Author Topic: Grid-Tied Hybrid install - AC Coupled  (Read 9368 times)

warlock

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Grid-Tied Hybrid install - AC Coupled
« on: August 07, 2013, 07:43:27 AM »
So as per my other thread I'll be installing initially a 1kW system using micro inverters.
This week a good mate of mine working for a certain cell company has access to batteries that they have deemed as fail at install, they are brand new but for some reason not good enough for them. It will be around 25000W worth so good for about a day's outage.

The question though is are there invertor/charges that I can couple to my AC which will auto fail over to batteries should the grid go down but also allow the Solar Array and micro inverters to operate, and when the grid returns all switch back ?
« Last Edit: December 24, 2014, 03:17:28 AM by warlock »

SeanB

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Re: Grid-Tied Hybrid install
« Reply #1 on: August 07, 2013, 01:43:11 PM »
Got any spare ones for me? I can collect in the Durban area if needed.

warlock

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Re: Grid-Tied Hybrid install
« Reply #2 on: August 08, 2013, 02:42:38 AM »
I will defiantly ask I only need about 20000W, apparently the warehouse has around 10000 batteries new and old in it.

I am trying to get the actually address  ;)

I work in La Lucia, so if it all pans out, I'll let you know.

warlock

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Re: Grid-Tied Hybrid install
« Reply #3 on: August 08, 2013, 02:57:50 AM »
As for the hybrid install the only thing I can find is a Magnum Inverter/Charger that does phase shifting, and basically when the batteries are full, it shifts the phase out and the inverters/micro-inverters turn off "Grid Down", When the batteries need charge again it brings the phase back down and the inverters see "Grid On".

Currently this is only known to work with Enphase micro-inverters.

I can't see why they don't develop in the inverters some sort of control protocols, then coupled with an intelligent isolator and Master inverter/charger when the grid goes down the master inverter draws from battery to power the house, issues a control cutout to the intelligent isolator which disconnects the grid from the house forming an island, the master inverter then all the while powering the house issues a controlled switch on to the micro inverters to supply power, or the master inverter could be big enough to simulate the grid which would turn on the micro-inverters.  The latter being harder to manufacture but allow for inter vendor interoperability but also increasing costs, the other controlled switch on probably restricted to vendor matching between devices, but also allowing for control over the micro-inverters show there be excess power to shut them down.

Sounds simple and easy enough to do ?,


SeanB

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Re: Grid-Tied Hybrid install
« Reply #4 on: August 08, 2013, 12:00:31 PM »
I will defiantly ask I only need about 20000W, apparently the warehouse has around 10000 batteries new and old in it.

I am trying to get the actually address  ;)

I work in La Lucia, so if it all pans out, I'll let you know.

I do know Rust-in-motion ( the works van) can handle a half ton of battery load, have collected UPS batteries before in it. Just have to drive very slow back as it is a little hard to brake then.

MJLorton

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Re: Grid-Tied Hybrid install
« Reply #5 on: September 16, 2013, 09:41:14 AM »
As for the hybrid install the only thing I can find is a Magnum Inverter/Charger that does phase shifting, and basically when the batteries are full, it shifts the phase out and the inverters/micro-inverters turn off "Grid Down", When the batteries need charge again it brings the phase back down and the inverters see "Grid On".

Currently this is only known to work with Enphase micro-inverters.

I can't see why they don't develop in the inverters some sort of control protocols

I'm with you on the phase shift as a means of "communication"...Victron use it as well and it can cause noise...and clocks that happen to use mains frequency as a clock source (microwave ovens??) will potentially run fast...there must be a better way.
Play, discover, learn and enjoy! (and don't be scared to make mistakes along the way!)

warlock

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Re: Grid-Tied Hybrid install
« Reply #6 on: December 24, 2014, 03:10:43 AM »
So I picking up on this thread again, Xantrex as well as a few others offer a product that will allow GT-Inverters to operate in both grid connected and mini-grid modes, Granted there methods of frequency shifting might impact digital clocks, that said though I would be happy to accept that "inconvenience" for the fact that I'll have power and generate power while the grid is down.

Here is a doc from Xantrex
https://www.altestore.com/mmsolar/others/XW_AC_Coupling_of_Inverters.pdf