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Have a running Hydro System. Want to add Solar for backup...Questions
kcebcj:
Hey thanks for that.
That is how I kinda thought it would work but was not sure. Now just have to figure how it connects in the Outback Inverter. Can't be brain surgery right?
I don't remember what the diversions setting for the hydro are I think 56.6 volts so have the solar shut down at 56 or about that. Now will the solar start to run when the voltage drops below 56 or will I have to tell it to start with a setting? Probably will start on it's own right?
I'm totally off the grid so this hydro system is important. Are there any real risk I should watch for when trying to get the panels to work. The batteries pack is a Absolite 48 volt gel pod and sure don't want to screw it up.
Have a neighbor who is doing the same thing but in reverse. His main source is solar with the hydro as a winter backup so we are both trying to get it right.
george65:
I don't think there is any risk, pretty much the reverse. You'll be a lot better having your batteries at a higher charge rate than drained.
both the solar and the hydro should kick in and supply power on the fly so to speak so if you are using power through the day they will give you what they can and the battery reserve will never be touched.
The one thing I would suggest is setting your cutoff on the solar with a multimeter against the hydro controller. Pretty much all meters, especially all the ones I have seen built into equipment read differently. mate of Mine has good meters and gets them calibrated. I check my Cheap Chinese meters off his and they are usually within a volt which somewhat annoys my friend. His Meters, $400, mine $15-20. Difference, within a volt, if that.
Thing is, you get one reading off the meter and another which can be a fair way off on the inverters/ chargers/ plug in meters etc. You have 3 meters and no two agree. By using the multimeter at the battery, don't care what the controllers think the voltage is, you set it to the standard of the multimeter and then to each other so you know, the solar would be coming in half a true volt or whatever under the hydro and maybe not 2/10)'s over which will have you confused why they aren't doing what they should.
You may have one charger set at 56.6 or whatever and set the other at 56.0 but in fact the 56.0 may be higher than the 56.6 on the other gear.
I would meter one where it floats on the multimeter then the other and compare. Work out the margin of error ( and I'll guarantee there will be one) on what they say to the meter and set by the meter so you know where the charge controllers really are in comparison and that your cutoff points are also at the margin you want.
Other than making sure the voltages are metered at a standard ( separate multi meter) I see no issues. The job of the controllers is to keep the batteries within specified parameters and given the input needed, that's what they will do.
kcebcj:
Thanks for the tip George.
I would never have given that a thought Would have trusted the settings on the controllers. Trying to figure what I want to do for panels and which new controller to purchase. I have the Xantrax C40 in the existing system now and will probably just get another one. Only want to get about 5-10 additional amps @ 48 volts to the batteries during the summer. The hydro puts out 11.5 steady amps @ 48 volts so it only needs help when the creek drops and it's really hot 3-4 months max so I use less water out of the creek by slowing the turbine down.
In everyone's opinion which is the best MPPT charge controller for the money in case I decide to go that way. Have looked at Outback and Xantrex MPPT's but they are a little more then I want to spend right now.
Any suggestions are appreciated and thanks.
thirteen:
easy to say but as a suggestion keep copy of the voltage and date of the setting you make. Gremlins like to change things. 13
kcebcj:
Thanks thirteen, I note everything down.
I think I have most figured out and want to thank all for your input. Going to research all the components and build this next spring so there will probably be more questions.
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