Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Aims inverter 24v Question re: generator

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Aims inverter 24v Question re: generator

    I got an Aims Inverter for my parents, works great. The inverter has a feature that allows it to switch to an alternate power source such as a generator or the grid if the batteries get low. My question is the following; if I use that feature on cloudy days, If I turn on the generator and attach to the inverter; I imagine that it would be advisable to turn off the breaker from the combiner box to prevent both the inverter and controller to try charge batteries at the same time?


    Thanks
    Last edited by Soho; 12-16-2017, 07:23 PM.

  • #2
    Investigate if your inverter will charge batteries from external AC, or if it merely transfers loads to external AC. If AC chargers, inverter/chargers and solar chargers are configured properly, they all can charge at the same time and won't harm batteries. But they have to be configured properly
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

    Comment


    • #3
      The inverter charges battery, however, the reason I felt that it is not a good idea to charge from both ends is that the batteries are supposed to be charged slowly over a five hour period of time or so. However, if we have both items charging, although they monitor the battery state, I would suppose the battery will inevitably charge twice as fast as it should.

      Comment


      • #4
        What kind of battery is supposed to be charged only over 5 hours ? Not suitable for solar in the winter, when there is a 3 or 4 hour charge period.

        If you want answers, we need mfg parts and references. Or just go with your guesses.

        In winter, I charge my batteries from up to 4 different sources, because when they go flat, the power goes off and the wife is not happy. Genuine solar batteries can be quickly charged. hobby batteries, I don't really care about because solar is not a hobby for me.
        Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
        || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
        || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

        solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
        gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by Mike90250 View Post
          they all can charge at the same time and won't harm batteries. But they have to be configured properly
          Can you explain what you meant by that comment? What does configured properly means to you?


          Thanks

          Comment


          • #6
            Batteries have both minimum and maximum charge rates. As a general rule for FLA batteries the maximum charge rate is 8 hours and the slowest if 12 hours aka C/8 and C/12. Ideally C/10 or 10 hours is perfect. In a solar system the battery is sized for 5 days reserve capacity. Assuming you live in an area where solar is usable, the charge rate will automatically fall within C/8 to C/12. DIY' rarely ever get it right. Most grossly undersize panel wattage and battery capacity.
            MSEE, PE

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by Soho View Post
              Can you explain what you meant by that comment? What does configured properly means to you? Thanks
              Each charging source is set for the proper voltage and stage timing for your batteries, and they all need to be close to the same. If you set one source to 26V and another to 27.2V
              one source will shut down too early and you will not get a full charge.

              Same with current limits, each source should have Max output amps, set to a safe number for your batteries. In practice, this can, many times be ignored, as lead acid batteries start their charge, they can consume tremendous amounts of current. As they approach fullness, their ability to absorb power lessens, but as the battery voltage approaches equilibrium with the charge source, the current naturally throttles back because of the lower voltage differential.

              HOWEVER GEL Batteries have hard set limits to the amount of charging current they are allowed. They are also not designed for daily solar cycle use,

              Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
              || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
              || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

              solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
              gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

              Comment

              Working...
              X