Xantrex Technology 120 VAC/60 Recommended Battery Charger Settings, Ac Current Level, Frequency

OPERATION

AC CURRENT LEVEL

The maximum current draw into the AC HOT IN 1 terminal can be adjusted by the SET GRID (AC1) AMPS AC menu item. The maximum current draw into the AC HOT IN 2 terminal can be adjusted by the SET GEN (AC2) AMPS AC menu item. These adjustments are used to “back off” the battery charger’s AC current draw while other AC loads are being powered through the inverter. This prevents the overloading of the AC source and prevents nuisance tripping of the AC source circuit breakers.

FREQUENCY

AC HOT IN 1 is the Utility Power connection point. The frequency tolerance is 53 to 67 Hz for 60 Hz models (44 to 56 for 50 Hz models). The typical transfer delay is approximately 30 seconds once the AC HOT IN 1 terminals are energized. When the SELL mode is enabled from the SET GRID USAGE menu item, the transfer delay period is typically 90 seconds and the frequency tolerance is restricted to 58 to 62 Hz for 60 Hz models (48 to 52 Hz for 50 Hz models).

AC HOT IN 2 is used as a fuel-powered generator connection point. There is a default 60-second delay before transfer occurs. This gives the generator time to stabilize before being loaded. Frequency tolerance is 53 to 67 Hz for 60 Hz models (44 to 56 for 50 Hz models). The fuel-powered generator must be stable for the inverter to synchronize and connect.

DELAY PERIOD

The delay period, approximately 30 seconds, occurs after the AC source has been applied to the AC HOT IN 1 terminal. If SELL mode is enabled (from the SET GRID USAGE menu item under the INVERTER SETUP (9) menu heading) and a power outage occurs, reconnection back to the utility power will be delayed for a period of at least 90 seconds. This delay allows the utility distribution system to stabilize before the inverter resumes selling power back to the utility. It is not adjustable.

The delay period for the AC HOT IN 2 terminal is adjustable through the SET GEN WARMUP SECONDS menu item under the GEN STARTING DETAILS (13) menu heading. This allows the generator to reach a stable operating condition before being loaded. The default generator warm-up period is 60 seconds. Once warmed up, the inverter synchronizes to the generator. If the AC source is not stable, the inverter may not be able to synchronize and will not connect. If the generator runs for 5 minutes without the inverter being able to connect, then the generator will be shut off and the ERROR LED indicator will be illuminated. A GENERATOR SYNC, YES error condition will be displayed in the ERROR CAUSES (5) menu heading on the Control Panel.

RECOMMENDED BATTERY CHARGER SETTINGS

The settings for the battery charger primarily depend upon the battery chemistry and construction. Other factors such as usage, age and battery bank size need to be considered as well. The battery charger settings will automatically adjust if the temperature compensation sensor is installed. If it is not installed, the settings should be adjusted manually to allow for the typical battery temperature. This may require seasonal readjustment for optimum performance.

The default settings are typical values for liquid, lead acid battery applications. They will work satisfactorily for many systems.

CAUTION: To prevent battery damage and achieve maximum performance, adjust the battery charger settings to the manufacturer’s recommendations. NiCad (or alkaline) battery users must also adjust the SET TEMP COMP menu item setting. The battery charger settings are located under the BATTERY CHARGER (10) menu heading in the SETUP MENU.

The SET MAX CHARGE AMPS AC menu item will need to be reduced if you are using a small battery bank. High charge rates can cause a small battery to overheat. This may cause damage and is not an efficient way to recharge the battery. With the Control Panel, adjust the charger for a maximum rate that is less than 1/5 of the battery capacity for efficient recharging. For example, if the battery is rated at 500 amp-hours, set the maximum charge rate for 100 amps DC. Since the setting is adjusted in amps AC drawn by the battery charger, divide the DC charge rate by 8 for 12 volt systems, 4 for 24 volt systems and 2 for 48 volt systems (these factors are for 120 VAC systems and include the power lost in the battery charger). If the example battery bank of 500 amp hours was a 24 volt system, the maximum AC amps setting should be around 25 amps AC (500 x 1/5 = 100 amps DC, 100 / 4 = 25 amps AC.)

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 2001 Xantrex Technology, Inc.	Telephone: 360/435-8826	SW Series Inverter/Charger
5916 - 195th Street N. E.	Fax: 360/435-2229	Part No. 2031-5
Arlington, WA 98223	www.traceengineering.com	Rev. C: February 2001