Will Type A RCD work with Multi RS Solar?

I’ve ordered a Multi RS Solar to upgrade my off-grid cabin setup.

I noticed in the manual that, “The inverter does NOT provide full galvanic isolation between the PV DC input and AC output. Therefor it is possible that DC voltage and current from the DC PV connections could be detected on the AC side.”

Does this mean I will need to upgrade all RCDs to Type B?

I think so, a type A is blind to DC. The only other option is to get the isolated 450/100 and a Multiplus. Send the HF inverter back for a refund.

That’s quite extreme…
Maybe he doesn’t want that and choose the RS for a reason.
Of course, I may be subjective. :slight_smile:

Thanks, guys. Yeah, I originally chose the RS for its two trackers, PV isolation, and ground leak alarm. We had a flood recently, and it was a tricky exercise disconnecting my batteries from the 200V array with a damaged MC4 connector while I was standing in water…

I think I’ll be returning the Multi RS Solar.

I was considering a Multiplus-II with a couple of 250/60s, but that would require an external GFPD, which is also a hassle.

So, I’m now leaning towards the Multiplus-II and an MPPT RS 450/100 – it’s pricey and oversized, but it offers complete circuit isolation.

Any other ideas?

Yes.
MPPT RS 450/100 + Inverter RS 48/6000.
Complete isolation.
MPPT to DC (MPPT RS), DC to AC (Inverter RS), so also MPPT to AC.
And total silence… :wink:

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Completely agree with Alex.

Exactly the reason why I have x3 MPPT RS 450/100 & x2 Inverter RS 48/6000 running in parallel.

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Indeed, the future, no matter what others say, will be of high freq devices, ie. RS-like range of products.

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Thanks Alex! Ok, some more calculations to make :smile:

Oops, it turns out the Inverter RS doesn’t have an AC-in. So, in a pure RS setup, I’ll have to figure out another way to charge from a generator. That complicates things a bit :confused:

Hi i run a generator with my RS,s it can be done but you might well need a auto start generator like i have. I am also off grid.

I can post more detail on Monday if you like.

You might find this interesting if not already aware.

They are bi directional, so you charge them backwards, just with more caution.

Hi Dave,

I would really appreciate any details.

What I’ve found so far is that Inverter RS can only charge from a PV AC unit that can react to frequency-change “commands” from the inverter. It also seems that it’s dangerous to connect the generator to the AC-out of the RS, as the generator will “fight” these frequency changes. Perhaps that’s what auto-stop is for :thinking:

Setting frequency shift commands aside, does anyone know how to configure it not to master the AC waveform but to synchronise with a generator?

Hi @Sasha , see attached declaration, which will be added to the website shortly.

Declaration RCD information on Multi RS 110625.pdf (171.1 KB)

Which Multi RS?
All of them, or only the later hardware revision?
Thanks in advance for the additional info.

I have the feeling that both, as I’ve seen what seems to be a RCD circuit in my old HW, but just to be sure.

All of the models that have solar, @alexpescaru . including the single tracker model that was the first launch.

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@mpvader
Thanks for the response. :+1:
Then I suppose my assumption, that the CT in the corner, with both live and neutral wires through it is for this purpose, is correct… :slight_smile:

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Note that I’ve reworded my above comment a bit: its all of the Multi RS & Inverter RS models that have a solar input.

Not all of them perse, ie. models without solar don’t have this built-in.

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Hi @mpvader, that’s awesome news! Thanks a lot for checking it out! :blush: :+1:

Could you please clarify this a bit further? How exactly does the Multi RS “ensure that it cannot inject direct residual currents into the grid”? Does it open the AC Out relay when direct residual currents are detected, or does it do this in some other way?

Also, is there any RCMU testing procedure or circuit to verify that it’s operational?

@lxonline - please can you clarify this statement?

It is my understanding (as @Sasha wrote) that the only device that can feed AC into the AC output of an Inverter RS Smart or Inverter RS Smart Solar is a grid tie PV inverter that follows the waveform put out by the RS?

I have one with a fronius on the output, it will charge the battery like that. (Bi direction)

Why i say with caution as the system can tell the fronius to stop or slow production and stop charge.
Ergo a different ac source could technically do the same. The issue being what kind of generator and what sine wave and control to prevent overcharge etc. hence with caution…

I am going to add here- it is not a supported way (unless it is ac pv) and yes there is a high possibility of this.