Hi All
New user here and am enjoying our new setup which includes Victron Quattro 48/10000/200 with 32kw Pytes batteries and 10kw solar via a mppt.
The Quattro is mostly grid connected via AC2 input and the intention is to use our current generator as a temporary backup in the darker months if the grid supply fails.
Admittedly the generator we are using is probably too small, however the way the Quattro behaves when the generator is running is a bit confusing, and I don’t understand some of its workings.
The generator is rated at 5000 Watts 6.25 KVA.
I have been struggling to get the generator to latch, I have changed most settings in VE Configure to aid connection such as
• Dynamic current limiter,
• Accept wide input frequency
• Disable UPS function
• Enable Power Assist
• Enable Weak AC
• I have also added an assistant ‘charge current control’ to reduce the charge current when AC1 is active so that it doesn’t overload the generator when charging the batteries. This is fixed at 30amps running at 48volt so around 1500 watts
Something that I have read is that with power assist turned on, the Quattro can only assist when the load is above 10.5amps with a minimum power assist current of 4.2amps. I don’t know if this has an effect on changing the input current limit settings?
For the generator to latch on I need to change the AC1 input current limit no higher than 2.7amps. The Quattro goes into pass thru mode with the generator supplying 739W at 4.07Amps, it is connected and stable in this state. But I don’t understand how my 2.7amp input current limit relates to the 4.07amps being consumed?
As soon as I up the current limit to 2.8amps
The Quattro briefly goes into bulk charge, but then immediately unlatches from the generator, it seems to pull so many amps from the generator that it pulls the rpm down and then unlatches, as I suppose the voltage / frequency is outside its working range.
It seems to charge the batteries immediately but it doesn’t allow the engine enough time to pick up the increasing load.
As I mention earlier other than my generator being too small (but I cannot see why under the current demand and charge levels) can someone explain some of the conditions I am seeing?
I don’t want to spend a lot of money on a generator that will only be used very occasionally.
If it does mean upping the size of the generator what size would be best?
Many thanks in advance