My system is on a sailboat with 230v 50Hz AC, 24v DC system and 675Ah of deep cycle batteries. I currently have an old 2kw inverter, and recently added a small 500w Phoenix VE Direct inverter to directly power sensitive loads like Starlink.
I'm in the process of upgrading the electrics by switching the 2kw inverter for a Multiplus 24/5000 (will be fitted by a qualified electrician, alongside any other AC changes needed), adding more solar (will be total of 1250w in three banks, fed to smart solar MPPTs) and a Cerbo GX to monitor it all.
My initial plan was to have the Multiplus set up in passthrough mode for incoming power from shore power or onboard generator, then providing inverter power to all AC sources when away from an external source.
I just spoke with another boat owner with a similar set up, and he mentioned that when away from the dock he keeps his multiplus 24/5000 switched off when not needed to run a large load due to the high power draw at idle which can be as much as 45w even with all ac sources switched off.
From this I'm wondering if there is any way to have the small Phoenix inverter running as default to cover small loads like small appliances, laptop charging etc, then be able to switch across to the multiplus when needed to run larger loads, with both feeding the same distribution panel?
I gather it is a problem to have both live at the same time, or is there a way this can be co-ordinated? If I need to ensure that only one inverter can be live at a time is there any way to control that via the Cerbo, as both will be connected to that?
Alternatively I can see that both inverters have a remote on / off switch option, I'm thinking that if there isn't a better option I could wire a three double pole three position switch to the remote switch input of both inverters, so that I can use it to switch Phoenix on, both off or Multiplus on. Is there any reason that should not work?
Thanks for any insights or suggestions
Neil
