Operation
Input Modes
The Radian inverter has two sets of input connections for multiple AC sources. (See the Radian Series Inverter/Charger Installation Manual for more information.) With the MATE3, each input can be programmed to a particular operating mode. Six modes are available, each with certain advantages which make it ideal for a particular application. Some modes contain functions unique to that mode.
Both of the Radian’s inputs can be programmed for separate modes. The mode for the “Grid” input can be set in the Grid AC Input Mode and Limits menu. The second, “Gen”, input can be set in the Gen AC Input Mode and Limits menu.
NOTE: The input terminals are labeled for grid and generator due to common conventions, not because of inverter requirements. Each input can accept any AC source as long as it meets the requirements of the Radian inverter and the selected input mode. If necessary, the Gen terminals can accept grid power. The opposite is also true.
When multiple inverters are stacked together (see page 26), the master inverter’s input mode is imposed on all slave inverters. The slave menu settings are not changed; they retain any input mode that was previously programmed. However, the slave will ignore its own input mode and use that of the master. This also applies to any parameters in the mode menu (Voltage Limit, Connect Delay, and so on).
The following pages compare the various features of each input mode.
Generator
This mode allows the use of any generator, even one with a rough or imperfect AC waveform. In other modes, a “noisy” or irregular waveform may not be accepted by the inverter. This mode allows these waveforms to be accepted. The charging algorithm of this mode is designed to work well with any AC generator regardless of power quality or regulation mechanism. The generator must still comply with the inverter’s nominal input specifications in the Input section of this manual. See page 16.
CHARGING:
In this mode, when the charger is enabled, the Radian will use the AC source to charge the battery bank. (See page 20.) It will proceed through the battery charging cycle until it reaches the Float stage. It will then remain in the Float stage and maintain the batteries for as long as the AC source is present.
BENEFITS:
The Radian inverter will charge the batteries from the generator even when the generator is undersized, of low quality, or has other problems. The recommended parameters for sizing a generator are listed on page 18.
In cases where utility grid power is unstable or unreliable, Generator mode may allow the Radian inverter to accept the power.
This mode has a programmable delay time which will allow a generator to stabilize before connection. In the MATE3, this menu item is Connect Delay. It is available in either the Grid AC Input Mode and Limits or the Gen AC Input Mode and Limits menu, depending on which input is being programmed.
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