Generator working better on a Multi RS (solar) compared to MP 2?

DIY
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1

I wonder how the Multi RS performs in combination with a 5kW general purpose generator.
When I connect our generator to our Multiplus 2 (48/5000/70) I am only able to charge at a limited power (+/-50%) due to the a hunting AVR on the generator, when I switch off “Weak AC”.
The Multi RS has different hardware (HF) and I want to know if that makes a difference in this regard.

I don’t have Multi RS yet, but it could be a sollution for us, as it is cheaper then replacing the generator.

At the moment I have a dedicated MP2 for charging, because I don’t want the generator to power our complete system.

It would be nice to be able get more from our generator without overloading it, or having to buy a new havier one that also might struggle.

Thanks in advance for any advise.

2

The RS doesn’t load the generator the same way the MP2’s do as their topologies are very different. (As you know)

3

I hope someone has any positive experiance with the Multi RS and a generator compared to the MP 2.

That could save me finding it out myself and I may choose a different sollution.

4

Mogelijk dat Harold Halewijn van het ‘Slimmehuis’ (forum lid en Victron Installer) hierop een antwoord heeft, niet geschoten is altijd mis.

5

I haven’t had issues with the RS and generators.

6

Did you use a 5Kw general purpose generator, and upto what power are you able to load it?

7

Because we are at a higher altitude at about 3kw.

General calculation kVAx 0.8 x 0.8. and maybe if it is an older well used unit, slightly less.

8

Currently I am using a 5kW MP2 in combination with our generator, and there is a limit around 2.5kw. Weak AC is on, UPS off, even when I raise the allowed input current it won’t go above 2.5kW, it just keeps it around that power. I experimented with the settings, and at some point it didn’t hunt with Weak AC OFF, and was able to draw more power, but it was not reliable everytime. If I could only get 1-1.5kW more I would already be very happy. :slight_smile:

9

So at 2.5 you are close. Is the genset tuned right?

What’s your altitude?

10

We have the generator already for a few years, and bought it when we didn’t have a off-grid system yet. It does run fine with other loads, I could check it again running with high loads to be sure. We live in central Portugal at about 250m height. We bought it at a local shop and they made sure back then it was running fine. I suspect the AVR has difficulties with the way the MP2 loads the generator when charging. When the Multi RS (solar) does not have this ‘problem’ it is a viable solution especially when it also adds 2 mppt’s to the system. I will then add the current MP2 in parallel to the other 2 I have already running.

11

So this one was just used as a charger? Was it in charger only mode?

12

It is locally used in the workshop and as charger. The other 2 provide power for the rest of the property and over time it is good to have more power available for expansion.