Charging the 48V batteries of a Victron 3phase system with an one phase generator

Q&A and troubleshooting
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1

Dear all,

Our system consisting of a Cerbo with touchscreen 7", 3xMP2 5000, 3x SmartSolar 250-100, 1 x Smartsolar 150-35, 4 parallel strings of 16s 280Ah EVE LFP batteries (123smartbms and shut-off relay for each string) and 2 fronis inverters (5 and 4kW) works like a charm.

From april to october we almost “can” live offgrid if we want.
In winter though there’s not enough sun to charge the batteries and here a generator would come handy.

I am currently looking at the Honda EU70is with propane as bifuel option.
This one delivers max 7kVA (normally around 5-6 kW) but is one phase.
I’ve been looking for a 3phase generator but there are almost all running on diesel, which will degrade after some years storage while propane just stays… propane, even if it is stored for many years.

I am thinking of using two 3kW 200V meanwell powersypplies to feed one of the Smartsolar 250-100’s so the batteries will be charged safe and controlled by the Cerbo.
This takes some effort so I am wondering: are there compact and silent 3phase generators running on propane that do not cost a house or is there a good option to charge the batteries directly with DC?

I red some questions about this topic but my answer is not between them.

2

I’d get myself another MPII-5000, normally use it as charger and keep it as “live spare” in case one of the others gives up…

Yes, but you’ll get diesel every and anywhere, you’ll have to run the regenerator once per month under load for at least one hour, so you’re slowly using your diesel anyway.

Hyundai makes affordable generators,I can get one here with 5kw under 2000€.
If you want to spend more…buy one from Onan :wink:

https://www.leroymerlin.es/productos/generador-hyundai-dhy8600sediesel-fullpower-de-6000w-82231249.html?highlightedOfferCode=c312a5c856fa84d6f51b01cab1132a74dacce016&&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google-pmax&utm_campaign=lmes_conversion_ao_performance&utm_id=20113037190&utm_campaign_id=20113037190&utm_content=herramientas-generic&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADt3h9k2Xunseol76yJ60XK9iZcXD&gclid=Cj0KCQjww-HABhCGARIsALLO6XxnkgAux0dTnKNj1qUH4jVr4GRdjPX7QtzZQJ4HDWl8_FUxMmHBZBIaAjfnEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

1 Like
3

Try an Eltec Flatpack HE PSU. There are integrations for EspHone which can be accessed by NodeRed.

You get them at eBay for 150 EUR.

4

Thanks!, but in case of a CANbus failure, this cookie goes ballistic by reverting to it’s standard settings.

5

You’re right but sound is an issue too here and the Honda EU70 is quit silent here AND running on propane / gasoline too. Was looking for an affordable 3-phase generator of say somewhere between 7-15kW.

6

How much sound is acceptable for you ?

How much distance can you put between you and the generator ?

Could you capsule it ?

7

The Honda will be incapsuladed and can breathe his exhaust fumes through a special outlet made for it.
For otside there’s an alternative but no running on gasoline options here (still 3x400V option)

8

Got to ask this;. Why don’t you charge your batteries from the grid and use a generator only for when the grid is down? Won’t that be a whole lot cheaper and more environmental friendly?