18kpv Error Code: 3

Goin'Solar · Dec 23, 2023

What exactly does error code 3 mean? It throws this code any time the inverter doesn't want to change a setting. There is no description of this code in the manual so I can't figure out what needs to be fixed.

For example, if i try to change GENERATOR RATED POWER to anything above 12 it throws this code even though the app shows a setting parameter of 0-25.5.

Quattrohead · Dec 24, 2023

It means you are trying to set a value that is out of range.
It would be better if it said that rather than a generic error code.

Goin'Solar · Dec 24, 2023

Thanks. I agree. "Out of Range" would be much better than using an error code that isn't listed in the manual.

But how is above 12 out of range when the app shows 0-25.5 and the manual says "Generator capacity should be between 6 – 21.6kW."

@EG4-Jacob @EG4_Jarrett @EG4_Ty @Markus_EG4

Goin'Solar · Dec 26, 2023

I did a firmware update and now it will allow me to input up to the max listed (25.5).

So now that I have my generator properly sized by the system, is there any reason why I shouldn't set the Battery Charge Current Limit from the generator to the listed max of 250Adc? I think this would calculate to 14kW (250A x 56Vdc). Generator is 22kW and rated for 90A at 240Vac.

Zapper77 · Dec 26, 2023

Goin'Solar said:
I did a firmware update and now it will allow me to input up to the max listed (25.5).

So now that I have my generator properly sized by the system, is there any reason why I shouldn't set the Battery Charge Current Limit from the generator to the listed max of 250Adc? I think this would calculate to 14kW (250A x 56Vdc). Generator is 22kW and rated for 90A at 240Vac.

You will hit the 12,000 watt charging limit before hitting the amp limit.

Goin'Solar · Dec 26, 2023

Got it. I forgot about that.

So would running the inverter at it's 12k charge limit be advisable or should I de-rate and give some headroom? Could it impact lifespan of the system?

I want to be able to charge as quickly as possible in order to conserve propane. There are no LP deliveries when it snows and utility power can be down for a few days to around a week at a time.

Zapper77 · Dec 26, 2023

Goin'Solar said:
Got it. I forgot about that.

So would running the inverter at it's 12k charge limit be advisable or should I de-rate and give some headroom? Could it impact lifespan of the system?

I want to be able to charge as quickly as possible in order to conserve propane. There are no LP deliveries when it snows and utility power can be down for a few days to around a week at a time.

You would need to do testing to see where your generator is most efficient.

Goin'Solar · Dec 26, 2023

Zapper77 said:
You would need to do testing to see where your generator is most efficient.

Understood, but what about the effect on longevity of the inverter/batteries of pushing the full rated 12k?

rhino · Dec 26, 2023

Goin'Solar said:
Understood, but what about the effect on longevity of the inverter/batteries of pushing the full rated 12k?

That depends on how big of battery you have. How many Ah is your battery bank rated at?

Goin'Solar · Dec 26, 2023

rhino said:
That depends on how big of battery you have. How many Ah is your battery bank rated at?

System is the PowerPro ESS with 1 18kpv and 2, 280 AH batteries. I may also end up adding 2 more batteries.

The manual says the batteries can handle the full 230 that the 18kpv outputs, but i'm curious of the effect on longevity.

Quattrohead · Dec 26, 2023

It will be a few more years before we can answer the longevity question but I have run mine at 12KW and it did not seem stressed.
A better way to do it would be monitor the RPM on the generator and when it starts to struggle that will be your limit.

18kpv Error Code: 3

Goin'Solar

New Member

Attachments

Quattrohead

Solar Wizard

Goin'Solar

New Member

Goin'Solar

New Member

Zapper77

Renaissance Man

Goin'Solar

New Member

Zapper77

Renaissance Man

Goin'Solar

New Member

rhino

Solar Wizard

Goin'Solar

New Member

Attachments

Quattrohead

Solar Wizard

Similar threads