Planning
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Renewable Energy The inverter cannot connect directly to PV, wind, or other renewable sources. The batteries are the
inverter’s primary source of power. However, if these sources are used to charge the batteries, the
inverter can use their energy by drawing it from the batteries.
The renewable source is always treated as a battery charger, even if all of its power is used
immediately. The renewable source must have a charge controller or some way to prevent
overcharging. OutBack Power’s FLEXmax charge controllers can be used for this purpose, as can
other products.
Battery Bank
When planning a battery bank, consider the following:
The GFX inverters work best with lead-chemistry batteries intended for deep discharge. These include
batteries for marine, golf-cart, and forklift applications. They also include gel-cell batteries and absorbed
glass-mat (AGM) batteries. OutBack Power recommends the use of batteries designed specifically for RE
applications. Automotive batteries are strongly discouraged and will have a short life if used in inverter
applications. Nickel-based batteries and lithium-ion batteries are discouraged due to limitations in the
inverter’s battery charger.
These inverters are designed to work with 12-, 24-, or 48-volt battery banks, depending on inverter model.
Before constructing a battery bank, check the inverter model and confirm nominal battery voltage.
A vented enclosure for the battery bank may be required by electric code and is recommended in most
cases for safety reasons.
CAUTION: Hazard to Equipment
Batteries can emit hydrogen sulfide gas which is corrosive over long periods of time.
Installing the inverter in the battery compartment may cause corrosion which is not
covered by the product warranty. (Sealed batteries may be an exception.)
The GFX inverters can work with any generator that delivers clean 230 Vac at 50 Hz. Inverters stacked
for three-phase output can work with three-phase generators.
If automatic generator starting is desired, the generator must be an electric-start model with an automatic
choke. The inverter can only perform two-wire starting. (See page 24.) For other starting configurations,
additional equipment is required.
In all cases, the inverter must be programmed appropriately using a remote system display. (See the
International Series GFX Operator’s Manual and the system display manual.)
Generator Sizing
IMPORTANT:
Battery charger settings need to be correct for a given battery type. Always follow
battery manufacturer recommendations. Making incorrect settings, or leaving them at
factory default settings, may cause the batteries to be undercharged or overcharged.