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A Generator Brief for Enphase's Ensemble

svetz

Works in theory! Practice? That's something else
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Enphase has a preliminary brief for Generator support with Ensemble coming out in Q3. User controlled via the Enlighten app via the Envoy.

Looks like it has a few modes (e.g., you can set the generator to autostart/stop based on SoC or conditions, user-controlled, quiet-time, exercise (periodically runs the generator for 15 min as required by the manufacturer) ). It connects to the Enpower.

Both the PV and the generator can charge the batteries at the same time without any worry of back-feeding the generator. But, when the system is on grid, the use of a generator is not allowed in parallel with the grid.

They've a list of "tested" units, but it looks like it's compatible with any:
  • 240V L-L split phase with neutral
  • < 1% voltage regulation
  • < .5% frequency regulation
  • < 25% THD.
  • Two-wire or auto-sense start

You can go smaller, but for Microgrid stability, there's a suggested minimum generator size:
1623238534022.png
If you go smaller you need to configure it with the toolkit so it doesn't run the generator at high loads for extended times.

Check out the Enlighten screen, in the live status the generator is supplying .7 kW and the PV 7.4 kW.

1623238497811.png
 
October 14th 2021 version not stamped with "preliminary": https://enphase.com/sites/default/files/2021-10/Enphase-Generator-Support-Technical-Brief.pdf

There's also a document for how to recover batteries with a portable generator.... requires a 240V inverter generator

How to recover an Enphase storage system​

A complete list of equipment and the procedure to recover an Enphase storage system when it stops forming a microgrid due to energy shortage while there is no utility grid available. The steps outlined here can be used in the event of a sustained grid outage due to a natural disaster, such as a hurricane.

To download the file click here

To watch a video of this process click here


Process looks simple:
Disco from grid (just in case it comes on)
Open (disco) the panel breakers, but leave the envoy on
Wire the L1 and L2, N, G into the Enpower with the utility feeds are
Turn the Encharge switch to Off
Start the generator
Wait for the red blinking light on the Encharge, then turn the switch on.
(blinking means no communication, solid means communicating, solid blue means low, pulsing green means charging.
 
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