Generator, Support, Operation – Outback Power Systems GS3548E Operators Manual User Manual
Page 16

Operation
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accept grid power. The opposite is also true. However, if using the
Gen Alert or AGS functions, the
generator must use the
Gen terminals. See page 43 (Gen Alert) and page 47 (AGS).)
When multiple inverters are stacked together in parallel, the master inverter’s input mode is imposed
on all slaves. The slave settings are not changed; they retain any 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).
If inverters are stacked using subphase masters, the subphase masters will observe the AC input mode
and many of the settings used by the master inverter. However, they need to be individually
programmed as appropriate for AC output voltage and frequency. They also need to be programmed
for AC input voltage and frequency (for both AC inputs).
See the stacking section on page 36 for explanation of both parallel and subphase master
(three-phase) stacking.
The following pages compare the various aspects of each input mode.
Generator
The
Generator mode allows the use of a wide range of AC sources, including generators with a rough
or imperfect AC waveform. In other modes, a “noisy” or irregular waveform may not be accepted by
the inverter. (Self-excited induction generators may require this mode when used with the Radian.)
Generator allows these waveforms to be accepted. The charging algorithm of this mode is designed
to work well with AC generators regardless of power quality or regulation mechanism. The generator
must still comply with the inverter’s nominal input specifications. (See page 24.)
BENEFITS:
The Radian inverter will charge the batteries from the generator even when the generator is undersized, of
low quality, or has other problems. See page 26 for recommended parameters for sizing a generator.
In cases where utility grid power is unstable or unreliable,
Generator mode may allow the Radian inverter to
accept the power.
A programmable delay time is available which will allow a generator to stabilize before connection. In the
MATE3, this menu item is
Connect Delay. It is available in both the Grid AC Input Mode and Limits and
the
Gen AC Input Mode and Limits menus, depending on which input is being programmed.
NOTES:
Any AC fluctuations that are accepted by the inverter will be transferred to the output. The loads will be
exposed to these fluctuations. It may not be advisable to install sensitive loads under these conditions.
The name of
Generator mode does not mean that the Radian requires a generator input when using this
mode. The use of this mode does not require the use of the
Gen input; either input can be used.
Conversely, the Radian is not required to be placed in this mode just because a generator is installed.
Support
The
Support mode is intended for systems that use the utility grid or a generator. In some cases the
amount of current available from the source is limited due to size, wiring, or other reasons. If large
loads need to be run, the Radian inverter augments (supports) the AC source. The inverter uses
battery power and additional sources to ensure that the loads receive the power they demand.
In the MATE3 system display, the
Grid Input AC Limit dictates the maximum AC draw for the
Grid