Main House Electricity System - Revision history

Magic at 01:41, 28 February 2021

2021-02-28T01:41:05Z

Magic at 00:41, 28 February 2021

2021-02-28T00:41:03Z

Lsanten at 01:13, 22 January 2021

2021-01-22T01:13:12Z

Lsanten at 01:12, 22 January 2021

2021-01-22T01:12:43Z

Lsanten at 20:29, 3 January 2021

2021-01-03T20:29:13Z

Lsanten at 16:39, 30 November 2020

2020-11-30T16:39:44Z

Magic at 23:08, 22 November 2020

2020-11-22T23:08:27Z

Magic at 22:04, 21 November 2020

2020-11-21T22:04:49Z

Kgoldstein at 15:41, 11 November 2020

2020-11-11T15:41:46Z

Kgoldstein at 15:38, 11 November 2020

2020-11-11T15:38:14Z

@@ Line 75: / Line 75: @@
 # Generators
-The large, yellow generator behind the house is used to charge the batteries through the inverter whenever the battery voltage is low. The champion 3650 generator [manual](https://y79961nbs4u2hvbnwronx9zx-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/100216-om-english.pdf ) can supply up to 3650 watts. However, it will be much happier around 1000 watts. You can set the charging amps on the inverter. We recommend no more than 6 A (around 700 watts) for charging the batteries.
+The large, yellow generator behind the house is used to charge the batteries through the inverter whenever the battery voltage is low. The champion 3650 generator ([manual](https://y79961nbs4u2hvbnwronx9zx-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/100216-om-english.pdf )) can supply up to 3650 watts. However, it will be much happier around 1000 watts. You can set the charging amps on the inverter. We recommend no more than 6 A (around 700 watts) for charging the batteries.
 # References
 [^powerstream]:https://www.powerstream.com/how-to-use-a-battery-charger.htm

@@ Line 72: / Line 72: @@
 The Main House Electricity System is connected to an Arduino-based [[Electrical Control Unit]]. Please refer to the aforementioned page for the GitHub repository.
 # References
 [^powerstream]:https://www.powerstream.com/how-to-use-a-battery-charger.htm

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 # Solar panels and MPPT charge controller
-There are five [SUNGOLDPOWER 24V Monocrystalline 200W Solar Panels](https://sungoldpower.com/collections/monocrystalline-solar-panel/products/200-watt-monocrystalline-solar-panel#specification_1)(62.2 x 31.8 x 1.4 inches) that are connected in parallel, which keeps their voltage at 24 V and adds up their amperage. On a sunny day, they output up to 750 W to the [SolarEpic 4215BN MPPT Solar Charge Controller](https://solarepic.com/products/solarepic-mppt-40a-solar-charge-controller-150v-pv-input-tracer-4215bn?variant=12497866457137). The charge controller is rated for 40 A.
+There are five [SUNGOLDPOWER 24V Monocrystalline 200W Solar Panels](https://sungoldpower.com/collections/monocrystalline-solar-panel/products/200-watt-monocrystalline-solar-panel#specification_1)(62.2 x 31.8 x 1.4 inches) that are connected in parallel, which keeps their voltage at 24 V and adds up their amperage. On a sunny day, they output up to 750 W to the [SolarEpic 4215BN MPPT Solar Charge Controller](https://solarepic.com/products/solarepic-mppt-40a-solar-charge-controller-150v-pv-input-tracer-4215bn?variant=12497866457137) ([manual](https://www.epsolarpv.com/upload/file/1903/Tracer-BN-SMS-EL-V1.2.pdf)). The charge controller is rated for 40 A.
 The additional, older 250 W panel is connected to a small PWM charge controller. Note that PWM charge controllers are less efficient than MPPT controllers.

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 # Solar panels and MPPT charge controller
-There are five [SUNGOLDPOWER 24V Monocrystalline 200W Solar Panels](https://sungoldpower.com/collections/monocrystalline-solar-panel/products/200-watt-monocrystalline-solar-panel#specification_1)(62.2 x 31.8 x 1.4 inches) that are connected in parallel, which keeps their voltage at 24 V and adds up their amperage. On a sunny day, they output up to 750 W to the [SolarEpic 4125BN MPPT Solar Charge Controller](https://solarepic.com/products/solarepic-mppt-40a-solar-charge-controller-150v-pv-input-tracer-4215bn?variant=12497866457137). The charge controller is rated for 40 A.
+There are five [SUNGOLDPOWER 24V Monocrystalline 200W Solar Panels](https://sungoldpower.com/collections/monocrystalline-solar-panel/products/200-watt-monocrystalline-solar-panel#specification_1)(62.2 x 31.8 x 1.4 inches) that are connected in parallel, which keeps their voltage at 24 V and adds up their amperage. On a sunny day, they output up to 750 W to the [SolarEpic 4215BN MPPT Solar Charge Controller](https://solarepic.com/products/solarepic-mppt-40a-solar-charge-controller-150v-pv-input-tracer-4215bn?variant=12497866457137). The charge controller is rated for 40 A.
 The additional, older 250 W panel is connected to a small PWM charge controller. Note that PWM charge controllers are less efficient than MPPT controllers.

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 # Solar panels and MPPT charge controller
-There are five [SUNGOLDPOWER 24V Monocrystalline 200W Solar Panels](https://sungoldpower.com/collections/monocrystalline-solar-panel/products/200-watt-monocrystalline-solar-panel#specification_1)(62.2 x 31.8 x 1.4 inches) that are connected in parallel, which keeps their voltage at 24 V and adds up their amperage. On a sunny day, they output up to 500 W to the [SolarEpic 4125BN MPPT Solar Charge Controller](https://solarepic.com/products/solarepic-mppt-40a-solar-charge-controller-150v-pv-input-tracer-4215bn?variant=12497866457137). The charge controller is rated for 40 A.
+There are five [SUNGOLDPOWER 24V Monocrystalline 200W Solar Panels](https://sungoldpower.com/collections/monocrystalline-solar-panel/products/200-watt-monocrystalline-solar-panel#specification_1)(62.2 x 31.8 x 1.4 inches) that are connected in parallel, which keeps their voltage at 24 V and adds up their amperage. On a sunny day, they output up to 750 W to the [SolarEpic 4125BN MPPT Solar Charge Controller](https://solarepic.com/products/solarepic-mppt-40a-solar-charge-controller-150v-pv-input-tracer-4215bn?variant=12497866457137). The charge controller is rated for 40 A.
 The additional, older 250 W panel is connected to a small PWM charge controller. Note that PWM charge controllers are less efficient than MPPT controllers.

@@ Line 33: / Line 33: @@
 As the micro-hydro system charges the batteries 24/7, it is important to prevent overcharging with a diversion controller that redirects the energy to a heating element. The heating element dumps the electricity and converts it into heat. The diversion controller is the C-35 by Schneider ([Manual](http://solar.schneider-electric.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/c-series-manual-975-0004-01-02-rev-d_eng.pdf)).
-For more maintenance information go to [[Micro Hydro Turbine]].
+Oftentimes, the micro-hydro system stops working or outputs low power. If that is the case, you might have to flash the generator or remove leaves from the bucket. For more maintenance information go to [[Micro Hydro Turbine]].
 # Meters

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:08, 22 November 2020
Line 44:		Line 44:
	# Inverter		# Inverter

		+	We have a Xantrex SW Series Inverter/Charger that is rated for 3000 W ([manual](http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Discontinued-Products/SW2512MC-SW4024MC2UserGuide.pdf)).
	The current inverter's maximum continuous battery charger input is 3600VA. It's maximum alternating current (AC) output overcurrent protection is 35 A at 110 V.		The current inverter's maximum continuous battery charger input is 3600VA. It's maximum alternating current (AC) output overcurrent protection is 35 A at 110 V.

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
-## Solar panels and MPPT charge controller
+# Solar panels and MPPT charge controller
 There are five [SUNGOLDPOWER 24V Monocrystalline 200W Solar Panels](https://sungoldpower.com/collections/monocrystalline-solar-panel/products/200-watt-monocrystalline-solar-panel#specification_1)(62.2 x 31.8 x 1.4 inches) that are connected in parallel, which keeps their voltage at 24 V and adds up their amperage. On a sunny day, they output up to 500 W to the [SolarEpic 4125BN MPPT Solar Charge Controller](https://solarepic.com/products/solarepic-mppt-40a-solar-charge-controller-150v-pv-input-tracer-4215bn?variant=12497866457137). The charge controller is rated for 40 A.
@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 _Our latitude is 36.4037°_.
-## Micro-Hydro and diversion controller
+# Micro-Hydro and diversion controller
 The [[Micro Hydro Turbine]] system outputs around 60-110 W all day long. We currently don't have any accurate information on its original efficiency, head, or other characteristics. Please update this section and the micro-hydro page if you know more.
@@ Line 35: / Line 35: @@
 For more maintenance information go to [[Micro Hydro Turbine]].
-## Meters
+# Meters
 The micro hydro input, the small solar panel
@@ Line 42: / Line 42: @@
 [[File:meter-how-to-connect.jpeg |thumb|This graphic informs you about how to connect the blue watt-meter displays to different inputs and outputs.]]
-## Inverter
+# Inverter
 The current inverter's maximum continuous battery charger input is 3600VA. It's maximum alternating current (AC) output overcurrent protection is 35 A at 110 V.
-## Deep-Cycle batteries
+# Deep-Cycle batteries
 [[File:12-FS-210 Rolls Battery.JPG|thumb|Deep-cycle battery 12 FS 210 by Rolls Battery]]
@@ Line 64: / Line 64: @@
 Most of the reported lead acid battery explosions are caused by charging a flooded automotive battery outside the car with an unregulated battery charger. In this case the battery can be left on charge for a long time, and the unregulated charger can run it out of water. Chargers that are designed for battery tending or maintenance , as well as most of the PowerStream lead acid chargers can be left on the battery forever without causing them to gas. Simple, old fashioned, or unregulated transformer chargers should not be left on the battery after it is charged.[^powerstream]
-### Upgrading the batteries
+## Upgrading the batteries
 One should refrain from adding new batteries to an already used set as it wears down the old batteries faster. This will result in deep discharged old batteries. Therefore, we could consider moving the current/old set to our future octagonal cabins. As depicted in the illustration above, we could run two independent 12 V systems in different locations. Rolls Battery released a new version of our current batteries, the S12 185 ([data sheet](https://www.rollsbattery.com/battery/s12-185/?pdf=8512)). Here is a [summary of the model updates](https://rollsbattery.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Model-Updates.pdf).

@@ Line 56: / Line 56: @@
 As with all deep cycle batteries, they shouldn’t be drained to less than 20% of their capacity, which results in a usable capacity of 336 Ah with 24 V (~8,000 Watt-hours [Wh]) after purchase. Please note that these numbers will be lower after long-term usage. Based on experience, the batteries are severely damaged resulting in a capacity of approx. 40% (3,200 Wh).
-### Fire and safety tips
+### Charging tips
 ### Upgrading the batteries
@@ Line 65: / Line 71: @@
 The Main House Electricity System is connected to an Arduino-based [[Electrical Control Unit]]. Please refer to the aforementioned page for the GitHub repository.

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
-## Solar Panels and MPPT Charge Controller
+## Solar panels and MPPT charge controller
 There are five [SUNGOLDPOWER 24V Monocrystalline 200W Solar Panels](https://sungoldpower.com/collections/monocrystalline-solar-panel/products/200-watt-monocrystalline-solar-panel#specification_1)(62.2 x 31.8 x 1.4 inches) that are connected in parallel, which keeps their voltage at 24 V and adds up their amperage. On a sunny day, they output up to 500 W to the [SolarEpic 4125BN MPPT Solar Charge Controller](https://solarepic.com/products/solarepic-mppt-40a-solar-charge-controller-150v-pv-input-tracer-4215bn?variant=12497866457137). The charge controller is rated for 40 A.
@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 For more information on the solar panel upgrade that was done, please refer to [[Additional Solar Panels Research]].
-### Wires and Connectors
+### Wires and connectors
 We are using around 100 feet of 2 AWG copper cable for each positive and negative connection. The cables are NOT fully water-resistant. Ideally, we should bury them in PVC pipes underground. The SUNDGOLDPOWER panels used to have standard MC4 connectors that we cut off.
-### Mounts and Brackets
+### Mounts and brackets
 [SunWize](https://www.sunwize.com/application-item/solar-panel-mounts/) has a large number of solar panel connectors and brackets. [Solar Electric](https://www.solar-electric.com/residential/panel-mounts-trackers/pole-mounts.html) has pole mounts.
@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 _Our latitude is 36.4037°_.
-## Micro-Hydro and Diversion Controller
+## Micro-Hydro and diversion controller
-The micro-hydro system outputs around 60 W all day long. We currently don't have any accurate information on its original efficiency, head, or other characteristics. Please update this section and the micro-hydro page if you know more.
+The [[Micro Hydro Turbine]] system outputs around 60-110 W all day long. We currently don't have any accurate information on its original efficiency, head, or other characteristics. Please update this section and the micro-hydro page if you know more.
 As the micro-hydro system charges the batteries 24/7, it is important to prevent overcharging with a diversion controller that redirects the energy to a heating element. The heating element dumps the electricity and converts it into heat. The diversion controller is the C-35 by Schneider ([Manual](http://solar.schneider-electric.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/c-series-manual-975-0004-01-02-rev-d_eng.pdf)).
 ## Meters
@@ Line 44: / Line 46: @@
 The current inverter's maximum continuous battery charger input is 3600VA. It's maximum alternating current (AC) output overcurrent protection is 35 A at 110 V.
-## Deep-Cycle Batteries
+## Deep-Cycle batteries
 [[File:12-FS-210 Rolls Battery.JPG|thumb|Deep-cycle battery 12 FS 210 by Rolls Battery]]
@@ Line 54: / Line 56: @@
 As with all deep cycle batteries, they shouldn’t be drained to less than 20% of their capacity, which results in a usable capacity of 336 Ah with 24 V (~8,000 Watt-hours [Wh]) after purchase. Please note that these numbers will be lower after long-term usage. Based on experience, the batteries are severely damaged resulting in a capacity of approx. 40% (3,200 Wh).
-### Upgrading the Batteries
+### Fire and safety tips
 One should refrain from adding new batteries to an already used set as it wears down the old batteries faster. This will result in deep discharged old batteries. Therefore, we could consider moving the current/old set to our future octagonal cabins. As depicted in the illustration above, we could run two independent 12 V systems in different locations. Rolls Battery released a new version of our current batteries, the S12 185 ([data sheet](https://www.rollsbattery.com/battery/s12-185/?pdf=8512)). Here is a [summary of the model updates](https://rollsbattery.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Model-Updates.pdf).
-## Software and Hardware
+## Software and hardware
 The Main House Electricity System is connected to an Arduino-based [[Electrical Control Unit]]. Please refer to the aforementioned page for the GitHub repository.