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FixAMess

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  1. Thanks
    FixAMess reacted to Bobster. in Wanted: Goodwe ES series inverter   
    I'm an owner, not a seller. Are you saying that it is possible to parallel these units, or that it's possible after a certain revision?
  2. Like
    FixAMess got a reaction from Yellow Measure in x8 Pylontech US3000b/C & x2 cabinet - Available late June 2024   
    Might be a good idea to get accurate cycle, soh for US3000B's and C's...Then people will know exactly what they are getting.
    E.g B's about 600 cycles.
  3. Like
    FixAMess got a reaction from WannabeSolarSparky in Sako Batteries   
    It's the BMS that's the issue, some only speak specific protocols which the inverter may not speak.
    The market has certainly changed over the last 3 years, even the last 12 months. Battery prices have dropped substantially,  there are many brands and choices. 
    Even the inverter market has grow, many new entrants, options.
    Frankly, in 5 yrs time the equipment one buys today will be outdated and you will battle to find batteries, inverters and panels that are compatible with it.
    High voltage, inverters/ batteries will become the norm.....Watch this space.
  4. Haha
    FixAMess got a reaction from PsyCLown in Lightning.   
    Every year for 3 years in a row, we had our PC equipment, printers, routers "burnt" by lightning...Everything connected to the telephone lines was blown. It turns out our neighbour had replaced the old Telkom wooden pole with a magnificent steel one, nicely painted silver and shining.
    Since I've disconnected the telephone lines no more problems...
  5. Haha
    FixAMess got a reaction from Steve87 in Lightning.   
    Every year for 3 years in a row, we had our PC equipment, printers, routers "burnt" by lightning...Everything connected to the telephone lines was blown. It turns out our neighbour had replaced the old Telkom wooden pole with a magnificent steel one, nicely painted silver and shining.
    Since I've disconnected the telephone lines no more problems...
  6. Like
    FixAMess got a reaction from Cef in Remote control for Goodwe ES. Does anybody have this working?   
    I swapped out a lightning damaged Goowe for a working, used one a few weeks ago. I had to get support to change the "owner"/ installer of the used one so the new owner could access it.
    1 phone call and it was done! I was rather surprised.
    They're reliable inverters, mine is 5 this year, no issues,never skipped a beat. I'm hoping another 5 yrs to go.
  7. Thanks
    FixAMess reacted to TaliaB in Do two Lithium batteries in parallel double the discharge amps?   
    Here is a interesting read about Parallel of lifep04.
    https://www.master-instruments.com.au/tech-talk-article/3/Explaining the limits of LiFePO4 batteries in parallel.html#:~:text=First%2C we need to understand,is unlikely to be equal.
  8. Like
    FixAMess got a reaction from Scorp007 in Remote control for Goodwe ES. Does anybody have this working?   
    I swapped out a lightning damaged Goowe for a working, used one a few weeks ago. I had to get support to change the "owner"/ installer of the used one so the new owner could access it.
    1 phone call and it was done! I was rather surprised.
    They're reliable inverters, mine is 5 this year, no issues,never skipped a beat. I'm hoping another 5 yrs to go.
  9. Like
    FixAMess got a reaction from flatfourfan in Finally bit the bullet   
    I just went through this exercise...Remove panels, paint 2 coats, reinstall...
    It took me and 2 others 1hr to remove 8 panels.
    Prepare for paint, paint, dry, 2nd coat..
    Reinstall panels, also took 1 hr.
    Sad thing is I found where the installer had taken shortcuts on connecting the rails. There is a small connector that slides into the end of the rail to connect them. He did not use them and I could not see when inspecting because they were covered by panels.
    Lesson....Inspect each phase of the install.
    Roof
    1) Placement of brackets to rafters/beams...Make sure tiles are in tact and repositioned correctly. Also correct spacing and insertion of brackets
    2) Make sure rails are installed correctly, all joins dealt with
    3) Panels are installed correctly, wiring tidy and placed in conduit if that i what you required.
     
  10. Like
    FixAMess got a reaction from Ed Zozulya in Curious MPPT behavior   
    Here is a very nice explanation of "global" vs "local" MPPT tracking....
    https://aurorasolar.com/blog/the-importance-of-modeling-global-maximum-power-point-tracking/
  11. Thanks
    FixAMess reacted to TaliaB in Talking about SPDs   
    Where areas are prone to lighting strikes( Drakensberg) i use ABB Class 5 surge arrestors on the AC side. Below example of the ABB. Short Circuit breaking capacity 100KA.
    https://www.online.elio.co.za/product/ovr-t2-t3-1n-20-275-p-qs/?utm_source=Google+Shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleFeed&gclid=CjwKCAiAvdCrBhBREiwAX6-6Use5-N0KYXkDEOON5971CuwZvaF6aJkGcq0y0OMHGKByeKHwA9n9YxoCjy0QAvD_BwE
     
  12. Thanks
    FixAMess reacted to Bobster. in Urgent: Prevent Goodwe Inverter Remote Control/Restart   
    Are you sure it's Goodwe pushing firmware upgrades? I have a Goodwe and they CAN update it remotely, but don't unless I ask them.
    Could it be some setting that is telling the inverter to check for new firmware? 
  13. Like
    FixAMess got a reaction from Eish in Sizing a string for SunSynk 5KW Inverter   
    Instead of just using a spreadsheet it helps to understand how/why the calc is required/done.
    Here is a write up for the OP to figure it all out...Can't remember where I got it from and cant take credit for it.
    As temp decreases, panel Voltage(V) increases. We want to calculate the maximum Voc for a panel at the minimum temp we expect in the region. So for JHB we use 0’C, in Bloemfontein we use -10C or whatever you chose...
    To calculate string length (series) use the total Voc (Sum of voltages, because they are in series remember, (+) including adjustment for cold temp) from panel data sheet and then do as follows;
     Record-low temperature: -10ºC (From your region, town)
    Temperature coefficient of (VOC): – (0.30) %/ºC (From data sheet *)
    Module open circuit voltage (VOC): 39.4 V *
    Inverter maximum input voltage: 600V (From inverter, MPPT data sheet)
    The STC temperature is 25ºC. This temperature needs to be deducted from the array location’s record-low temperature of -10 degrees as follows:
    25 – (-10) = 35º difference.
    Multiply the 35º difference by the temperature coefficient of VOC (I’ve used the positive value for an easier calculation, though you get the same result) then multiply by the module’s VOC:
    35 x 0.0030 = 0.105
    0.105 x 39.4V = 4.137V (So the Voc will increase by 4.13 V if the temp goes down to -10C)
    This is how many volts each pv module will increase due to record-low temperatures.
    Add the voltage increase to the Module VOC.
    Then divide the inverter maximum input voltage by that number. This will give you the maximum number of modules that can be wired in a series string per that inverter and specific location.
    4.137 V (from calculation due to low max low temperature) + 39.4V (from datasheet) = 43.537 Vmax (At -10C) Increase in voltage due to temp drop per panel.
    Normal voltage at 25C
    600V / 43.537 = 13.7 Panels (round down to a whole number)
    The maximum number of pv modules in this series string is 13.
    A series string of 14 could potentially produce more than 600V during record-low temperatures.
    When string in parallel, add Current, V stays the same, when in series, add Voltage, I stays the same.
     
  14. Like
    FixAMess got a reaction from PsyCLown in Greenrich or Shoto?   
    Question; How does one know when your battery is performing well?
    There are so many statements that refer to X is better than Y because it "performs well".
    Pylontech "performed well" till we got 3-4 yrs experience in using them....and the warranty sems to be worthless
    China, where most batteries are manufactured grades their batteries industry wide as follows;
    "A" grade ; "A + " and "A-"  (A+ have 2 yr warranty with manufacturer, A- the reseller/battery manufacturer carries the warranty)
    B, C etc...
    So any A-grade battery cell should be of the same quality on a cell level.
    How many people have actually taken their battery apart to see what it looks like inside, see build quality?
    For me there are 2 major decision criteria
    1) BMS - One should buy a battery based on the BMS it uses - if the manufacturer does not tell you the make of the BMS stay away.
    2) There must be a BMS application that you can use to see what's going on in at a cell level 
    3) Does the battery talk to the inverter without fancy additional cables, configs, fine tuning etc.
    4) Warranty - Does the manufacturer / supplier keep to their word?
    5) PRICE..
    So based on the above, any A-grade battery with a decent BMS (PACE comes to mind)  will do the job and provide "good performance".
    My view;  Price, make sure the cells are A-grade, battery has a decent BMS.
    Also, most manufactures will say "1C", but in the fine print they recommend C/2 charge and discharge.
    Its purely a physical chemistry thing that the charge rate over C/2 degrades the battery quicker due to lithium plating on the anode.
    I have pylontechs, frankly I don't expect them to last 10 yrs. I also expect that in 10 yrs time there will be different Tecnologies that will make our current batteries obsolete.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  15. Like
    FixAMess got a reaction from Antonio de Sa in Greenrich or Shoto?   
    Question; How does one know when your battery is performing well?
    There are so many statements that refer to X is better than Y because it "performs well".
    Pylontech "performed well" till we got 3-4 yrs experience in using them....and the warranty sems to be worthless
    China, where most batteries are manufactured grades their batteries industry wide as follows;
    "A" grade ; "A + " and "A-"  (A+ have 2 yr warranty with manufacturer, A- the reseller/battery manufacturer carries the warranty)
    B, C etc...
    So any A-grade battery cell should be of the same quality on a cell level.
    How many people have actually taken their battery apart to see what it looks like inside, see build quality?
    For me there are 2 major decision criteria
    1) BMS - One should buy a battery based on the BMS it uses - if the manufacturer does not tell you the make of the BMS stay away.
    2) There must be a BMS application that you can use to see what's going on in at a cell level 
    3) Does the battery talk to the inverter without fancy additional cables, configs, fine tuning etc.
    4) Warranty - Does the manufacturer / supplier keep to their word?
    5) PRICE..
    So based on the above, any A-grade battery with a decent BMS (PACE comes to mind)  will do the job and provide "good performance".
    My view;  Price, make sure the cells are A-grade, battery has a decent BMS.
    Also, most manufactures will say "1C", but in the fine print they recommend C/2 charge and discharge.
    Its purely a physical chemistry thing that the charge rate over C/2 degrades the battery quicker due to lithium plating on the anode.
    I have pylontechs, frankly I don't expect them to last 10 yrs. I also expect that in 10 yrs time there will be different Tecnologies that will make our current batteries obsolete.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  16. Thanks
    FixAMess reacted to PowerUser in Sale-Pylontech Battery Cabinets   
    Am I missing something? How did you come up with that price? 
     
    If one looks at the individual prices of the above as brand new items:
    1x Pylontech US3000A - R21000
    1x Pylontech US3000 3 bay cabinet - R3350
    1x Pylontech UP5000 - R26000
    1x Pylontech UP5000 3 bay cabinet - R4300
    2 x Pylontech battery cable kits(2m) - R1140
     
    Total R55790 - Brand new. 
     
     
  17. Thanks
    FixAMess got a reaction from Solar56 in Axpert King II doesn't work properly wit a mix of Pylontech US2000 and US2000C   
    If you have not already, you should update the firmware on the US2000 to the latest version.
    PM me if you require the .bin file.
     
  18. Thanks
    FixAMess reacted to Nexuss in Phylontech battery failure (over charged) Victron Inverter   
    It will not effectively balance the packs no. As an example say you have a new battery which comes at 50% SOC and parallel that to a 80% SOC battery , they wont balance fully as there is not a big enough voltage difference for current to flow. You want to balance packs the same way you would when balancing the cells inside a pack and that is by charging them up to 3,55V-3,65V a cell. 
  19. Thanks
    FixAMess reacted to Nexuss in Phylontech battery failure (over charged) Victron Inverter   
    Sadly i think the Pylon BMS is just very outdated at this point,i doubt they have done much in terms of development over the years to improve it , if you look at the latest BMS's in the market they offer lots more flexibility and features . JK , Seplos v3 ect
  20. Like
    FixAMess got a reaction from GMAC in Charging batteries from the mains - not a good idea says an expert   
    This is the responsible thing to do!
  21. Like
    FixAMess got a reaction from georgelza in Pylontech US2000Pro & US3000C FW Pack   
    I updated 2000Plus and 3000C. 
    I have the .bin file for 2000Plus, the 3000C is a bit more tricky, the upgrade versions are different, 2 available the last time I looked. Search on the forum for differences and related file.
    If you just want to connect the 2000Plus to 3000C, you only need to upgrade the 2000plus. I stacked 1x3000C, 4 x 2000 plus, 3x3000C.
    Let me know if you need the 2000plus .bin. and installer.
    Also remember you will need 2 different cables to connect to the console port on the battery, plus vs "C".
  22. Thanks
    FixAMess reacted to Carl Anthony in solar installed but grid kwh/day average increased   
    Hey Greglsh, so its limiting the battery being discharged beyond 50%.
    During the day PV will charge the battery and it will reach or attempt to reach 100%.
    Most days now especially with the change in weather my battery is charged by 14:00.
     
    @FixAMess @GreenFields during this period I very rarely if at all consume from the grid as my battery is on 100% by then time PV is no longer substantial to carry my load which is generally around 16:00. I will then be on battery until it hits 50% which can happen as early as 21:00 or as late as 02:00. Even during cloudy days I don’t recharge the battery from grid. If its a very bad day…battery doesn’t charge much and is 50% and then we have LS from 18:00 for example…at most we will use is about 10%. So at 20:00 when grid is available the battery will charge back up to 50%. This though has not happened in 4months since I have this system.
     
    My aim is to use as little from the grid as possible, in fairness its a selfish reason to reduce spend on prepaid units…but indirectly I’m doing a little bit to reduce load on the fragile grid.
  23. Like
    FixAMess got a reaction from GreenFields in solar installed but grid kwh/day average increased   
    If one looks at the above charge from grid settings, 17:00 -> 21:00 is set to charge from grid.  Is this correct?
    I suggest all inverter owners try to supply their own power (battery) , where possible,  at SA peak usage times  I.e. 17:00 -> 21:00.
    Will this not aid the overall power issue we are experiencing now?
     
  24. Haha
    FixAMess got a reaction from Nexuss in solar installed but grid kwh/day average increased   
    In my experience a minimum of 15kWh battery backup is required for the average SA home, taking LS, cloudy days, family requirements etc. into account.
    One can do with less, but then you have to act like a Nazi electrical usage guy.
     
     
  25. Like
    FixAMess got a reaction from WannabeSolarSparky in Ms   
    I think there is a misunderstanding.
    Normally the DB is split into essential and non-essential.
    The inverter will feed both but is fed from 1 battery bank and the same solar panels. So the battery bank is not separated.
    Where are you based?
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