I have an EnPhase IQ7 array currently operating as a grid tied system with no backup or other complications.
I recently came to own (for free ) a pair of Outback FXR inverters, and a 48v set Lead Acid batteries.
I'd like to set this new hardware up to enable off-grid operation when the power goes out. I've seen mentions that the FXR is a "hybrid" inverter, but I'm having trouble nailing down whether it will shift the microgrid frequency when the batteries are done charging, and how it would need to be wired. The Outbacks have ACIN and ACOUT, as well as DC battery lugs.
If I connect ACIN and ACOUT to the grid, Can I program it to sink/source power at different times of day? I'm assuming not, as I haven't seen anyone describe that kind of setup.
Can I wire an SPDT relay to switch grid power between the IN/OUT of the outback? It would charge batteries during the day, and discharge at night. I'm comfortable building a system to do that and the Outback seems to be very configurable.
Finally, how can I use this hardware to operate off-grid, if needed? I want the Outback to use it's off-grid inverter functionality to form the microgrid, but I want it to accept power from AC and charge the batteries. It would need to curtail generation by frequency shifting the microgrid. I could use an AC->DC battery charger in parallel to the outback, but then the outback would just power the charger off the batteries in a loop...
I think the first Idea of a grid-tied battery buffer (with a timer+relay to reconfigure) is viable because it's a subset of what the Outback was advertised to do. But as for off-grid AC coupling, I don't really know. Outback recommends a Radian, but that's not what I have. What can be done?
I recently came to own (for free ) a pair of Outback FXR inverters, and a 48v set Lead Acid batteries.
I'd like to set this new hardware up to enable off-grid operation when the power goes out. I've seen mentions that the FXR is a "hybrid" inverter, but I'm having trouble nailing down whether it will shift the microgrid frequency when the batteries are done charging, and how it would need to be wired. The Outbacks have ACIN and ACOUT, as well as DC battery lugs.
If I connect ACIN and ACOUT to the grid, Can I program it to sink/source power at different times of day? I'm assuming not, as I haven't seen anyone describe that kind of setup.
Can I wire an SPDT relay to switch grid power between the IN/OUT of the outback? It would charge batteries during the day, and discharge at night. I'm comfortable building a system to do that and the Outback seems to be very configurable.
Finally, how can I use this hardware to operate off-grid, if needed? I want the Outback to use it's off-grid inverter functionality to form the microgrid, but I want it to accept power from AC and charge the batteries. It would need to curtail generation by frequency shifting the microgrid. I could use an AC->DC battery charger in parallel to the outback, but then the outback would just power the charger off the batteries in a loop...
I think the first Idea of a grid-tied battery buffer (with a timer+relay to reconfigure) is viable because it's a subset of what the Outback was advertised to do. But as for off-grid AC coupling, I don't really know. Outback recommends a Radian, but that's not what I have. What can be done?