Differences

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--- multiplus_faq [2019-10-17 13:48] – [3.1 Derating of the power factor] guystewart
+++ multiplus_faq [2019-12-17 13:15] – guy_stewart
@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
-Some generators are more suitable than others for use with inverter/chargers, please talk to your local Victron Dealer before purchasing a generator and they may be able to advise you on locally available units that have been tested and are known to be good.
+Some generators are more suitable than others for use with inverter/chargers, please talk to [[https://www.victronenergy.com/where-to-buy|your local Victron Dealer]] before purchasing a generator and they may be able to advise you on locally available units that have been tested and are known to be good. It is recommended to get a generator from a supplier that is local to you for issues and servicing.
 For example; some things to look for when selecting a generator is a high quality alternator and AVR (auto voltage regulation).
@@ Line 35: / Line 35: @@
 If your generator is smaller than the recommended size for your inverter/charger, you will definitely need to adjust the settings on the inverter/charger and reduce the AC input current limit, and/or a DC charge current limit to prevent overloading the generator.
+If you do want an inverter based generator (eg for noise reasons under lower loading), get one that is at least 30% larger than required than an equivalent AVR based model to help prevent nuisance overloads.
+It is also important to look at the DUTY CYCLE rating of the generator. Some generators are marketed for their peak output, but may only be designed to sustain 50% of that peak load rating for longer periods of time.
+Battery charging is a very heavy use case load for a generator, so make sure it is up to the job, and the installation has plenty of good airflow and ventilation when operating to allow for heat to dissipate.
+Some generators are only designed to operate for several hours, before requiring time to rest and cool down. Make sure this limitation is part of your load profile and system design.
 ==== Operation ====
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 Warning: changing these settings will allow to feed-through current that may be of insufficient quality for the electrical requirements of your equipment.
-For information on VE-Configure and how to get started, please see this [[https://www.victronenergy.com/support-and-downloads/software|VE Configure Software page]], or contact your [[https://www.victronenergy.com/where-to-buy|local Victron dealer.]]
+For information on VEConfigure and how to get started, please see this [[https://www.victronenergy.com/support-and-downloads/software|VE Configure Software page]], or contact your [[https://www.victronenergy.com/where-to-buy|local Victron dealer.]]
-====== 1. In the “Grid” tab of VE-Configure: ======
+====== 1. In the “Grid” tab of VEConfigure: ======
  {{:veconfigure:grid_tab.jpg?nolink&400|}}
@@ Line 126: / Line 133: @@
-====== 2. In the “General” tab of VE-Configure: ======
+====== 2. In the “General” tab of VEConfigure: ======
 {{::veconfigure:general_tab.jpg?nolink&400|}}
@@ Line 141: / Line 148: @@
 ===== 2.2 AC Input Current Limit =====
-The charger on the Multiplus is very powerful. If you have an existing generator that is not able to supply the maximum charging current of the Multi, you will need to adjust the AC Input Current Limit in the General Tab of VE-Configure.
+The charger on the Multiplus is very powerful. If you have an existing generator that is not able to supply the maximum charging current of the Multi, you will need to adjust the AC Input Current Limit in the General Tab of VEConfigure.
 A reasonable starting point for the AC Current input limit is 80% of the generator capacity in Watts. For example:
@@ Line 162: / Line 169: @@
-====== 3. In the "Charger" tab of VE-Configure: ======
+====== 3. In the "Charger" tab of VEConfigure: ======
 {{:veconfigure:charger_tab.jpg?nolink&400|}}
@@ Line 179: / Line 186: @@
 **Important note:**
-A detailed description of all settings is available in the VE-Configure help menu, and more instructions are available in our manuals.
+A detailed description of all settings is available in the VEConfigure help menu, and more instructions are available in our manuals.
-====== 4. In the “Inverter” tab of VE-Configure: ======
+====== 4. In the “Inverter” tab of VEConfigure: ======
 ===== 4.1 PowerAssist =====
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 Try with a different generator.
-There can be issues with generators with Residual Current Devices (RCD's), control electronics or circuit breakers. There is some discussion about troubleshooting these issues on this [[https://community.victronenergy.com/questions/1702/multiplus-with-generator-and-residual-current-devi.html|Victron Community Question - Multiplus With Generator And Residual Current Device]], however as troubleshooting and correcting these faults have serious safety implications, they are best discussed with a local installer who has appropriate electrical qualifications, or your Victron Dealer.
+As troubleshooting and correcting these faults have serious safety implications, they are best discussed with a local installer who has appropriate electrical qualifications, or your Victron Dealer.
+There can be issues with generators with Residual Current Devices (RCD's), control electronics or circuit breakers. There is some discussion about troubleshooting these issues on this [[https://community.victronenergy.com/questions/1702/multiplus-with-generator-and-residual-current-devi.html|Victron Community Question - Multiplus With Generator And Residual Current Device]].
+Simplify the AC wiring, With everything safely shut down and tested for voltage, disconnect the AC-Output active, neutral and earth. Direct wire in the generator connections, with no other bus bar links. A common neutral can cause issues.
 If there is still no connection, contact your dealer or distributor. Tell them the steps that you have taken already to attempt to get it to work and they can help from there.
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 [[https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/White-paper-Using-the-MultiPlus-to-reduce-operating-cost-of-a-generator-EN.pdf|Using the Multiplus to reduce operating cost of a generator]] - Fuel Saving White-paper.
+[[https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/VE_Marine_generator_test_RVA_07-jan-2008.pdf|Marine Generator Test]] - Detailed testing and the application of marine diesel powered generators in small hybrid power systems
 [[https://www.victronenergy.com/live/auto-generator-start-stop:start|Automatic Generator start/stop]] - Outline and reference for generator auto-start functionality in Victron systems.