All in One MicroGrid - Is it possible?

[Gourmetgame]

Random question: Can we use a MPP SOLAR all in one, in a microgrid configuration like a multi-mode inverter or inverter/charger similar to a Victron Multiplus. Pair it with a Fronius Primo solar inverter, panels, batteries, and a generator to make a microgrid used for off-grid power. Does this make sense?

 

[Steve_S]

Of course you can and it does not have to be overly complicated either. Most Inverter Companies make Inverter/Chargers which accept not only grid power and auto-switch on/off but also can auto-start a generator & accept Solar / Wind input. These can be programmed for various modes, such as; UPS Mode if grid power fails, auto-switch to battery, Battery Mode switching to Grid if batteries reach threshold OR start a Generator.

Inverter / Charger combinations are very efficient and effective with a wide possibility of programming them to suit your needs. I use a Samlex EVO-4024 for my home and it's great ! They have a variety of them and several new models (including stackable inverters) are coming for 2020. REF LINK: https://www.samlexamerica.com/products/ProductsList.aspx?cid=S51

One word of caution / advice. Using various brands of gear can become a management & control nightmare. Many systems have Modbus, CanBus or proprietary communications... Modbus & CanBus are open and common with many companies and can simplify integration & management.

A Genset which works well in such a scenario while being Budget Friendly are the Champion Home Stand-by generators which use LPG (Propane) that can sit for ages without souring (some can be connected to Natural Gas as well). Connect that Auto-Start switch to the Inverter/Charger and enable it's function & set the thresholds.
REF: https://www.championpowerequipment.com/products/generators/home-standby-generators/

You can go one step up and go for a complete solution ! As some companies, Even Chinese Quality OEMS are now manufacturing these on scale as demand is going through the roof, it's also good as prices are falling fast in this area. Have a look at TWO Chinese Companies that are High Quality OEM's

AC Coupled Inverter For Micro Grid Archives - Shenzhen Sigineer Power CO.,LTD.

Most grid-tie PV systems are useless when the grid fails. They shut down at the very moment that the power is most needed. This does not need to be the case. One way to ensure that a PV array does not become stranded during utility outages is to make it AC COUPLED back up system. AC Coupled...

www.sigineer.com

https://www.yiyen.com/product/battery-energy-storage-system-ess/ DIRECT or https://wholesaler.alibaba.com/wholesale/search?SearchText=yiyen

My Own system has a Samlex EVO-4024 for my home. A Yiyen APS-3024 Combi Inverter/Charger as secondary (going to greenhouse) and while I have not uised Sigineer myself, I know a few who have and absolutely love them.

Lastly & most importantly. Always stick to LOW FREQUENCY Pure Sine and avoid High Frequency Inverters (cheasper and do not handfle motors, pumps etc well) REF: Inversion Methods Explained: High Frequency vs Low Frequency
https://www.magnum-dimensions.com/k...rsion-methods-explained-high-frequency-vs-low

 

[Craig]

@Steve_S How do you like the samlex evo-4024 Im very close to buying one.

 

[Steve_S]

@Steve_S How do you like the samlex evo-4024 Im very close to buying one.

Another just arrived from the BC Depot by UPS. How's that answer ? Too bad the Stackables are not available yet... Hindsight, I maybe should'a gone with the stackable sigineers… Still a happy camper though.. BTW, Samlex Support is GREAT ! The do NOT make their Modbus communication data publicly available through, I have it as I signed the Developer NDA's ( I used to be deeply into the Protocol Standards & Communications Group here in Canada {Retired IT Engineer)).

EDIT: One item I forgot to mention. Samlex EVO-Plus Remote does all the configuration, adjustments etc, pretty simple to use. The Unit is ModBus enabled and CanBus capable (they don't give out the info without NDA, as it's not public). The CON is that to access the ModBus you have to go RS485 and then get the software to do it.

 

[Craig]

Another just arrived from the BC Depot by UPS. How's that answer ? Too bad the Stackables are not available yet... Hindsight, I maybe should'a gone with the stackable sigineers… Still a happy camper though.. BTW, Samlex Support is GREAT ! The do NOT make their Modbus communication data publicly available through, I have it as I signed the Developer NDA's ( I used to be deeply into the Protocol Standards & Communications Group here in Canada {Retired IT Engineer)).

EDIT: One item I forgot to mention. Samlex EVO-Plus Remote does all the configuration, adjustments etc, pretty simple to use. The Unit is ModBus enabled and CanBus capable (they don't give out the info without NDA, as it's not public). The CON is that to access the ModBus you have to go RS485 and then get the software to do it.

So you mean they have stackable in the works or what about a 48 volt. The volt thing is my only hold up right now. I can do 24 but would prefer 48

 

[Steve_S]

From what I got from their senior tech who is testing now is there will be a family of 48VDC units and possibly higher voltage but I'm not sure.

 

[Craig]

From what I got from their senior tech who is testing now is there will be a family of 48VDC units and possibly higher voltage but I'm not sure.

Oh wow that is good to know cant wait!

 

[L-P-G]

Of course you can and it does not have to be overly complicated either. Most Inverter Companies make Inverter/Chargers which accept not only grid power and auto-switch on/off but also can auto-start a generator & accept Solar / Wind input. These can be programmed for various modes, such as; UPS Mode if grid power fails, auto-switch to battery, Battery Mode switching to Grid if batteries reach threshold OR start a Generator.

Inverter / Charger combinations are very efficient and effective with a wide possibility of programming them to suit your needs. I use a Samlex EVO-4024 for my home and it's great ! They have a variety of them and several new models (including stackable inverters) are coming for 2020. REF LINK: https://www.samlexamerica.com/products/ProductsList.aspx?cid=S51

One word of caution / advice. Using various brands of gear can become a management & control nightmare. Many systems have Modbus, CanBus or proprietary communications... Modbus & CanBus are open and common with many companies and can simplify integration & management.

A Genset which works well in such a scenario while being Budget Friendly are the Champion Home Stand-by generators which use LPG (Propane) that can sit for ages without souring (some can be connected to Natural Gas as well). Connect that Auto-Start switch to the Inverter/Charger and enable it's function & set the thresholds.
REF: https://www.championpowerequipment.com/products/generators/home-standby-generators/

You can go one step up and go for a complete solution ! As some companies, Even Chinese Quality OEMS are now manufacturing these on scale as demand is going through the roof, it's also good as prices are falling fast in this area. Have a look at TWO Chinese Companies that are High Quality OEM's

AC Coupled Inverter For Micro Grid Archives - Shenzhen Sigineer Power CO.,LTD.

Most grid-tie PV systems are useless when the grid fails. They shut down at the very moment that the power is most needed. This does not need to be the case. One way to ensure that a PV array does not become stranded during utility outages is to make it AC COUPLED back up system. AC Coupled...

www.sigineer.com

https://www.yiyen.com/product/battery-energy-storage-system-ess/ DIRECT or https://wholesaler.alibaba.com/wholesale/search?SearchText=yiyen

My Own system has a Samlex EVO-4024 for my home. A Yiyen APS-3024 Combi Inverter/Charger as secondary (going to greenhouse) and while I have not uised Sigineer myself, I know a few who have and absolutely love them.

Lastly & most importantly. Always stick to LOW FREQUENCY Pure Sine and avoid High Frequency Inverters (cheasper and do not handfle motors, pumps etc well) REF: Inversion Methods Explained: High Frequency vs Low Frequency
https://www.magnum-dimensions.com/k...rsion-methods-explained-high-frequency-vs-low

I use a Sigineer 12kW inverter/charger AC coupled to 12kW of solar with my 60kW Tesla battery pack and it's worked great, it delivers exactly as advertised and the peak of 36kW is insane, I didn't even need a soft starter on the AC (although I did install one). One caveat, I wish there was a way to get data out of them.

Here's the diagram to my system which helps to understand the whole thing.

https://imgur.com/vO8kX4s

 

[Steve_S]

Oh wow that is good to know cant wait!

I personally do not trust anything that is a version 1.0 and for me it's enough cause to pause & ponder it seriously. I've never liked being a guinea pig for products, especially things important that could affect my life.

 

[Craig]

I personally do not trust anything that is a version 1.0 and for me it's enough cause to pause & ponder it seriously. I've never liked being a guinea pig for products, especially things important that could affect my life.

Good point