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Hi,
I wonder if someone might be able to help.
Our system is set up so that any excess power is exported to the grid. It has been designed so that the grid may be disconnected via a switch and batteries charged via our Generator (GT4000ESi GT Power 4000W). However, when we attempt this our generator registers an overload warning and the batteries are not being charged.
Any assistance greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Kev
This is normally handled by setting an Amp limit on ACIN. There's several ways to fo this depending on the kit and the comms you're using. But you haven't told us any of that..
Hi @JohnC
From the device list I can see that the system has:
Many thanks,
Kev
The generator overload may be caused by the inverter/charger attempting to feed power into it.
When you change from grid to generator, you also need to disable grid feed-in. There has been some debate here if switching the AC input type to generator is sufficient but that would be logical. If not, you need to adjust the grid power feed-in to zero or adjust for a small amount of power drawn from the AC source.
I have incorporated support for an external transfer switch into GuiMods that may help in your system. This sets the AC input type to generator and back to grid, AC input current limit and a few other parameters. A digital input is used to tell the GX device which source is the current input.
Thank you @Kevin Windrem.
Yes, I think that is what is happening. When switching to the generator this disables the grid i.e. I have a manual cut-out switch for the grid input.
Could I ask where the AC Input Type may be found please?
Also, where can I find GuiMods?
Apologies for the questions, but as you may have gathered, I am still on a learning curve with this.
Thanks again,
Kev
For a Multi, you set the AC input type in this menu: Settings / System setup / AC input 1. For a Quattro which has two AC inputs, you also need to set AC input 2 if it is used.
GuiMods is my third party package that modifies the GUI and adds other functionality like the external transfer switch support:
https://github.com/kwindrem/GuiMods
This package uses SetupHelper:
https://github.com/kwindrem/SetupHelper
The latter has a "blind install" mechanism and after that is installed you can install GuiMods from it's PackageManager menus.
Thank you so much Kevin.
I can see that the AC input 1 is set to Grid and AC input 2 is not set at all. So, if I set AC Input 2 to "Generator", would that do the trick do you think or is there anything else I should be considering?
Cheers,
kev
AC input 2's setting is only used on a Quattro which has two physical AC inputs.
In your case switching from grid to generator happens on the only AC input to the Multi via an external transfer switch. So when this which changes position, the AC input 1 setting needs to be changed from gird to generator or visa-versa.
The external transfer switch support included in GuiMods does this for you. An auxiliary contact on the transfer switch needs to close when on generator. That contact is connected to a digital input to the GX device which is then programmed as External transfer switch.
The transfer switch is typically a relay which changes position automatically based on the presence it's two inputs but a manual switch works in this role also.
Thank you Kevin.
I'll give that a whirl right away.
Have a great weekend.
Kev
