Load control

[GAC]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum but owning small PV for a few years and it need some improvements. I need some kind of load control circuit that is built in some types of inverters (mine doesn't have it).

Load control circuit will switch ON inverter when I turn ON light bulb and switch OFF inverter when I disconnect bulb to conserve battery. My inverter and battery pack is on a second floor of my building and I can't go up and down all the time to switch it ON and OFF.

Does anyone know for circuit that can do this?

Thanks!

[Bruce S]

GAC;

  Didn't see anyone put something here. Was out for a short time, but here goes.

The bad news is; not ever heard of or ever saw a ciruit that'll do this.

That however isn't to say you could make a pseudo one.

If you're looking for a load sensing type of system you might want to look into a UPS type circuit but in reverse.

DamonHD has a working circuit , that senses the LVD of a battery set and goes into AC mode. SO something similar to that could work.

What you could do is wire a switch into one of the inverter's DC side and leave the inverter on, then when you want to use the light or anything else on it, turn the Dc switch on , the inverter comes on and you're all set.

Hope this helps

Bruce S

[DamonHD]

There are relatively cheap inverters that automatically turn themselves almost completely off when they detect no load.

You might consider replacing your current inverter or splitting the load so that stuff too far away to switch the inverter on/off by hand is powered via the inverter that does it itself.

Rgds

Damon

[TomW]

GAC;

Dead simple [with human intervention].

Relay to suit your inverter draw.

Some cable.

A switch.

Viola! flip switch to activate relay from remote. If you need a schematic I can draw one up and take a picture.

Sometimes manual is lots easier than automagic.

Cheers.

TomW.

[mettleramiel]

If your inverter has a female phone jack somewhere on it like mine does, then you can buy a remote for it, that you can place downstairs and then turn on the inverter whenever you want. I got mine for free, but they retail for something absurd like $50.

[scottsAI]

Hello GAC,

Replace Lamp with a 12v CFL. Skip the inverter.

Remember to put a Fuse in the wire at the battery.

I like blade fuses.

Have fun,

Scott.

[dpshort218]

Possible cheapest solution:

You said you had a small solar cell. If it's around 200 watts or less and assuming you are running a 12 volt DC battery, why not use a simple 20 amp house toggle switch to turn on the inverter instead of the light directly. Be sure to have a fuse between the battery and switch rated no more than the inverter's maximum current up to 20 amps max. Use #12 or larger wire. The most efficient way probably would be to go with the 12 VDC compact fluorescent like Scott suggested.

Goood Luck,

David S.

[GAC]

Thanks guys for your answers. I'm a bit busy and slow in answering.

First point is that I want to keep all of my lightning on 220VAC, because I want to be compatible with mains supply.

Soon I'm going to finish my circuit for detecting load.

It is not a problem to detect when load is present, I've made a circuit with DC current source and one OP amp. But to disconnect small loads like 10W or 11W that is a problem. AC current is quite small for detecting. If anyone has some ideas I would like do hear it!

Thanks!

[(unknown)]

A nooby here.

Could you go into the inverter and wire a remote switch in parallel with the existing switch?

Kinsman

[GAC]

I've already made switch like that. What kind of remote switch can I use through building walls.