As matter of interest, which flooded batteries are you using?

 

Is this the correct one to get ?

 

http://www.sustainable.co.za/victron-bmv-702-battery-monitor-solar-storage-batteries.html

 

 

Victron : BMV-702

Victron : BMV-702

 

I think there is a typo. I got the 702 rather than the 700 as you can use it to get a midpoint voltage. Useful warning that your bank is out of balance. Only shows during late absorb.

Ok thank you.

How do you use that meter to stop the inverter to overcharge the betteries or to drain them too much. Do you have to do that manually?

I have another question. The Inverter is rated as 4000 watts. Is that rating for when it creates the power only?. Let say you are in Bypass mode and the load is being carried by eskom. Is the limmit still 4000 watts or can it be more then? And if so if you are running on panels and the load becomes more than 4000 watts. Will it switch to Bypass and run off eskom or will it trip?

So many things to think about

Good Morning!

 

The 4000W is the max that can run through the inverter - regardless of power source.

 

If you look at the manual it says it can " spike" to 10000 - but for a short time only - but it's not clear exactly for how long. From experience (last 3 weeks) what happens is the buzzer/alarm goes off, and you can set it to either restart or not - think the default is not to.

 

I've been monitoring and on the display it seems you can push it to around 4.1kW  before the alarms screams - so a little bit of leeway. The only way around it is to connect a 2nd unit using the supplied parallel kit - just keep in mind your battery bank will have to be connected to the 2nd slave unit as well and you will require breakers/surge protectors - so another set essentially (with the wiring that needs to go with it)  - breakers/boxes/battery cables

 

I'll give an example below of what appliances I use so that you can judge below.

 

A quick list of what I needed for such  an install of 2x inverters:

 

First I wanted a manual bypass in case something went wrong with the system so that I can switch back to eskom only - this required some extra space (2x dual pole breakers). Secondly I'm running the whole house - not only individual circuits - which means you need energy efficient appliances like a heat pump (1.2kW) - LED's etc - "normal" 3Kw geysers and kettles is a no no unless you have 2x inverters and don't mind using from eskom as well.

 

Just a small sidenote to keep in mind:  the Axpert is not a "true hybrid"  in the sense where it can use power from all sources combined at the same time. If the sun is shining and your PV is generating say 2kW of power and you switch on say the coffee machine of 1kW - it will "draw/combine"  from the battery bank to make up the 3kW - if the batteries are charged of course. If there isn't enough sunshine or batteries it will switch completely to Eskom (AC source/Bypass) - it's important to know as often you might be "just under" what is required but with these units it can't just draw the difference from AC  - it switches back to AC 100%. The more expensive brands (generally the ones that allow feed back to the grid) allow you to combine all three sources - which is of course more cost effective as you might be a small amount short only (200W) which will then be used from Eskom combined with whatever the PV and batteries can give you.

 

Requirements:

For the AC side you should be able to fit everything needed for a manual bypass and 2x inverters in a 16-way box. (google Hager)  For the DC side (Batteries and PV inputs) either another 16-way or 2x smaller 8-way boxes.

 

I've been managing the current setup with a single 5kva axpert - but will be adding the 2nd one in about a months time - especially during winter - it's very easy to get to 4000w.

 

Here a list of things I use - use it to determine what you can switch on at the same time to stay under 4kW.

 

My heavy users:

 

Heatpump (ITS 4.7Kw) - 1.2kW

 

SMEG 900 Gas/Electric oven - if you run it with "thermo fan" it's already over 4kW - it's around 4.2kW while heating up - so the only way to use the oven is to get it onto temperature using element only and once at temp switch to fan mode - but honestly using the oven is only possible with nothing else on at the same time (except fridges etc of course which adds a base load of around 250W)

 

Sharp Convention Oven/Microwave - around 2kW - a more practical option than using the oven for "baking/grilling"  - but of course no leg of lamb as it's not big enough

 

Underfloor heating - around 1kW per bathroom if you use it - Mine's off at the moment

 

Heated Towel rails - (Bathroom Butler) - I was very surprised - but they use ONLY 40W! - so no problem leaving them on to keep the towels crispy

 

Wall Heater Panels - 500W - Econoheat - off at the moment

 

Dishwasher (older AEG model) - about 1.2kW while heating up water

 

Small little espresso machine (Breville) - was a surprise but while heating water it uses around 1.2kW - a lot for a very small appliance but there it is.

 

The rest are all pc's, routers, some AV equipment in a cinema room, LED's, fridges (1x french door, 1x wine) small chest freezer - which are not big users at all. Pool pump for a small splash pool is a Badu Ecotouch 3 -  on "medium speed" uses 500w. Same goes for tumble dryer - new "A+" rated unit - uses very little.

 

Hope it gives you an idea! My advice is add 2x units from the start if you are planning to run the whole house.

 

If you are ever considering feeding back - which largely depends on where you live ito the process - or want the ability to draw from all sources combined you will have to look at a more expensive model or brand. Axpert do make a model called Inifisolar (Same company - www.voltronicpower.com) - but they are slightly smaller - rated at 3kW i think - and last time I checked they were roughly R4000 more than the MKS 5kV.

 

Think Mike from this forum used it for a while and was quite impressed. If you want bells and whistles like data loaded into the cloud and access with a phone app - you need to spend substantially more.

 

Not sure if you have purchased yet  - or where you are located but I'm happy to share who I used for product that gave excellent service if you are interested.

 

B

If you are ever considering feeding back - which largely depends on where you live ito the process - or want the ability to draw from all sources combined you will have to look at a more expensive mode or brand. Axpert do make a model called Inifisolar (Same company - www.voltronicpower.com) - but they are slightly smaller - rated at 3.6kW i think - and last time I checked they were roughly R4000 more than the MKS 5kV.

 

Think Mike from this forum used it for a while and was quite impressed. If you want bells and whistles like data loaded into the cloud and access with a phone app - you need to spend substantially more.

 

I can vouch for the infini - the single phase unit is currently only available in 3KW though, but it can be overloaded quite a bit without any issues. It is a dream machine - I love my infini! 

 

A 10KW 3 phase model is also available.

I can vouch for the infini - the single phase unit is currently only available in 3KW though, but it can be overloaded quite a bit without any issues. It is a dream machine - I love my infini! 

 

A 10KW 3 phase model is also available.

Can you also parallel the Infini units together?

 

Are there better software - for example can you use the software from the www.voltronicpower.com site - viewpower and mppttracker? The Axpert only works with  "watchpower"  -  a carbon copy of the viewpower, but very limited...

 

B

No, you cannot parallel the infinis.

 

I think the software is similar to WatchPower - it is called SolarPower Pro. I've only seen WatchPower screenshots, but it has the same look and feel. You cannot download it from the voltronicpower.com website though, but it is available on the net - here is a link to the latest version: http://www.ostrovni-elektrarny.cz/support/Voltronic/SolarPower_1.08_Windows.zip

No, you cannot parallel the infinis.

 

I think the software is similar to WatchPower - it is called SolarPower Pro. I've only seen WatchPower screenshots, but it has the same look and feel. You cannot download it from the voltronicpower.com website though, but it is available on the net - here is a link to the latest version: http://www.ostrovni-elektrarny.cz/support/Voltronic/SolarPower_1.08_Windows.zip

Thanks!

 

It seems if the 3kW wont be enough one would have to add a 2nd and selectively power circuits? It is a nice feature of the cheaper model to parallel it I must say.

 

Or open the wallet and start looking at SMA/Imeon/Solax

 

B

No, you cannot parallel the infinis.

 

I think the software is similar to WatchPower - it is called SolarPower Pro. I've only seen WatchPower screenshots, but it has the same look and feel. You cannot download it from the voltronicpower.com website though, but it is available on the net - here is a link to the latest version: http://www.ostrovni-elektrarny.cz/support/Voltronic/SolarPower_1.08_Windows.zip

Had a quick look - it's exactly the same software - the most use I found with it was that you can tweak some of the menu settings without the annoying sound when pressing the actual buttons - I wish you could disable it

 

Thanks for the info.

I've found a spec sheet from Voltronic that also includes a 5kW unit. I cannot find the unit anywhere for sale but it is clearly on the spec sheet. It is the ideal unit for my purposes, if I can only find one. Will post the spec sheet when I'm back at the office.

C

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I've found a spec sheet from Voltronic that also includes a 5kW unit. I cannot find the unit anywhere for sale but it is clearly on the spec sheet. It is the ideal unit for my purposes, if I can only find one. Will post the spec sheet when I'm back at the office.

C

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Yes, those spec sheets were doing the rounds since last year, but nobody could confirm if and when they will become available.

Here is the complete Infinisolar spec sheets.

 

http://www.voltronicpower.com/files/ds/InfiniSolar_DS.pdf

Thanks all for your input. If they made a 5KW Infinisolar that would be great. If I look at my load on a normal winter

Volitronic Power confirmed for me you can use same batt bank although it's also mentioned to upgrade(add 2nd bank) due to one basically cut your current Ah in half by adding 2nd Inverter.

They also confirm that the load is balance between two inverters thus you have 10Kva if you use 2Kva it will be 1Kva per inverter.

Volitronic Power confirmed for me you can use same batt bank although it's also mentioned to upgrade(add 2nd bank) due to one basically cut your current Ah in half by adding 2nd Inverter.

They also confirm that the load is balance between two inverters thus you have 10Kva if you use 2Kva it will be 1Kva per inverter.

You actually received a reply from them? First time i've heard anybody receive feedback ...

 

The manual has some pictures around connecting additional units - so yes 100% correct - same battery bank connected to both - so another set of cables - my 2nd unit is not in yet so cannot send any pictures.. I searched for the parallel kit manual online - but it's not there - If I find it I will post a link - it explains the parallel install options.

 

Found a link!:

 

http://www.mppsolar.com/v3/catalogs/PIP-HS_MS%20Parallel%20Guide.pdf

 

 

The manual however doesn't say that the load is split between them - but I think it's good news - less load on each - which I suppose is good for the electronics.

 

Questions I had around multiple or single PV is answered in the manual - seems both options are possible - either just PV on one - or PV on both, but batteries need to be connected to both.

 

If you have an email address that replied to you from Voltronic - please send it on! I tried the usual ones but could never get any reply - also tried the 2x main local distributors (Rectron & Mustek) and they had no clue...

 

B

Any of you guys seeing "battery short" and "output short" messages in the event log?

C

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Hi  I'm looking for optimal settings for Flood & Bulk Charge on a Mecer 5KvA (Expert MKS 5KVA)  

I'm using 8 x 102Ah 48v config Lead Acid  2Kw (8) Panels. Volt at each battery = 13.90v

My battery electrolyte level indicator is always LOW.  I also get high current drain (500w) overnight with minimal load (40w) throughout the night.  I'm loosing all the gains from the day overnight.  HELP!

PS I really enjoy the Multi Inverter.

Alan .. Bergvliet CPT..  more install background at https://youtu.be/EkMk151EfMY 

@Jdp from my limited understanding the panels need to be in series strings of three and then the strings attached in parallel through a combiner box (preferably with lightning protection and grounding). This is dependant on your panels Voc of course, but the idea is to maintain a range within the axpert max input voltage even when at full power (this can be caused by cloud edge magnification) while keeping the input voltage between the mppt range. So you can use 3,6,9 or 12 panels not 10 (normally)

Hi  I'm looking for optimal settings for Flood & Bulk Charge on a Mecer 5KvA (Expert MKS 5KVA)  

I'm using 8 x 102Ah 48v config Lead Acid  2Kw (8) Panels. Volt at each battery = 13.90v

My battery electrolyte level indicator is always LOW.  I also get high current drain (500w) overnight with minimal load (40w) throughout the night.  I'm loosing all the gains from the day overnight.  HELP!

PS I really enjoy the Multi Inverter.

Alan .. Bergvliet CPT..  more install background at https://youtu.be/EkMk151EfMY 

 

The bulk and float settings are battery specific - what do you have installed?

@Jdp from my limited understanding the panels need to be in series strings of three and then the strings attached in parallel through a combiner box (preferably with lightning protection and grounding). This is dependant on your panels Voc of course, but the idea is to maintain a range within the axpert max input voltage even when at full power (this can be caused by cloud edge magnification) while keeping the input voltage between the mppt range. So you can use 3,6,9 or 12 panels not 10 (normally)

@jdp

 

As an example:

 

Lets say your are installing 300W Renesola Panels (just using them as an example from the internet)

 

Their specs are:

Max power current: 8.2A

Open circuit voltage( Voc): 44.8

 

These vary a little between brands and size of panel..

 

The 5KVa specs are:

 

Max PV Array power: 3000W - so max of 10x 300W panels, or perhaps 12x 250W panels

 

Max PV array Open circuit voltage: 145 VDC:  so if you look at the spec above (44.8V) you can max add 3x of these panels in series - will get you to 134.4V - within the limits.

 

Max solar charge current: 60A - again if you use the panels above - they are 8.2A - in series of course it stays static while the V gets multiplied - so a single string of 3x panels will be 8.2A  - and adding 3x of these strings in parallel will take the total Amps to 24.6A - so well within the 60A max.

 

If you used 250W panels and ended up with 4x strings in parallel you would be higher on Amps - but my guess still within the 60A..

 

It's one of the differences I noticed while researching inverters with everything included (chargers etc) VS a separate battery charger/charge controller - some allow a much higher input V - but may be some older tech type panels ran much higher V..

 

Hope it makes sense!

 

B

Max solar charge current: 60A - again if you use the panels above - they are 8.2A - in series of course it stays static while the V gets multiplied - so a single string of 3x panels will be 8.2A  - and adding 3x of these strings in parallel will take the total Amps to 24.6A - so well within the 60A max.

 

Max solar charge current of 60A is 60A to the batteries @ approximately 50V - that is not the current from the PV panels.

 

An inverter / charge controller will draw whatever current it can or requires to supply the load, charge the batteries etc. etc. That is why no max PV input current is specified in the Axpert manual.

 

Let's forget about losses for a moment and use rounded figures: to be able to charge the batteries @ 60A you need 60A x 50V => 3000W from the PV panels. Now, say you have a 3000W array of panels and under ideal circumstances you are getting 3000W from them. At that specific moment in time the MPPT maybe determines that the MPP voltage is 105V (per string of 3 panels) and at that moment in time the MPP current will thus be 3000W / 105V => 28.5 A.

 

It's one of the differences I noticed while researching inverters with everything included (chargers etc) VS a separate battery charger/charge controller - some allow a much higher input V - but may be some older tech type panels ran much higher V..

 

Two of the main reasons why some inverters and charge controllers want higher PV input voltages, are:

1) At a higher total PV system voltage, the total current from the panels is much lower and you can use thinner cabling and have less losses: compare 4 strings of 3 x 250W panels connected in series per string to one string of 12 x 250W panels connected in series. On 1 string you have 8A @ 375V, on 4 parallel strings you have 32A @ 94V - lower voltage, but higher current.

2) Usually the hybrid inverters and grid tie inverters are designed to make use of higher PV input voltages, because they can more effectively convert a higher DC voltage to AC than a lower DC voltage to AC.

OK so the inverter can handle 145v from the PV side. If I want to add a battery monitor I see the BMV700 can handle 9.5 - 95 volts. http://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-BMV-700-series-EN.pdf Will that mean that the max panels I can put on is also 95v? I do not want to fry the monitor. Would I need the high voltage one? Sorry not sure about that.

 

No, you would not need a HV model. The battery monitor only monitors the battery bank and you connect it directly to the 48V battery bank. The PV voltage is not in any way related to the battery voltage.

@jdp the victron bvm700 is a battery monitor, it is installed as a shunt on your negative battery cable. So it only measures the current going into and out of your battery bank. The 145v from the pv is converted at that point to charge voltage and current for you battery bank by the mppt solar charger of the axpert, so 90v is more than enough. So it measures how much the charger has charged your battery and how much the inverter has used to guess the soc.

It is not recommended since the 300Ah batteries would be under charged if you charge at 20A, which is c10 of the 200Ah batteries. At 30A, the 300Ah would charge well but the 200A might over charge.

Two inverters with two separate battery banks would work and solve the hassles one might have with differing Ah and different manufacturers.

Hi, sorry for the delay (Super DIY), I have included the Specs from the battery manufacturer, a lot of data is given per cell (so I guess it's a case of cell x battery x  series).

In addition to Float and bulk values does anyone know how this inverter determines when to carry our an equalization phase and where to set these values?

 

Excuse the scrappy paste.

 

Solar Batter Specs AF