Generac EcoGen 6kW into an Off Grid system

[stunaz]

So we're trying to install the Generac Ecogen 6kW to our existing off grid system.

Currently using the Xantrex DR3624 inverter and Outback Flexmax 60 charge controller. Generacs schematic asks for a 2wire start to be ran into the generator, but i cant find it on the inverter or charge controller. Any ideas?

also... would the Xantrex DR3624 be considered an Inverter/Charger ? or just Inverter ? (meaning, if a generator is connected to the inverter it sends AC power to Dist. Panel and Charges batteries at the same time)

[Willy T]

It's a Inverter / Charger but it never had a AGS ( Automatic Generator Start ) or a relay output, the remote is just a on / off button. Basically you hook up the generator to the input and it will automatically transfer to the generator and the charger will kick in. It has some minimum adjustments on the top. Does it have the digital meter on the top ?? There several creations of it and it depends on the one you have as to the adjustments. If you have the remote it will turn the charger on and off.

[stunaz]

It's a Inverter / Charger but it never had a AGS ( Automatic Generator Start ) or a relay output, the remote is just a on / off button. Basically you hook up the generator to the input and it will automatically transfer to the generator and the charger will kick in. It has some minimum adjustments on the top. Does it have the digital meter on the top ?? There several creations of it and it depends on the one you have as to the adjustments. If you have the remote it will turn the charger on and off.

thanks for the quick reply
it doesnt have a digital display up top from what i can remember

would you know of any way to make the EcoGen work with this inverter? if it doesnt have a 2wire start, can that part be bought separately or am i just completely out of luck and i'd need a new inverter

[Willy T]

thanks for the quick reply
it doesnt have a digital display up top from what i can remember

would you know of any way to make the EcoGen work with this inverter? if it doesnt have a 2wire start, can that part be bought separately or am i just completely out of luck and i'd need a new inverter

If you wanted use battery voltage you could use a VCS ( Voltage Controlled Switch ) to make a contact and start and stop the generator based on your battery bank voltage.

You'll have to figure the run time that it takes from a given level to give you a full charge if that is what your trying to do by setting the voltage. This is a workaround, not the best because you can't do a absorb.

Here is one, it can be found for about $80 if you search

http://www.solar-electric.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=VCS-1AL&cat=0

[paulcheung]

thanks for the quick reply
it doesnt have a digital display up top from what i can remember

would you know of any way to make the EcoGen work with this inverter? if it doesnt have a 2wire start, can that part be bought separately or am i just completely out of luck and i'd need a new inverter

If you only need a voltage signal to turn on and off the generator, the Outback FM60 has the AUX port can be use send a signal when the battery bank voltage drop to a set volts and re-send another signal when the battery bank come back to a set volts. I don't know how the generator are started maybe you need another piece hardware like a relay to start the generator.

[SunEagle]

If you only need a voltage signal to turn on and off the generator, the Outback FM60 has the AUX port can be use send a signal when the battery bank voltage drop to a set volts and re-send another signal when the battery bank come back to a set volts. I don't know how the generator are started maybe you need another piece hardware like a relay to start the generator.

You also need something that creates a "dead band" so slight changes in the voltage measurement doesn't start and stop the gen set for short durations repeatedly. That may be called "anti-cycle" or "duty-cycle" control which protects the generator.

Also most gen sets require a "cool down" period when they stop "producing" but that may be built into the Generac control system.