Ted Lassoes the Sun!

Looking at your battery voltage earlier, it was already quite low (under 48.5, and cutoff for the AM2 is 46V) so it is quite possible that the combo of kettle, washing machine & LS caused a sudden demand, with voltage dipping close to 46V.
 
Mzezman said:
About the time LS happened the current requested from the battery went above 100A so battery couldn't provide this and packed out. This is likely when the Mrs put the kettle on. And as oom Ron mentioend the voltage was also already quite low. Talk about a perfect storm
Click to expand...
As I always say, the women will find a way to break it...
 
Mzezman said:
About the time LS happened the current requested from the battery went above 100A so battery couldn't provide this and packed out. This is likely when the Mrs put the kettle on. And as oom Ron mentioend the voltage was also already quite low. Talk about a perfect storm
Click to expand...
Plus the MPPT was busy changing gears, and it's a stick shift, not a dual clutch.
 
I think all these inverter companies need to get the wives and daughters to be product stress testers. :)

Thanks Chaps. Let's see what happens if anything at the next LS slot
 
For what it's worth, logged into the sunsynk data logging platform and it reports no issues at all or nothing in event logs. How??

These were the two events I saw on inverter this morning. Interestingly, that F13 error must be a production line testing thing as my inverter was only install in July 22
IMG_20230118_061642.jpg
 
Actually now that I have glasses on, the latest F56 fault was last year. Fok. I need sleep and a real holiday
 
Folks, deciding to keep this in 'my' thread to help a family member out with a question they have that they asked me to help investigate but for which I don't have too much time so know you helpful folks (my Diamond Dogs ;)) would give me a better answer then I ever could.

They currently have a single RCT AEXPERT 5KVA Inverter with LA batteries and no solar installed. They have 2 more of the same inverters sitting in a box and had given one to me to start my project before I ultimately just switched to SunSynk.

They currently have a manual transfer switch to run off inverter cos that's what their electrician did 7 years ago when it was installed.

What they now want to do is upgrade to Lithium Batteries and install some solar. They want to use the same inverter. I proposed to them that they install their other one or two inverters that they have (since they have the space to do it) to then run the whole house. They don't know if they have three phase, but if they do, then they have each phase on it's own inverter and they can get rid of the manual transfer switch too. Minimum 2 inverters, worst case: 3 inverters.

1675932992651.png

Old description/stats of inverter here: https://www.comx-computers.co.za/RCT-AXPERT-5K-RCT-5000VA-4000W-Inverter-Buy-p-91891.php

Questions based on specs of inverter(posted above)

Power Source Blending
1. Does anyone know if this inverter supports blending power sources? I can't seem to figure this out - which could be the decision which requires them to dump it and get a newer generation inverter? There are no manuals in their unused inverter boxes sadly.

Assuming point 1 is supported then we go to the next steps:-

Solar Capacity
2. They can run a maximum of 3KwP of panels per inverter right? So assuming 2/3 inverters installed, they can install a max of 6/9 KwP of panels with 3KwP per inverter?

Battery Questions
3. The current bunch of lithium batteries should be able to work with their inverter? I think so. The max charge current of the inverter, means getting a 1C battery is not required. Pylontechs or any 0.5C type lithium battery will work - it will just charge slower since the inverter cannot support more then 30A (unsure if the specs are correct)

3.1 For a inverter of this size, they can install about a 5kVa battery for each battery. They can also rebalance circuits so that for example, we don't have two geysers on the same inverter.

Management of inverters and high draw circuits
-----------------
Idea is after they install everything - the whole house will be on essential. We will install CBI Astutes on their geysers, kitchen plugs, stove and I will help setup a Home Assitant interface, along with Solar Assistant to automatically manage high draw appliances from running when no Grid/PV is available them

It seems one can use a single Solar Assistant Pi to get data from both inverters (https://solar-assistant.io/help/installations/axpert-parallel-pylontech) - so that's cool at least
 
TedLasso said:
Folks, deciding to keep this in 'my' thread to help a family member out with a question they have that they asked me to help investigate but for which I don't have too much time so know you helpful folks (my Diamond Dogs ;)) would give me a better answer then I ever could.

They currently have a single RCT AEXPERT 5KVA Inverter with LA batteries and no solar installed. They have 2 more of the same inverters sitting in a box and had given one to me to start my project before I ultimately just switched to SunSynk.

They currently have a manual transfer switch to run off inverter cos that's what their electrician did 7 years ago when it was installed.

What they now want to do is upgrade to Lithium Batteries and install some solar. They want to use the same inverter. I proposed to them that they install their other one or two inverters that they have (since they have the space to do it) to then run the whole house. They don't know if they have three phase, but if they do, then they have each phase on it's own inverter and they can get rid of the manual transfer switch too. Minimum 2 inverters, worst case: 3 inverters.

View attachment 1472637

Old description/stats of inverter here: https://www.comx-computers.co.za/RCT-AXPERT-5K-RCT-5000VA-4000W-Inverter-Buy-p-91891.php

Questions based on specs of inverter(posted above)

Power Source Blending
1. Does anyone know if this inverter supports blending power sources? I can't seem to figure this out - which could be the decision which requires them to dump it and get a newer generation inverter? There are no manuals in their unused inverter boxes sadly.

Assuming point 1 is supported then we go to the next steps:-

Solar Capacity
2. They can run a maximum of 3KwP of panels per inverter right? So assuming 2/3 inverters installed, they can install a max of 6/9 KwP of panels with 3KwP per inverter?

Battery Questions
3. The current bunch of lithium batteries should be able to work with their inverter? I think so. The max charge current of the inverter, means getting a 1C battery is not required. Pylontechs or any 0.5C type lithium battery will work - it will just charge slower since the inverter cannot support more then 30A (unsure if the specs are correct)

3.1 For a inverter of this size, they can install about a 5kVa battery for each battery. They can also rebalance circuits so that for example, we don't have two geysers on the same inverter.

Management of inverters and high draw circuits
-----------------
Idea is after they install everything - the whole house will be on essential. We will install CBI Astutes on their geysers, kitchen plugs, stove and I will help setup a Home Assitant interface, along with Solar Assistant to automatically manage high draw appliances from running when no Grid/PV is available them

It seems one can use a single Solar Assistant Pi to get data from both inverters (https://solar-assistant.io/help/installations/axpert-parallel-pylontech) - so that's cool at least
Click to expand...
I think those are all off-grid inverters. So it will only be one source at a time.

I think this is the smaller version of the model they have?
www.rctzone.co.za

rct-axpert 3k

rct-axpert 3k
www.rctzone.co.za www.rctzone.co.za

For the multiple inverters, are you proposing an inverter per phase (assuming they have 3 phase)? In this case each inverter will be on its own, and they won't be connected in parallel. Not all the Axpert models allow parallel connections either, check the link above. If each inverter is on it's own phase, each one will also need its own battery and probably its own Solar Assistant as well. Going to a 3 phase Sunsynk or similar will be much better overall, since you will have the full solar capacity available for all loads. If your 1 phase doesn't have much load and the battery is full the solar from that inverter will not be usable.
 
furpile said:
I think those are all off-grid inverters. So it will only be one source at a time.

I think this is the smaller version of the model they have?
www.rctzone.co.za

rct-axpert 3k

rct-axpert 3k
www.rctzone.co.za www.rctzone.co.za

For the multiple inverters, are you proposing an inverter per phase (assuming they have 3 phase)? In this case each inverter will be on its own, and they won't be connected in parallel. Not all the Axpert models allow parallel connections either, check the link above. If each inverter is on it's own phase, each one will also need its own battery and probably its own Solar Assistant as well. Going to a 3 phase Sunsynk or similar will be much better overall, since you will have the full solar capacity available for all loads. If your 1 phase doesn't have much load and the battery is full the solar from that inverter will not be usable.
Click to expand...
Thanks @furpile. Appreciated. More research to do when work releases its grip from me.
 
@TedLasso there's a guy selling two used AM-2s and a Cloudlink on Powerforum, thought of you when I saw it:

SOLD - 2 x Hubble Lithium AM2 batteries and Cloudlink for sale

Item: 2 x Hubble Lithium AM2 batteries and Cloudlink Age: Bought brand new on 10 September 2022 Price: R40 000 for everything. Payment Method Accepted: Cash/EFT Warranty: Balance of 10-year warranty, 15-year design life for the battery cells. Packaging: No Condition: Excellent/Brand New Location:...
powerforum.co.za powerforum.co.za
 
TedLasso said:
Folks, deciding to keep this in 'my' thread to help a family member out with a question they have that they asked me to help investigate but for which I don't have too much time so know you helpful folks (my Diamond Dogs ;)) would give me a better answer then I ever could.

They currently have a single RCT AEXPERT 5KVA Inverter with LA batteries and no solar installed. They have 2 more of the same inverters sitting in a box and had given one to me to start my project before I ultimately just switched to SunSynk.

They currently have a manual transfer switch to run off inverter cos that's what their electrician did 7 years ago when it was installed.

What they now want to do is upgrade to Lithium Batteries and install some solar. They want to use the same inverter. I proposed to them that they install their other one or two inverters that they have (since they have the space to do it) to then run the whole house. They don't know if they have three phase, but if they do, then they have each phase on it's own inverter and they can get rid of the manual transfer switch too. Minimum 2 inverters, worst case: 3 inverters.

View attachment 1472637

Old description/stats of inverter here: https://www.comx-computers.co.za/RCT-AXPERT-5K-RCT-5000VA-4000W-Inverter-Buy-p-91891.php

Questions based on specs of inverter(posted above)

Power Source Blending
1. Does anyone know if this inverter supports blending power sources? I can't seem to figure this out - which could be the decision which requires them to dump it and get a newer generation inverter? There are no manuals in their unused inverter boxes sadly.
Click to expand...
I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
TedLasso said:
Assuming point 1 is supported then we go to the next steps:-

Solar Capacity
2. They can run a maximum of 3KwP of panels per inverter right? So assuming 2/3 inverters installed, they can install a max of 6/9 KwP of panels with 3KwP per inverter?
Click to expand...
Yep. Main thing is the 145VDC voltage, kinda low, so it will be difficult to get optimal panels, which will need to be placed in both parallel and series. Quite high current, so expensive panel wiring.
TedLasso said:
Battery Questions
3. The current bunch of lithium batteries should be able to work with their inverter? I think so. The max charge current of the inverter, means getting a 1C battery is not required. Pylontechs or any 0.5C type lithium battery will work - it will just charge slower since the inverter cannot support more then 30A (unsure if the specs are correct)
Click to expand...
Yep, although without comms, it's sub-optimal, so difficult to get accurate SoC from the voltages.
TedLasso said:
3.1 For a inverter of this size, they can install about a 5kVa battery for each battery. They can also rebalance circuits so that for example, we don't have two geysers on the same inverter.
Click to expand...
Just get the installer to put the geyser circuits / other heavy loads before the inverter. It's a bitch because it will go down during load shedding, but better than nothing. Hot water also remains hot for a while so maybe not such a PITA.
TedLasso said:
Management of inverters and high draw circuits
-----------------
Idea is after they install everything - the whole house will be on essential. We will install CBI Astutes on their geysers, kitchen plugs, stove and I will help setup a Home Assitant interface, along with Solar Assistant to automatically manage high draw appliances from running when no Grid/PV is available them

It seems one can use a single Solar Assistant Pi to get data from both inverters (https://solar-assistant.io/help/installations/axpert-parallel-pylontech) - so that's cool at least
Click to expand...

My personal opinion would be to flog them (now is a good time) and buy a better inverter. If they are not in CT, maybe the Luxpower SNA5000, also an off-grid inverter, so it does not have a CT coil and not NRS-097-2-1:2017 certified to sell, but it has battery comms and two decent MPPTs (6400kWp), and it does blending, retails for around R13K. That will take care of battery comms issues, make solar panel planning easier, and give them some warranty too.
 
RonSwanson said:
@TedLasso there's a guy selling two used AM-2s and a Cloudlink on Powerforum, thought of you when I saw it:

SOLD - 2 x Hubble Lithium AM2 batteries and Cloudlink for sale

Item: 2 x Hubble Lithium AM2 batteries and Cloudlink Age: Bought brand new on 10 September 2022 Price: R40 000 for everything. Payment Method Accepted: Cash/EFT Warranty: Balance of 10-year warranty, 15-year design life for the battery cells. Packaging: No Condition: Excellent/Brand New Location:...
powerforum.co.za powerforum.co.za
Click to expand...
Sold already. :( :( Why am I still working and not on the interwebs

Thx @RonSwanson!
 
RonSwanson said:
I could be wrong, but I doubt it.

Yep. Main thing is the 145VDC voltage, kinda low, so it will be difficult to get optimal panels, which will need to be placed in both parallel and series. Quite high current, so expensive panel wiring.

Yep, although without comms, it's sub-optimal, so difficult to get accurate SoC from the voltages.

Just get the installer to put the geyser circuits / other heavy loads before the inverter. It's a bitch because it will go down during load shedding, but better than nothing. Hot water also remains hot for a while so maybe not such a PITA.


My personal opinion would be to flog them (now is a good time) and buy a better inverter. If they are not in CT, maybe the Luxpower SNA5000, also an off-grid inverter, so it does not have a CT coil and not NRS-097-2-1:2017 certified to sell, but it has battery comms and two decent MPPTs (6400kWp), and it does blending, retails for around R13K. That will take care of battery comms issues, make solar panel planning easier, and give them some warranty too.
Click to expand...

Thanks your valuable and insightful advice as ever @RonSwanson . I think they should just go in and buy new inverter(s). They can possibly re-use at one of their rental houses, just sell. Will have a discussion as soon as I can breath again.
 
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