Generator THD

[Stephen Kelsey]

The chargeverter has two settings: maximum voltage, maximum current.

E.g., If you set the maximum voltage to 54V, and your batteries are at 51V, it will send the maximum current (up to 100A) to charge batteries or power the inverter. I never run the chargeverter at 100A full out, I never go above 80A.
As you approach the maximum voltage, the current will reduce until it is 0.
So the chargeverter will put out between 0 and 5500W, with the maximum wattage limited by the DC voltage.
Note that you need a big generator >7000W to do 5500W of DC, and the generator efficiency isn’t great.
Chargeverter efficiency is about 92%

Yes you could do that with the Aims 8000.
Do a search in the forum for chargeverter for other’s experiences.

Thanks again

 

[dougbert]

The chargeverter has two settings: maximum voltage, maximum current.

E.g., If you set the maximum voltage to 54V, and your batteries are at 51V, it will send the maximum current (up to 100A) to charge batteries or power the inverter. I never run the chargeverter at 100A full out, I never go above 80A.
As you approach the maximum voltage, the current will reduce until it is 0.
So the chargeverter will put out between 0 and 5500W, with the maximum wattage limited by the DC voltage.
Note that you need a big generator >7000W to do 5500W of DC, and the generator efficiency isn’t great.
Chargeverter efficiency is about 92%

Yes you could do that with the Aims 8000.
Do a search in the forum for chargeverter for other’s experiences.

if you need more than what a single CV can do, add more

here is 60,000 watts being fed by a 3 phase generator and panel

 

[NuDiyr2Eg4]

Okay!
Been reading this string on generators,
I have a small (pull start) Yamaha EF2200is "Inverter" generator (it was given to me as a gift), being that this is a more expensive "Inverter" generator, does that mean that I do NOT need a Chargeverter (which I cannot afford, any time soon)?
And if that is the case, it's not clear in the EG4 nor Yamaha manual, the best way to hook it up, it does have a Neutral Floating (no idea what that means) 120v 30 amp Nema TT30 outlet. I am thinking I can pick up a TT30 cord, and hard wire it directly into the12000XP, make some settings in the XP's menu, and be ready to go.
I know that it won't have the ability to "Autostart", but, I not really expecting to have to use it very often (in all honesty, I think it's a good thing to run any gas powered motor at least once a month anyway).
I am actually considering, setting this up, before I wire the solar panels in ( I get the impression, that it is best to have at least a little bit of a load, to absorb the "inrush" of voltage, when you do an initial start up). so this is something I would like to do, right away.

Thanks

 

[seneysolar]

Okay!
Been reading this string on generators,
I have a small (pull start) Yamaha EF2200is "Inverter" generator (it was given to me as a gift), being that this is a more expensive "Inverter" generator, does that mean that I do NOT need a Chargeverter (which I cannot afford, any time soon)?
And if that is the case, it's not clear in the EG4 nor Yamaha manual, the best way to hook it up, it does have a Neutral Floating (no idea what that means) 120v 30 amp Nema TT30 outlet. I am thinking I can pick up a TT30 cord, and hard wire it directly into the12000XP, make some settings in the XP's menu, and be ready to go.
I know that it won't have the ability to "Autostart", but, I not really expecting to have to use it very often (in all honesty, I think it's a good thing to run any gas powered motor at least once a month anyway).
I am actually considering, setting this up, before I wire the solar panels in ( I get the impression, that it is best to have at least a little bit of a load, to absorb the "inrush" of voltage, when you do an initial start up). so this is something I would like to do, right away.

Thanks

The yamaha is only 120v, you wont be able to feed the 12000xp with it.

A chargeverter (100a) is kind of overkill for that little yamaha, they can be programed down but still.... Just find a 48v charger like this -

PowerMax PM3-48-18LK 48 Volt, 18 Amp Converter/Charger | DonRowe.com

The PowerMax PM3-48-18LK Converter/Charger converts 120 volts AC to 54.4 volts DC for both DC load operation and 48 volt battery charging up to 18 amps.

www.donrowe.com

 

[NuDiyr2Eg4]

Wow! Thank You!
I will definitely look into this,it's got to be cheaper too.

The yamaha is only 120v, you wont be able to feed the 12000xp with it.

A chargeverter (100a) is kind of overkill for that little yamaha, they can be programed down but still.... Just find a 48v charger like this -

PowerMax PM3-48-18LK 48 Volt, 18 Amp Converter/Charger | DonRowe.com

The PowerMax PM3-48-18LK Converter/Charger converts 120 volts AC to 54.4 volts DC for both DC load operation and 48 volt battery charging up to 18 amps.

www.donrowe.com

Thanks senesolar,

I couldn't resist poking around, and trying to get a better deal (guess that's the nerd in me), but, the bottom line, is that your understanding on this matter, is far greater than my own, and it looks like a couple of others "agreed" with your recommendation.
So, I'm gonna "bite the bullet" and purchase the one you recommended, and be grateful to you (i really appreciate the "detailed" advice), this forum (thanks Will), and all participants.

I was so stressed about all of this, until I connected with all of you. I have no choice (I have to do it myself), my electric company is "out of control", and I cannot afford to hire someone else (couldn't trust them if I did).

Thanks to All!

 

[seneysolar]

Wow! Thank You!
I will definitely look into this,it's got to be cheaper too.

Thanks senesolar,

I couldn't resist poking around, and trying to get a better deal (guess that's the nerd in me), but, the bottom line, is that your understanding on this matter, is far greater than my own, and it looks like a couple of others "agreed" with your recommendation.
So, I'm gonna "bite the bullet" and purchase the one you recommended, and be grateful to you (i really appreciate the "detailed" advice), this forum (thanks Will), and all participants.

I was so stressed about all of this, until I connected with all of you. I have no choice (I have to do it myself), my electric company is "out of control", and I cannot afford to hire someone else (couldn't trust them if I did).

Thanks to All!

The idea is to just get energy back into your batteries from a 120V source. I have used the IOTA chargers before too. They make a DLS-54-13 that's only 13A. The Powermax one I listed looks like a better option and is cheaper. Donrowe.com is a great vendor too. There may be cheaper ones on Amazon but I try to avoid them.

Check out the thread-

Thread 'Charging with suitcase generator?'

Dec 17, 2023

Anyone charging their battery bank with a small suitcase generator? (Under 2500w). I see lots of folks on here using big generators but thats alot of fuel...

I have a plug wired on my Aims 4k inv/charger and i use my yamaha 2000 for charging. I have 4 trojan L-16's in series for 24v. I realize that if i ask for a large load (well pump) from the inverter that it will disconnect the generator for a minute but it just reconnects when the pump is done. The aims inverter has the little charge rate dial you can turn to match generator capability. I just go by sound. About 35 amps is the sweet...

• seneysolar
• Replies: 46
• Forum: Fuel Back-up Generators

• 

That Yamaha can probably run 10 hours on a gallon of gas. Obviously that 18A charger wont be a fast charge (~900W), but in an emergency you could reduce your loads, let it run all night and not use a bunch of fuel. Having a 48V power supply is always handy too in case you ever have to "wake up" a dead battery.

 

[NuDiyr2Eg4]

The idea is to just get energy back into your batteries from a 120V source. I have used the IOTA chargers before too. They make a DLS-54-13 that's only 13A. The Powermax one I listed looks like a better option and is cheaper. Donrowe.com is a great vendor too. There may be cheaper ones on Amazon but I try to avoid them.

Check out the thread-

Thread 'Charging with suitcase generator?'

Dec 17, 2023

Anyone charging their battery bank with a small suitcase generator? (Under 2500w). I see lots of folks on here using big generators but thats alot of fuel...

I have a plug wired on my Aims 4k inv/charger and i use my yamaha 2000 for charging. I have 4 trojan L-16's in series for 24v. I realize that if i ask for a large load (well pump) from the inverter that it will disconnect the generator for a minute but it just reconnects when the pump is done. The aims inverter has the little charge rate dial you can turn to match generator capability. I just go by sound. About 35 amps is the sweet...

• seneysolar
• Replies: 46
• Forum: Fuel Back-up Generators

• 

That Yamaha can probably run 10 hours on a gallon of gas. Obviously that 18A charger wont be a fast charge (~900W), but in an emergency you could reduce your loads, let it run all night and not use a bunch of fuel. Having a 48V power supply is always handy too in case you ever have to "wake up" a dead battery.

I agree, one really doesn't understand, the intricacies of this equipment (usually, till it's too late). There are not a lot of these "specific" models floating around, with these specs (just trying to figure out how I'm gonna pay for it), I know I better get it while it's still available.

Thanks again for the great advise!

 

[NuDiyr2Eg4]

I agree, one really doesn't understand, the intricacies of this equipment (usually, till it's too late). There are not a lot of these "specific" models floating around, with these specs (just trying to figure out how I'm gonna pay for it), I know I better get it while it's still available.

Thanks again for the great advise!

Hey senesolar,

I just received my PowerMax (exact model you recommended...really appreciate your advise).
I've created a (sealed) "wall pass-thru", so I can feed the power chord (just 36' long), directly through the wall & into the generator (which will be placed outside...only when needed, the power cord will also be stored inside, until needed as well).
The instructions recommended a minimum wire size of 10 gauge (I decided to go with an 8 AWG CU 2 CDR with a 10 AWG ground (600 Volts).
My plan is to wire this "directly" into my 12000XP, to the GEN L1 & L2 terminals, I will run the ground from the 12000XP to the Generators ground. ( the 12000XP is "earthed" to the same rod as my new LC and (roofed solar panels), all of is this separate from the my "Grid" system (which I hope to eventually disconnect), with all the controversy it seems, that the safest thing was to "join the two ground rods" (which I have done with 6 gauge solid copper wire), I decided to do the "Bond" in the new LC as opposed to "Enabling" the N-PE (electronically?), I simply "do not trust this".

I am not an electrician, but, I have entirely rewired this entire home (built in 1936)...and only had one issue, that needed sorting. That said, I am new to DC and solar.

So... if you don't mind, if you see any "red flags", or if my "approach" appears "off track", please let me know.

Just want to do it right "the first time".

Again, thanks for your help!

 

[seneysolar]

My plan is to wire this "directly" into my 12000XP, to the GEN L1 & L2 terminals

No, the output of the charger is DC, this goes to the battery terminals.
NOT the generator input on the inverter, that would be for split phase AC if you had that type of generator.

 

[NuDiyr2Eg4]

Hey senesolar,
Well Duhhh! Once again, I Thank You!
This is why I need this Forum (yeah, that makes perfect sense).

This is why I have refrained from powering anything up, I am so new to this stuff (it's intimidating).

REALLY appreciate the help, I also appreciate the thumbs up from 42OhmsPA as well!

Thanks to All

 

[chamilun]

as an owner of a 3800, and although the new 3800+ just came out, if I had to do again I'd get a 6000XP and battery and call it a day.

for $1400 + $1000 for a server rack battery, you will spend less and have an infinitely more expandable system for way less money.

you could even put both on some type of cart and have a relatively compact system.

the 3800 is also super heavy and difficult to move around.

I will say it has a nice 6000 watt output and outputs 220, but the idle draw is super high. only 3.8 kwh battery. great for what it is but easy to make a better system for less.

just my opinion of course

 

[NuDiyr2Eg4]

Hey senesolar,
Well Duhhh! Once again, I Thank You!
This is why I need this Forum (yeah, that makes perfect sense).

This is why I have refrained from powering anything up, I am so new to this stuff (it's intimidating).

REALLY appreciate the help, I also appreciate the thumbs up from 42OhmsPA as well!

Thanks to All

Eg4's reply: With your Yamaha EF2200iS, I recommend just directly plugging the output into your inverter's generator port.Yes it's underpowered, but the THD (total harmonic distortion) is only 2.5% and would be perfectly fine to plug into your inverter to use as back up charging, no need for the chargeverter.The cables that come with the chargeverter were not designed to connect to the Indoor and allweather power pro quick connect lugs.To connect the chargeverter, you'd either need to use an external busbar to connect the batteries to and then connect a standard ring terminal to the chargeverter lead and connect that to the busbar.There are several distributors who offer the quick connectors, but the chargeverter wiring for leads is too small to fit in those connectors.All of that being said, I recommend directly connecting the generator to your 12kXP.