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Main House Electricity System (view source)
Revision as of 01:41, 28 February 2021
, 01:41, 28 February 2021no edit summary
# 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 500 750 W to the [SolarEpic 4125BN 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.
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)).
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
# 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 Main House Electricity System is connected to an Arduino-based [[Electrical Control Unit]]. Please refer to the aforementioned page for the GitHub repository.
# 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.
# References
[^powerstream]:https://www.powerstream.com/how-to-use-a-battery-charger.htm