Quick question for anyone running an inverter generator with a Multiplus.
Got a Multiplus-II 12/3000 hooked to a 30A inverter generator (A-iPower GXS7100iRD) through an Automatic Transfer Switch. Soon as the genny comes on, Multiplus appears to pull max charge current and the generator stays at full rpm, never gets into eco mode. Im thinking about dropping max charge setting from 80A to 50A. Dynamic current limiter is already on. Will that be enough to let the genny idle down when loads are light, or is there something else I should look at? Also wondering if UPS function should be off when running on generator power, or just leave it on.
Then the inverter will either run loads and use the left over overhead to charge vatteries or if the load is low just charge.
There are two feature in a victron power control and power assist.
Thanks for that distinction - hadnt thought about it that way. The input current limit vs charge current is the actual lever.
For my generator, A-iPower doesnt publish an exact wattage threshold, they just say âlow idle technology adjusts RPM based on demand.â What I do know is the unit is rated 5700W running on gas, has a 30A 120V outlet that I run through. When loads are light its supposed to throttle down but with the Multiplus connected its never gotten the chance. It simply revs to full throttle where it stays, even when the trailer only has a few led lights on.
Got my input current limit at 25A right now. Should I be running lower than that to give it more headroom for eco mode? Or is there a calculation you use based on the generator size?
Generators generally we run at about 80% load or where it is most efficient) for as short a time as possible. Since usually a generator is started to charge batteries running it for shorter times and at their most efficient fuel use vs load range is best.
I think the eco mode from the short bit i read on your generator it seems its eco mode os designed for when you are running a low load (i.e. under 50%). It lowers its rpms to save fuel.
So i guess the question you need to answer is why (the goal) are you running the generator?
You are limited by this so the 25A input is good for not overheating that but keeping it at its max draw.
Actually let me rephrase the why. We have 3 ACs on this trailer and the batteries can only run one for a short time. When we boondock and need 2 ACs going (both have soft start), the generator ideally would allow for us to do that. So charging the batteries in that moment isnât really the goal, its supplying power to the ACs while solar handles whatever charging it can. (In theory)
Right now what I see is the generator coming on and immediately running flat out (even before I have turned on the AC) because (I assume) the Multiplus is trying to charge at full speed AND power the loads. What I want is for the generator output to go to the loads first, with charging being whatever leftover capacity exists after that via solar.)
Is the play to drop max charge current way down (like 10A) so the Multiplus stops trying to charge hard and just lets the generator power loads, with solar doing the charging? Or is there a better way to set this up?
Thanks for the link, this is exactly what I was looking for. One question, the manual says generator support requires a GX device with digital input to tell the Multi a generator is running, or a DMC panel. Im running just the VE.Bus Smart Dongle, no GX or DMC. Does that mean Solar and Wind Priority would treat my generator the same as shore power? In my case thats actually what I think I want (generator for AC loads, solar for charging), but want to make sure I understand correctly before enabling it.