The latest version of the Chargeverter can communicate with the batteries.
I don't use battery comm in my system (open loop). The current from the chargeverter passes through the system's main shunt so it keeps track of the battery bank SOC.
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Steel Soldiers now has a few new forums, read more about it at: New Munitions Forums!
Not quite a generator, but my 803 is part of it soon...
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I don't use battery comm in my system (open loop). The current from the chargeverter passes through the system's main shunt so it keeps track of the battery bank SOC.
vrzff
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Thanks everyone for all the input on this thread!
Passed my electrical inspection this morning, now just waiting for Eversource to come give me my net meter.
Just about to hit 100kWh of production in the few days it's been hooked up and running. Can't wait to knock a few more trees down keep that number going up.
Ship pulled into port this morning, hoping the batteries make their way onto the truck in the next few days.
Passed my electrical inspection this morning, now just waiting for Eversource to come give me my net meter.
Just about to hit 100kWh of production in the few days it's been hooked up and running. Can't wait to knock a few more trees down keep that number going up.
Ship pulled into port this morning, hoping the batteries make their way onto the truck in the next few days.
I was gonna jump in and mention this product. For those unaware I’d recommend will prowse on YouTube:You may want to use one of these instead of using the charger in your Growatt.
EG4 Chargeverter - GC | 48V 100A Battery Charger 5120W Output | 240/120V Input
EG4 Chargeverter GC: 48V, 100A battery charger with 5120W output. Versatile with 240/120V input, perfect for high-performance energy needs.signaturesolar.com
The Growatt has to carry the variable load of the house while at the same time charging the batteries. You won't be able too and won't want to use the full charging capacity of the generator as you'll have to leave inverter overhead for the house load which is variable. If you push too hard on the charging you may overload the Growatt.
I use 1 of these to charge my battery bank with an 802a. I set the chargeverter to 88 amps into the batteries which holds the generator at a constant 80% load.
I designed my system so that all of the components are working well under rated capacity. Solar charge controllers, inverters, batteries, etc. Nothing gets hot with cooling fans screaming etc.
YMMV. Just something to think about.
he also has a forum for diy solar that I think would be useful. Maybe yall can be evangelists for Meps.. on second thought let’s keep it on the down low to keep demand down!!
I’ve seen people use multiple chargeverters, which might be more appropriate for an 803, which really opens up for many people being able to justify the 10kw without fear of wet stacking, for that matter perhaps the 804 too, if it works in 3ph configuration (does anyone know if that’s the case?). This is the perfect application for a diesel generator, and my goal of my backup power system one day. Oh and I guess if I’m gonna have batteries and inverters I may as well have panels too
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if you are putting 3 of them on a 3 phase generator then you should be able to put one on each leg to balance it out, provided they don't mind voltage being a little under 240I was gonna jump in and mention this product. For those unaware I’d recommend will prowse on YouTube:
he also has a forum for diy solar that I think would be useful. Maybe yall can be evangelists for Meps.. on second thought let’s keep it on the down low to keep demand down!!
I’ve seen people use multiple chargeverters, which might be more appropriate for an 803, which really opens up for many people being able to justify the 10kw without fear of wet stacking, for that matter perhaps the 804 too, if it works in 3ph configuration (does anyone know if that’s the case?). This is the perfect application for a diesel generator, and my goal of my backup power system one day. Oh and I guess if I’m gonna have batteries and inverters I may as well have panels too
edit: looks like they can take a very wide range of voltage, so I don't see it being an issue.
vrzff
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Batteries have arrived, now just need to find a few hours to hook it all up!
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What brand of batteries did you get?
vrzff
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I ordered an "unbranded" brand from Aliexpress.
Without getting too deep into the weeds, if you can find it on Alibaba / Aliexpress, it's the same product being sold domestically for 2X+ the price, with custom branding.
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I'm getting my "temporary" batteries setup so I can demo my Chevy Volt cells and get ready to assemble the new LiPo ones.
Yours look remarkably like the Jakiper ones that I have.
Yours look remarkably like the Jakiper ones that I have.
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I just bought the LiTime batteries for my RV and they seem to be working well. That was why I was curious.
vrzff
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A few updates on the project!
The 803 was sold to a customer, and an 802 has taken its place. This works out well, because after talking with a few people, I'm going the EG4 Chargeverter route. This will allow me to run the generator at near 100% capacity when charging, which is a very good thing.
10kWh of batteries have been installed and running for a few months, another 20kWh of batteries are due to arrive any day now. 30kWh should keep the house plenty happy through nights and rainy days.
I finally had time to do some much needed "landscaping" around the house. The 802 was dropped on its pad last night, complete with vibration isolators (which will be bolted to the frame later-- I don't think they're going anywhere. Today, after work, I added on the 24v solar battery tender. I may swap it out for 1 5/8" strut instead of the 7/8" for a little more rigidity, but I had a stick on the work wagon to use.
Kurt's remote start has been installed and working perfectly! Nice to be able to see and do things from my phone.
Next up is trenching my electrical and comm wire, and giving the charger a test run.
If anyone is interested in the rubber isolators I used, they can be had on Ebay via Zoro for $5 a piece. https://www.ebay.com/itm/335681195191
The 803 was sold to a customer, and an 802 has taken its place. This works out well, because after talking with a few people, I'm going the EG4 Chargeverter route. This will allow me to run the generator at near 100% capacity when charging, which is a very good thing.
10kWh of batteries have been installed and running for a few months, another 20kWh of batteries are due to arrive any day now. 30kWh should keep the house plenty happy through nights and rainy days.
I finally had time to do some much needed "landscaping" around the house. The 802 was dropped on its pad last night, complete with vibration isolators (which will be bolted to the frame later-- I don't think they're going anywhere. Today, after work, I added on the 24v solar battery tender. I may swap it out for 1 5/8" strut instead of the 7/8" for a little more rigidity, but I had a stick on the work wagon to use.
Kurt's remote start has been installed and working perfectly! Nice to be able to see and do things from my phone.
Next up is trenching my electrical and comm wire, and giving the charger a test run.
If anyone is interested in the rubber isolators I used, they can be had on Ebay via Zoro for $5 a piece. https://www.ebay.com/itm/335681195191
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2Pbfeet
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Looks nice!
Do you have fine screening on your three air intakes to exclude insects and rodents?
All the best,
2Pbfeet
Do you have fine screening on your three air intakes to exclude insects and rodents?
All the best,
2Pbfeet
I assume youll be triggering start/run based on battery SOC?
I know Kurt's controller is handling the generator command, but whats triggering the start?
Thanks for the update, you're building my dream system!
vrzff
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On the eternal list!
A few days before this, I did the big PM. Fluids, filters, batteries, degrease / pressure wash, fuel lines, pulled out the tank for cleaning, replaced the bungs, and wired up the new VR and remote start.
Yup! So the EG4 does the SOC monitoring and has a set of dry contacts which connect up with Kurt's 2 wire start / stop. I just program my cut-in voltage, cut-out voltage, charging voltage, and a few other odds and ends.
Because I'm still grid tied for a few more years, I'm wiring in a line voltage relay on the trigger line between the EG4 and the generator. This will keep the generator from firing up unless two conditions are met-- the grid is down and the SOC is at the lower threshold.
All this aside, tinkering and running these generators is just good fun. I'm glad that I can store and use the energy I make when load testing / exercising, rather than just making a big Rubbermaid full of water boil away outside.
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Big pipe coming out of the ground next to a large mound of dirt and a generator. There would not happen to be a door in that mound would there?