Looking for Inverter Charger that accepts 240V split phase AC Input

[Karl Lindfors]

Hi, this is my first post, but I haven't found any related content on this. Please redirect me if this has been duplicated, thanks!

My question is, what Inverter Charger options are there that accept 240V AC split phase input? The AC input for charging would require L1, L2, and Optional N. I know that SolArk and EG4 have these options in 48V, but I haven't found any Sungold, Aims, Magnum, Schneider, or Victron options that will do this. My preference is 24V for the battery bank and at least 4K watt output, but can't find any options. Any ideas?

Background: My current battery bank in 24V, and I'm using an Outback 2000W-24VDC Inverter made in 2003 that only accepts 120VAC IN and 120AC out. I have an isolated step down transformer that is currently stepping down 240V split phase to 120V L1,N, but this is really inefficient since that power source is also solar-off grid. I have no grid-tie. Finally, the big SolarArk and Eg4 options have ~125VDC PV minimums, and my system is only ~60V DC, so I couldn't use those charge controllers and would be spending a lot of power at high idle consumption. My Outback FlexMax80 is still a solid charge controller that handles my PV input.

 

[BentleyJ]

Schneider offers a SW4024 model this is a full featured grid-interactive unit so on the higher end pricing wise.

If you just need an inverter charger Genetry Solar https://www.genetrysolar.com/product/gs6/

 

[Karl Lindfors]

Thank you, I totally missed the SW4024. Also, never heard of genetry, so appreciate that lead. This inverter is for my home, so reliability is important.

As I’m writing this, I’m remembering that I have an old SW4024 on the shelf. It was throwing an error years ago and in my early days, I couldn’t figure out how any of this worked. I will power that back up and see what’s what. Maybe a different thread on that.

Thanks for the recommendations. Any furthers are appreciated.

 

[ricardocello]

2x Victron Multiplus-II 24/5000/120-95 stacked, wired for split-phase.
This is a two-box solution, so that may violate your requirements.

https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-MultiPlus-II-120V-EN.pdf

Multiply price by 2.

 

[BentleyJ]

I don't have any direct experience with Genetry but follow them periodically on YT and they recently went through a major redesign and upgrade on their inverters. Genetry uses a Low Frequency design with a beefy toroidal transformer like Schnieder.

 

[Karl Lindfors]

Super interesting! Stacking is no problem in terms of space, I’ve just never tried it. It’s also cheaper and has lower idle consumption than the bigger 48v all in ones, which I don’t need. I’ve also heard that these are good quality and I don’t think they are in EOL.

Have you tried this? Would I do L1 of my Ac input in 1 inverter and L2 in the other? I assume they would share a Neutral.

On the AC output, same thing? I need to read the install manual.

Thank you. I’ve been trying to figure all this out on my own and this is a big help.

 

[ricardocello]

Super interesting! Stacking is no problem in terms of space, I’ve just never tried it. It’s also cheaper and has lower idle consumption than the bigger 48v all in ones, which I don’t need. I’ve also heard that these are good quality and I don’t think they are in EOL.

Yes, you wire up two right next to each other. The Multiplus-II is excellent for idle consumption.

Note that the 24/5000 does not have a UL listing yet (but soon).
The others (including the 24/3000) on the data sheet I linked above have UL.

Have you tried this?

Yes I have two Quattro 48/5000 wired in split phase.

I also have an autotransformer to balance the loads between the inverters when running on battery.
But that is optional, and more of a pain to implement.

This isn't exactly what you want, but you will get the idea:

https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/AT-4-stacked-inverter-2x120V-to-120-240V-with-2xQuattro-120V-REV-B.pdf

Would I do L1 of my Ac input in 1 inverter and L2 in the other? I assume they would share a Neutral.

Exactly. You also must configure the Multipluses using VEConfigure for split phase so they operate synchronously.
It's kind of primitive being a windows app, but it works.

Extremely important that both inverters get a common neutral.

On the AC output, same thing? I need to read the install manual.

The first Multiplus is {L1, N, Ground}, the second one is {L2, N, Ground}.
You have to bond the neutrals together and grounds together (separately!) in a wire box with power distribution blocks or Polaris connectors.

The manuals are not that helpful for configuration, they mostly describe the function.
Lots of people here can help, however.

Thank you. I’ve been trying to figure all this out on my own and this is a big help.

The problem with Victron is that you have to be an engineer to design their systems.
There is enormous flexibility, but your use case never seems to be explained in a how-to.
There are Victron videos on their professional site, those were helpful (free signup).

 

[ricardocello]

I should also point out that with two Multiplus 24/5000s, you get up to 95+95A = 190A of battery charge current.
You might want to throttle that back so you don't charge too quickly, there is a setting.
Depends on your batteries.

Also remember that Victron is not an all-in-one.
You want MPPT for PV? Get a Smartsolar and add it in.
Or keep your FlexMax80. DC is DC.

Want to monitor your battery SoC? Get a SmartShunt.
It can add up after a while building things modularly.

Current Connected (and probably other dealers) will configure systems for you if this is too much DIY.