Outback Power Systems GS8048 Operator Manual - Manual (Page 11)

900-0020-01-00 Rev B 9
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
Generator allows a wide range of generators, even those with a rough or imperfect AC waveform.
Normally 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.