Dex

quick bit of feedback. the efergy meter is the culprit, its over reading. If I use the internal power function of the Conlog meter (thanks to Plonkster for this!!) and compare to the efergy meter, the efergy reading is way out, in fact by the factor I thought I lost across the inverter. So over the last couple of days I have checked the metered kwh unit value (what I am paying) versus the efergy value and overnight it over reads by double. I must say I didn't think they were that bad! So in reality the Axpert IS working as it should. I think what also got me going on this wild goose chase was the fact that the Fluke Clamp meter also indicated current lost from input to output of the inverter. I would like to monitor the power continuously, what is most cost effective system to logging and recording the information? thanks again for the help.

Hi Paul, yes, I have a laptop connected via USB to the one Axpert and log all the data (both units show up via this connection)

Hi Plonkster, I do have a Conlog meter, didn't know it was possible to do that, thanks! Hi Paul, I changed one of the settings, 16 - which determines what charges the batteries, to OSO, so now its only supposed to charge via the solar system. When I initially changed this setting I did see a drop, so it was part of the problem for sure. I don't have a BMV, looks like its worth the investment though.

Hi Paul, So I measured the current on the L phase going into the inverter (both). According to the manual, no load in 50W so times 2 means I should see a current draw about 0.4A (100W). I have a laptop connected the devices collecting all the data just not kwh meters on the other lines. I'll try the pre-paid kwh unit check as above and how it differs based on the operation and see how this looks. Thanks for the input.

yes you are correct, 50W no load, just checked. I've got a pre-paid meter display right next the inverters so I am going to monitor the kwh units on the display versus the power the efergy system shows under 3 conditions : 1. inverters bypassed 2. inverters connected but no battery charging via utility power 3. inverters with battery charging. I guess this will be the ultimate test.

Hi Trev, I agree that the efergy power reading is not providing extremely accurate measurements and I might get a meter like yours to do the comparison. Thing is, as I mentioned to Chris, I measured over 3A being consumed with no load, which as he is rightly pointed out, must be being converted into heat. Unless I can figure it out, or there's a setting that fixes this, probably just build a transfer switch, so switch between utility power and inverter power when the solar stops having an effect and then switch the input power to the inverter off (uses a little battery power). Thing is, the switch must be fast so power doesn't recycle. (and this is what the Axpert is supposed to be doing...) Dex

Thanks for the reply Chris. Just switched the output of the inverter off, so NO load connected (which they probably doesn't like), the current being measured on the input is now 3.12A So they are burning up some current in this condition but also similar extra power with a load connected. Pretty frustrating, put in the system with solar panels to save power and they use more. Surely this is not right and there is a fix?

Hi Trev, Did you ever get to the bottom of the high power consumption? Reason I ask is I have exactly the problem that you have explained and a similar setup to you, although I have 2 devices in parallel plus I have solar panels connected as well. So overnight I was seeing see about 750W of power being 'lost' across the input to the inverter and the output from the inverter (basically 2-3A measured a Fluke meter). (using efergy transmitter and Hub to Engage software online) I changed one of the settings so that ONLY the solar panels can charge the batteries (16 -OSO), the power consumed overnight dropped by about 250W, good start. Last night I bypassed the inverter entirely, the power consumed was back to normal. So these units are consuming 500W in BYPASS mode (utility to load) and the batteries are NOT being charged, where's the power going? Idea's?