

Re: [RE-wrenches] Trace TM500

2010-12-14 Thread Phil Undercuffler
the issue. If that works, put a dab of silicone grease on the connectors to minimize chances of it happening again. Phil Undercuffler On Mon, Dec 13, 2010 at 10:53 PM, Howie Michaelson wrote: > Hi All, > > In the past 2 months, I've had 2 separate clients with 48 volt SW system

Re: [RE-wrenches] NEC 690.74

2010-11-29 Thread Phil Undercuffler
also have a MTW rating and be fine, but a wire with only an MTW rating should not be used as field wiring by an installer. Also, do you have a source for RHW-2 battery cables? Or did you mean to say RHW, such as the typical Cobra X-Flex? Phil Undercuffler On Nov 29, 2010 7:41 PM, "Philip Boute

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strawbale wall penetration

2010-11-21 Thread Phil Undercuffler
I didn't do anything special to the rebar, with the possible exception that I don't have a rebar cutter, so I tend to cut 3/4 of the way through with a Sawzall and then bend the rod till it breaks. That leaves a good size burr that works pretty well as a cutting edge. If you're going to take a gri

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strawbale wall penetration

2010-11-20 Thread Phil Undercuffler
long flexible electrician bits that you pray to Jesus wind up in the same zip code as the wall you're aiming for), but for bale and Adobe, there's nothing like KISS rebar. Trust me. Phil Undercuffler On Nov 19, 2010 8:27 PM, "William Miller" wrote: > Friends:

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strawbale wall penetration

2010-11-19 Thread Phil Undercuffler
at with adobe walls. If you do a lot of this, take a minute to grind down a flat spot on the end of the bar or it will tear up your drill chuck. Drill chucks can be spendy. Ask me how I know... Phil Undercuffler On Fri, Nov 19, 2010 at 11:27 AM, Bill Hoffer wrote: > Benn > > I use

Re: [RE-wrenches] Grundfos

2010-11-08 Thread Phil Undercuffler
New Mexico. I have a CU200 in the circuit so that I can keep track of the water level/pump friction/energy consumption, but I use a standard pressure switch to control when the pump runs. Phil Undercuffler On Mon, Nov 8, 2010 at 4:47 PM, Gary Gordon at SYV Solar wrote: > Wrenches, >

Re: [RE-wrenches] The perfect solar ready roof

2010-10-21 Thread Phil Undercuffler
eam manufacturer. Big liability moment there. But I'd avoid all that lags, nails, plywood and blocking entirely, put on a standing seam metal roof with adequate clips and install the PV with S-5 clamps. My .02 Phil Undercuffler On Thu, Oct 21, 2010 at 11:52 AM, benn kilburn wrote: &

Re: [RE-wrenches] paralleling amp hour meters on one shunt?

2010-10-01 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Yes on using multiple meters on one shut. Never tried to share a pre-scale, though. Phil Undercuffler On Oct 1, 2010 4:21 AM, "Todd Cory" wrote: > ___ > List sponsored by Home Power magazine > > List Address: RE-wrenches

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Monitoring - German Style

2010-09-06 Thread Phil Undercuffler
There's a link at the bottom of the text to the model assumptions. In short, it appears they use the systems monitored via Sunny Portal to build the curve, and the info published by the government on the total nominal output of all PV installed in Germany to scale the curve. Phil Undercu

Re: [RE-wrenches] NECPLUS Article

2010-08-06 Thread Phil Undercuffler
r%20emergency%20responders>Also if interested, the full text of the intro article is at http://www.necplus.org/Features/Pages/ThePoweroftheSunResearchinSupportofSafePhotovoltaicPower.aspx?sso=0 <http://www.necplus.org/Features/Pages/ThePoweroftheSunResearchinSupportofSafePhotovoltaicPower.aspx?sso

Re: [RE-wrenches] Outdoor rated flexible metal cable

2010-08-02 Thread Phil Undercuffler
nduit runs are not in damp locations, they're wet. A safe assumption in the PV industry is that everything we do is a wet location, until proven otherwise. Phil Undercuffler On Mon, Aug 2, 2010 at 9:36 AM, Peter Parrish wrote: > I recently had the opportunity to visit a City of

Re: [RE-wrenches] #10 THWN-2

2010-07-22 Thread Phil Undercuffler
eep a couple copies in your "for the inspector" file. Phil Undercuffler On Thu, Jul 22, 2010 at 7:33 PM, David Brearley < david.brear...@solarprofessional.com> wrote: > Marco, > > The #10 THWN wire that your local suppliers carry may be cross-listed as > THWN-2. M

Re: [RE-wrenches] battery boxes...and conductor bundling

2010-07-18 Thread Phil Undercuffler
d here...) In any case, in such a system bundling the positive of one inverter with the negative of another inverter probably won't have the positive impact desired. Phil Undercuffler On Sun, Jul 18, 2010 at 11:40 AM, Tom DeBates wrote: > hello Wrenches, > Since we usually are u

Re: [RE-wrenches] maximum efficiency module inquiry

2010-07-18 Thread Phil Undercuffler
w that I've developed an 82% efficient PV module in my garage. I'm glad to send your customer my personal mailing address and when the check clears I will be eternally apologetic, contrite and owe you more than a few beers. Peace, Phil Undercuffler On Sat, Jul 17, 2010 at 12:

Re: [RE-wrenches] Trojan L16 2v vs 6v

2010-07-15 Thread Phil Undercuffler
t show the Excel graph, and the .png file shows up as little more than a thumbnail -- I can grok the essential info from the other graphs and tables, but that 13 years worth of data just doesn't come through in a legible manner, least not to my aging eyes. This discussion is much appreciated

Re: [RE-wrenches] Two batteries with an MX60 in between (was big bank)

2010-06-30 Thread Phil Undercuffler
ise. It's just a losing proposition. IMO, you need more incoming electrons, and less lead. Phil Undercuffler. On Sat, Jun 26, 2010 at 6:40 PM, Mark Frye wrote: > Folks, > > As you may recall I have 4 strings of 4 batteries parralleled into a single > bank. Each string is 16

Re: [RE-wrenches] For Big Bank Off Grid System Connoisseurs

2010-06-22 Thread Phil Undercuffler
tts of heat when you're running 10 inverters at full charge. Power the vent fans off the generator output, so they only come on when the system is charging. When it's time to replace this bank of batteries, I'd recommend looking at decreasing the size of the bank by 50%. And investi

Re: [RE-wrenches] Bad Cell

2010-06-20 Thread Phil Undercuffler
is really just unregulated charging, not equalizing. Good luck with it, Phil Undercuffler On Sun, Jun 20, 2010 at 11:38 AM, Allan Sindelar < al...@positiveenergysolar.com> wrote: > Yep, sure sounds like you have a bad cell. It may be covered under > warranty. You can jumper arou

Re: [RE-wrenches] How many Ahs?

2010-06-20 Thread Phil Undercuffler
for some period of time (which can be confirmed by specific gravity measurements, guesstimated by calculations based on depth of previous discharge, or ballparked at 3-4 hours for a bank that size), then the bank can be considered full. Phil Undercuffler Enjoying solar independence since a week ago

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV driven air compressor

2010-05-26 Thread Phil Undercuffler
about your plan, and provide them the specs on the module. If their standard unit doesn't have that wide an input voltage range (and I have no idea, honestly), then they might be able to cook you up something specific to your application. Phil Undercuffler On Tue, May 25, 2010 at 11:18 PM, H

Re: [RE-wrenches] PV driven air compressor

2010-05-25 Thread Phil Undercuffler
tage the module puts out -- over the full range of conditions. Empirical testing can sometimes be the best approach with a project like this, but it's a good idea to do a little homework beforehand, to best know what the expected behavior should be. Good luck with it, it sounds like a fun proj

Re: [RE-wrenches] Tiny load problem

2010-05-11 Thread Phil Undercuffler
x27;t just plug the vacuum cleaner into just-any-old-outlet, and as my electronic widget count expanded it became less and less advantageous to have that baby inverter. Phil Undercuffler Conergy On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 9:58 AM, bob wrote: > I am sizing a system that will have dual inve

Re: [RE-wrenches] Heinz 57 off-grid array

2010-05-03 Thread Phil Undercuffler
er or multiple pressure tanks, or ___ (I don't want to picture what the second system could use, sorry. Too close to breakfast). I know this may sound obvious after the fact, but you'd be surprised how many folks miss this. Phil Undercuffler On Mon, May 3, 2010 at 8:21 AM, Dana w

Re: [RE-wrenches] Roof anchors and proper rigging

2010-04-22 Thread Phil Undercuffler
. In addition, most caulks are not compatible with the asphalt base of most 3-tab or architectural shingles. Read the label before proceeding. Tying off to a vehicle is a really, really bad idea, for just the reasons you bring up. Rock on! Phil Undercuffler On Thu, Apr 22, 2010 at 7:17 PM

Re: [RE-wrenches] Amphenol Helios as MC4 substitute

2010-04-11 Thread Phil Undercuffler
stellar responsiveness, I'm glad to see another company come to town with a compatible product. I'm in. Phil Undercuffler Conergy On Sun, Apr 11, 2010 at 6:38 AM, Rebekah Hren wrote: > Hi Wrenches, > After the MC4 shortage update a few weeks back I started scouting for >

Re: [RE-wrenches] Kohler Generator Issues

2010-04-08 Thread Phil Undercuffler
ng to dig out more information about any tare loads, electronics or chargers, and release date, and will pass that along as I find out. Phil Undercuffler Conergy > Original Message > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Kohler Generator Issues > From: jason pozner > Date: T

Re: [RE-wrenches] xantrex xw experiment

2010-03-31 Thread Phil Undercuffler
quality battery bank, and taking good care of it. Phil Undercuffler Conergy On Tue, Mar 30, 2010 at 11:58 PM, Nick Vida wrote: > Hi wrenches, > > I am looking at the xantrex XW system with 2 inverters, and I asked their > tech support if it is possible to have 2 inverters sy

Re: [RE-wrenches] single string of batts: must the interconnects be inverter size cables?

2010-02-19 Thread Phil Undercuffler
en if only for a short period of time. You don't want your interconnects to be the weak link in the system, causing shutdowns due to undervoltage unnecessarily. I'd use 4/0. Phil Undercuffler Conergy On Fri, Feb 19, 2010 at 12:01 PM, Mick Abraham wrote: > Example: 12 two vol

Re: [RE-wrenches] dual stacked inverters on 208V service

2009-12-31 Thread Phil Undercuffler
t to share one battery bank you'll need to disable the inverter charging from the grid, by backing the charge rate back to zero. After a power outage, the system will not begin to sell back until after the renewables have recharged the battery. Phil Undercuffler Conergy On Thu, Dec 31,

Re: [RE-wrenches] dual stacked inverters on 208V service

2009-12-31 Thread Phil Undercuffler
emperature sensor, if these are Outbacks. Phil Undercuffler Conergy On Thu, Dec 31, 2009 at 2:15 PM, Nik Ponzio wrote: > Hi Gang, > > I have a problem. We are installing a gridtie PV system with 2 > battery-based inverters for 240V. The service coming in to the condo is > 120/208

Re: [RE-wrenches] solar hot water nighttime recirc

2009-12-16 Thread Phil Undercuffler
your collectors. I'd suggest you contact Boaz at Cedar Mountain Solar -- his team has been doing some pretty brilliant designs and research using this approach, both for collector cooling but more interestingly for cooling the living space. Phil Undercuffler Conergy On Wed, Dec 16, 2009

Re: [RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

2009-12-03 Thread Phil Undercuffler
ing larger cells, just fewer interconnects. Try counting the caps. This has been a great string (no pun intended!) Phil Undercuffler Conergy -- Forwarded message -- > From: Darryl Thayer > To: RE-wrenches > Date: Thu, 3 Dec 2009 12:16:25 -0800 (PST) > Subject: Re: [RE

Re: [RE-wrenches] wiring the Soladeck

2009-11-25 Thread Phil Undercuffler
ec_02/2-15.html Phil Undercuffler Conergy -- Forwarded message -- > From: "Hans Frederickson" > To: "'RE-wrenches'" > Date: Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:32:11 -0800 > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] wiring the Soladeck > The "2-hole strain

Re: [RE-wrenches] Megometers

2009-11-25 Thread Phil Undercuffler
ue is some multiple of module open circuit voltage) then you have a ground fault, and the value indicates how many modules in from the end of the string. Happy T-day, everyone! Phil Undercuffler Conergy > > > -- Forwarded message -- > From: Nick Soleil > To: RE-wren

Re: [RE-wrenches] AC Coupled Re-visited

2009-10-22 Thread Phil Undercuffler
w Phil sent you ;-) I think there is a lot of opportunity to add power reliability and stability to traditional grid tie systems -- what we need is a way to do it easily and effectively. Here's to looking for a way! Phil Undercuffler Conergy > -- Forwarded message -- >

Re: [RE-wrenches] AC Coupled Re-visited

2009-10-20 Thread Phil Undercuffler
;s not yet Listed or even technically "available" in the US. But if the job is *really *that big, you're playing in a whole 'nother ballpark. Definitely not the job to take on for your first battery based project. Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-grid D

Re: [RE-wrenches] Oscilloscope

2009-08-20 Thread Phil Undercuffler
have been pretty happy with the value for the buck. http://www.picotech.com/oscilloscope-specifications.html. It's also really handy in that it's small and packs up tight in a Pelican case with all my meters. Phil Undercuffler Conergy -- Forwarded message -- From: &quo

Re: [RE-wrenches] Solar Boost Controller in Senegal

2009-06-30 Thread Phil Undercuffler
If they're really a 12v battery sitting at 5v, they may be only qualified for door stop duty now. Phil Undercuffler Conergy On Tue, Jun 30, 2009 at 2:26 AM, Walt Ratterman < wratter...@sunenergypower.com> wrote: > Hello all, > > > > Thanks to all of your r

Re: [RE-wrenches] fronius IG Plus practical engineering WAA???

2009-06-28 Thread Phil Undercuffler
quipment to aid the solar installer. Phil Undercuffler On Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 10:01 PM, Darryl Thayer wrote: > > If I use the Hu361 (unfused) it has the 30 amp rating, the 80% reduction > only applies if I use fuses per the continuous operation derating for > over

Re: [RE-wrenches] fronius IG Plus practical engineering WAA???

2009-06-27 Thread Phil Undercuffler
ntral inverter, which saves considerably on BOS costs. Also, be aware that (the last I looked) the special listing doesn't apply to their 200A and larger disconnects. Phil Undercuffler On Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 9:22 PM, Darryl Thayer wrote: > > Again this is FMI for my info

Re: [RE-wrenches] fronius IG Plus practical engineering WAA???

2009-06-26 Thread Phil Undercuffler
are wired in series, or you can run 3 subarrays each with no more than 11.5A per pole if wired in parallel. Sometimes it’s good to have options. Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-grid Distribution Sales Group Conergy Our World Is Full of Energy 1730 Camino Carlos Rey

Re: [RE-wrenches] stacking grid tied Outback

2009-06-26 Thread Phil Undercuffler
swapped out for G series. However, and this is the fun part, at this point you need to disable ALL AC charging capability. All recovery after a power outage will have to come from renewables. Which might or might not be a good thing. Good luck Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-

Re: [RE-wrenches] Trace SW Stacking Cable?

2009-03-31 Thread Phil Undercuffler
-List. Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-grid Distribution Sales Group Conergy Our World Is Full of Energy 1730 Camino Carlos Rey Suite 103 Santa Fe, NM 87507 p.undercuff...@conergy.us Direct | 505.216.3841 Toll Free | 888.396.6611 x4841 Fax | 505.473.3830 www.conergy.us

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Cables

2009-03-12 Thread Phil Undercuffler
, and a handful of hypalon insulated cables. Also, my personal .02 is that there is no stupid question. We were all newbies at one point, and we are all newbies again when we reach out into new realms. We all need to take a breath and remain humble. Let the learning continue! Phil Underc

Re: [RE-wrenches] dpw top of pole mount pipe problems

2009-02-02 Thread Phil Undercuffler
r change out the pipe and bill him for the expense (don't forget to first get him to sign a change order confirming the details), or cash out and walk away. Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-grid Distribution Sales Group Conergy Our World Is Full of Energy 1730 Ca

Re: [RE-wrenches] Wanted: poly battery boxes, many sizes

2009-01-29 Thread Phil Undercuffler
html, but there's nothing magical about welding poly -- you should be able to find a local shop to build you what you need. Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-grid Distribution Sales Group Conergy Our World Is Full of Energy 1730 Camino Carlos Rey Suite 103 Santa Fe, NM 87507 p.

Re: [RE-wrenches] tankless hot water and pumping question

2008-11-14 Thread Phil Undercuffler
toes crossed for sweet water, close to the surface! Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-grid Distribution Sales Group Conergy Our World Is Full of Energy 1730 Camino Carlos Rey Suite 103 Santa Fe, NM 87507 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Direct | 505.216.3841 Toll Free | 888.396.6

Re: [RE-wrenches] mate/flexnet

2008-11-06 Thread Phil Undercuffler
Unfortunately, no. I have a single FX in my home system, and when I wanted to add the FN-DC I had to add a Hub & Mate too. The inverter (or charge controller) provides power to the hub, and the hub sends the info to the Mate. Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-grid Distribu

Re: [RE-wrenches] 10 stack outback

2008-10-22 Thread Phil Undercuffler
e FWs are sideways. Argh). The AC end is simple -- just input and output breakers. If you want to add bypass capability (a good idea) that has to be done external to the OB equipment when you go beyond 8 inverters. If you want a itemized parts list, contact me off-list and I'll work so

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA Sunny Island

2008-10-13 Thread Phil Undercuffler
that I think of it, that certainly would make the floor show this week far more entertaining. More ocean! More sun! Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-grid Distribution Sales Group Conergy Our World Is Full of Energy 1730 Camino Carlos Rey Suite 103 Santa Fe, NM 87507 [EMAIL PR

Re: [RE-wrenches] offgrid system question

2008-08-20 Thread Phil Undercuffler
o look at squiggles on a scope, but sometimes the best feedback is seeing what is going to happen to the lights. Now I'm kicking myself, because we didn't try the same conditions using grid power. Oh well, next time. Battery bank was a single 48v string of 5 year old Surrette S460 bat

Re: [RE-wrenches] offgrid system question

2008-08-19 Thread Phil Undercuffler
upon the additional background loads you may want to consider expanding to three total. I think Mick Abraham is right on here, in his earlier post. Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-grid Conergy Sales & Systems, Americas Our World Is Full of Energy 1730 Camino Carlos

Re: [RE-wrenches] offgrid system question

2008-08-18 Thread Phil Undercuffler
AGS Start DCV 30 second voltage, on an older battery bank of questionable capacity. Unfortunately, the batteries bottomed out before the generator could get started and the system shut down a couple times. Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-grid Conergy Sales & Systems

Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Question

2008-08-05 Thread Phil Undercuffler
gets into the cell activation will take a lot longer. Hope that helps. Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-grid Conergy Sales & Systems, Americas Our World Is Full of Energy 1730 Camino Carlos Rey Suite 103 Santa Fe, NM 87507 [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PRO

Re: [RE-wrenches] layout software

2008-08-05 Thread Phil Undercuffler
e.com/intl/en/training/ http://blogs.taunton.com/n/blogs/blog.aspx?webtag=fw-designforum Have fun! Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-grid Conergy Sales & Systems, Americas Our World Is Full of Energy 1730 Camino Carlos Rey Suite 103 Santa Fe, NM 87507 [EMAIL PROTECTED] &l

Re: [RE-wrenches] Three-Phase Generator feeding Series/Parallel Quad Stack

2008-07-29 Thread Phil Undercuffler
120/240v output, or go hunting for three phase converters. ---- Phil Undercuffler Director, Battery-based and Off-grid Conergy, Inc. Our World is Full of Energy 1730 Camino Carlos Rey Suite 103 Santa Fe NM 87507 USA Office | 505.21