Outback Power Systems GFX1312E, GFX1424E, GFX1448E manual Input Support

Operation

Input Support

A system display is required to control this function. When this function is enabled, the inverter limits the current draw from an AC source, augmenting it with additional current from the batteries when necessary. This helps prevent overloading a small AC circuit or generator during short-term use.

Initially the AC source current is used for both loads and battery charging. In the MATE system display, the ac1/grid limit or ac2/gen limit settings control the maximum AC draw. In the MATE3 system display, these settings are made by the Grid Input AC Limit and Gen Input AC Limit menu items. If the AC draw exceeds the setting, the inverter reduces its charge rate to give priority to the loads.

¾The charge rate will be reduced as much as necessary to support the loads. If the loads equal the amperage setting, the charge rate will be zero.

¾If the AC loads exceed the amperage setting, the charger will begin operating in reverse. It will take power from the batteries and use it to support the incoming AC current.

IMPORTANT:

If the AC loads exceed the amperage limit setting, the inverter will drain the batteries. If the loads are sustained, the batteries may discharge to the point of Low Battery Cut-Outand the inverter may shut down with a Low Battery error. (See pages 13 and 37.) To prevent the loss of backup power, load use should be planned accordingly.

In the MATE system display, this feature is activated by the ac2/gen support menu item, located in the ADVANCED menus. In the MATE3 system display, it is activated by the Input Support menu item, located in the AC Input and Current Limit menu. (See the system display manual.)

¾Although the menu is titled “ac2/gen support” in the MATE, it functions equally well whether the AC source is a generator or the utility grid.

¾Choose between generator or grid criteria using the MATE’s ac transfer control menu. The default is grid. The <GRID> and <GEN> soft keys will toggle between these respective options.

¾The default selection is on. It can be switched off using the <OFF> soft key. The MATE’s ac transfer control menu must be selected to gen in order to do this. In current models, if ac transfer control is set to grid, the support feature cannot be disabled.