Quiet time – Outback Power Systems MATE2 User Manual
Page 72

Generators are an integral part of many renewable energy systems. Setting a generator’s start
and stop times and voltage set points can be confusing. The following test helps assure your
generator is properly functioning and the programming is accurate (AGS must be set up first in
order to perform this test).
Before any further programming, confirm that the generator is working properly by manually
turning it on and then shutting it off.
Advanced Generator Start (AGS) Test
The AGS test confirms the AGS function works and the generator has been enabled during
the AGS programming. Sometimes the GEN ALERT set points and properties get confused
with AGS and this test confirms the correct set points are used. GEN ALERT set points
should not be used as AGS set points. These are two separate methods for starting a generator
automatically.
Why do you might want it: If Quiet Time Mode is set, the MATE will not allow most AGS
settings to start the generator during the Quiet Time window. This is usually set up during
night time when a running generator would be an annoyance. Quiet Times can be set
individually for weekday and weekend, and consist of a Quiet Time Start and a Quiet Time Stop.
As with GRID-USE settings, if you set the START and STOP modes for the same time (for
example, 12:00 a.m. for each), each will be ignored. To program Quiet Time Mode, go to the
advanced MATE menu.
PRESS TWICE:
• Brings up the GEN START CONTROL screen.
• Press the
generator to go on.
• Press the
off.
• Press the
in AUTO mode
• Press the
MATE/AGS screen.
GEN START CONTROL
currently: AUTO
OFF AUTO ON OK
NOTE: The 2-minute Voltage set point (see page 78) will override Quiet Time settings. This is
necessary to prevent the battery from falling below an unacceptable voltage.
Quiet Time