Off-Grid energy Standalone Power Essential System User manual

Securing your power and your future
Standalone Power
Essential System™User Manual

Standalone Power : Essential System™ : User Manual
Copyright © 2014 Off-Grid Energy Australia Pty Ltd
1"
This page is intentionally left blank

Standalone Power : Essential System™ : User Manual
Copyright © 2014 Off-Grid Energy Australia Pty Ltd
2"
TABLE OF CONTENTS
!"#$%&"'((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((')!
*#%++,-.'/'0".'(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('1!
2&3%-4,54'67+$#,7&"-'(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('8!
9,:"4.'!,-575;+'(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('<!
=,5>:,$4>-"-+'?+"-'=,5>,#+'(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('<!
@%&"'A5"-;.'=%574%-'((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('B!
6CDE?9'9.+4"&'C%5:7;>-,47%5'((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('F!
AG>73&"54'H,.%>4'((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('I!
25J"-4"-KCL,-;"-'((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('MN!
E,44"-.'E,5O'((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('MM!
Checking Battery State-Of-Charge (SOC)................................................................................................................................12!
Charging the Batteries...................................................................................................................................................................13!
Charging using Automatic Controlled Generators (Auto-start) .....................................................................................15!
9%#,-'PL%4%J%#4,7$'Q--,.'((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('M<!
9%#,-'=PPR'CL,-;"'C%54-%##"-'((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('MB!
QC'9S74$LT%,-U'(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('MF!
Circuit Breakers.................................................................................................................................................................................18!
Switchboard Meters .......................................................................................................................................................................18!
6C'9S74$LT%,-U'(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('MI!
V>"#'P%S"-"U'*"5"-,4%-'+"4'((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('WN!
Auto-Starting Generator ...............................................................................................................................................................22!
Manual-Starting Generator..........................................................................................................................................................22!
R-%>T#"+L%%475;'(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('W)!
9.+4"&'C,-"',5U'=,754"5,5$"'(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('W<!
!,--,54.'(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('WB!
C%54,$4'?+'(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((('WF!

Standalone Power : Essential System™ : User Manual
Copyright © 2014 Off-Grid Energy Australia Pty Ltd
3"
Welcome
Welcome to the user manual for the Standalone Power System installed by Off-Grid Energy Australia.
Please take your time to read and familiarise yourself with the contents of this document as it contains
important information about the operation, servicing, troubleshooting and limitations of the off-grid
system.
Retain this document in a safe and accessible location for future reference.
Contact Off-Grid Energy Australia if you need any further advice.
This user manual has been produced and published by Off-Grid Energy Australia Pty Ltd
This document cannot be replicated, copied or saved on public access servers in any form without prior approval
from Off-Grid Energy Australia
ABN: 65 149 378 281

Standalone Power : Essential System™ : User Manual
Copyright © 2014 Off-Grid Energy Australia Pty Ltd
4"
Glossary & Key
Danger: indicates a hazardous situation that can result in serious injury or death if not avoided
Important Disclaimer: includes actions and non-compliance that could compromise equipment
and void warranties
Maintenance: ongoing care and upkeep required to ensure full functionality and longevity
Additional Information: additional information and knowledge about the system and its
components
Information: essential related information
Power
A = Amp: a measurement of the rate of electrical flow in a circuit (a component of power)
V = Volt: a measurement of electrical pressure across two parts of a circuit (a component of power)
W = Watt: a measurement of instantaneous power. A watt is the product of multiplying Volts and Amps
kW = Kilowatt: a measurement of true instantaneous power; 1000 Watts make a Kilowatt
kVA = Kilo Volt Amp: a measurement of apparent power before it is corrected for current and voltage
waveform misalignment (power factor or pf) to make it true power or Kilowatts.
Energy
Ah = Amp hour: the product of multiplying amps and hours; often used to measure the current delivery
capacity of battery banks at a specific discharge rate and time period such as 20 or 100 hours etc. (It is only a
component part of energy)
Wh = Watt hour: a measurement of energy; it means watts delivered, calculated over a one hour period.
kWh = Kilowatt hour: a measurement of energy that is often used for billing purposes for example; it
means Kilowatts delivered, calculated over a one hour period. A Kilowatt hour is the product of Volt x Amps
x Hours x 1000. One Kilowatt hour = 1000 watt hours. Kilowatt hours are sometimes used to measure
battery energy storage capacity; it is calculated by multiplying Amp hours by the battery bank nominal
voltage (e.g. 1000Ah battery storage capacity @ C100 rating x 48V battery configuration = 48kWh over 100hr
rate)
Voltage classes
LV = Low voltage class: includes mains power and is applicable to all equipment operating above 120
Volts DC or 50 Volts AC and not exceeding 1000 Volts AC or 1500 Volts DC. LV class equipment can only be
serviced by a licenced electrician.
ELV = Extra Low voltage: this voltage is typically used in battery banks. ELV class applies to electrical
equipment operating below 120 Volts DC or 50 Volts AC
DC = Direct Current: refers to a current that flows in only one direction.
AC = Alternating Current: refers to a system utilising a current that rapidly flows back and forth; for
mains power equipment the current typically runs back and forth at 50 times per second.
Hz = Hertz: is the name given to the measurement of frequency of alternating current reversals or cycles
per second. Regarding generator sets the frequency in Hertz usually relates directly to engine speed. For
example a two-pole generator running at 3000 revolutions per minute will deliver a 50 Hz frequency.
M.P.P.T. = an abbreviation for Maximum Power Point Tracking; it means an advanced method of extracting
the maximum possible power from a solar array (usually) within the solar inverter or solar charge controller
as opposed to older type basic regulators which do not have this feature

Standalone Power : Essential System™ : User Manual
Copyright © 2014 Off-Grid Energy Australia Pty Ltd
5"
Important Disclaimer
Your Off-Grid Energy System has been carefully designed to supply a specific daily quantity of electricity –
determined during consultation and assessment of your Load Demand Profile (included at the back of this
manual for reference). All components have been carefully selected and the system constructed,
programmed and tested accordingly.
Equipment Settings:
NO programming changes are permitted to equipment without prior approval from Off-Grid Energy
Australia. Failing to do so will immediately void your warranty and may cause equipment malfunction.
Equipment Modifications:
NO removal, replacement, modification or addition to your equipment is permitted without prior approval
from Off-Grid Energy Australia. Failing to do so will immediately void your warranty and may cause
equipment malfunction.
Additional Appliances:
NO significant additional electrical appliances are permitted without prior approval from Off-Grid Energy
Australia (excluding those items already listed on your Load Profile). Failure to do so will immediately void
your warranty and may cause equipment malfunction. Even a new small appliance that runs 24hrs a day can
have a significant impact on system performance.
Instantaneous Power Limitations:
Remember that there are limits to the amount of power your Inverter & batteries can deliver:
If you use more power (W/kW) than the system can provide at any moment – E.g. by switching on multiple
large appliances simultaneously - then your system may automatically shut down to protect the inverter and
batteries.
Tip:There is additional power available at times when your renewable energy is producing (E.g.
solar panels during sunlight hours) or when your fuel generator is running. This power gets
layered/added to the peak power capacity of the Inverter/Charger. Therefore these are ideal times
for using heavier appliances.
Daily Energy Limitations:
Remember that there is a limited amount of energy available for use: If you use more energy (Wh/kWh) than
is available over a period of time – E.g. by running appliances more often than suggested on your Load
Profile or after prolonged periods of bad weather – then this energy needs to come from somewhere.
Tip:Use your batteries less and prolong their life by using electricity directly from your renewable
energy sources instead (E.g. if the sun is shining then your solar panels can bypass your batteries
and supply power directly to your home!)
BE FULLY PREPARED:
Careful attention should be paid to the health and management of your off-grid system to ensure smooth
operation for years to come: (please refer to system components and maintenance requirements outlined in
this manual and in separate component manuals provided)
If the system receives proper usage, attention and care, then system faults or power failure is unlikely.
Nevertheless it is important to remain fully prepared with contingencies for power failure should you get
caught out: (please refer to Trouble Shooting section of this manual for further advice)
For any questions or if you require any additional information or advice on your Off-Grid Energy installation,
please contact Off-Grid Energy Australia on 1300 334 839.

Standalone Power : Essential System™ : User Manual
Copyright © 2014 Off-Grid Energy Australia Pty Ltd
6"
Safety Warnings
WARNING
Your standalone power system produces 230-volt AC power. Risk of lethal or serious injury from electric
shock can occur if mains voltage equipment is mishandled, modified, opened without authorisation, or if AC
wiring is installed or extended by unqualified personnel.
Generator sets usually produce 240 Volt AC power; a risk of lethal or serious injury from electric shock can
occur if a generator is mishandled or modified. A risk of lethal or serious injury from burns can occur if
generator fuel is mishandled. A risk of lethal or serious injury from carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if
generator exhaust gasses are inhaled. Always follow the generator manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Do not climb on a roof without height safety training and using the appropriate safety equipment.
Do not interfere with solar array wiring; ELV class voltage up to 120 Volts DC may be present which can
deliver an electric shock, although a shock from this class of voltage would not normally be lethal it can
cause a person to fall from a height and sustain lethal or very serious injury.
An Extra Low Voltage class battery bank if mishandled or short circuited can cause extremely high current
discharges which can cause severe burns; eye injury or death from a resulting fire or explosion. Keep all
metal objects and fuel away from battery banks; do not interfere with battery banks without sufficient
training and authorisation.
Please carefully read and follow further safety advice in this document; in addition always read and follow
the equipment manufacturer’s safety instructions; please contact OEA for advice if you have any questions
about safety issues.
Manufacturers User Manuals
In addition to this user manual, we highly recommend you take the time to read all the equipment
manufacturer’s user manuals supplied with relevant equipment. Please keep all manuals together in a safe
place near the equipment where they can be readily consulted if needed.

Standalone Power : Essential System™ : User Manual
Copyright © 2014 Off-Grid Energy Australia Pty Ltd
7"
Home Energy Monitor
The home energy monitor device displays your energy and power consumption. It wirelessly transmits
information from your circuit board to the LCD display. This is a good way to check that your usage remains
comfortably within your systems limitations and design parameters.
oEasily monitor the energy and power that you are using
oCompare this usage over days, weeks or months (kWh)
oAlerts you when you use excessive Instantaneous Power (kW)
oInformation stored can be downloaded to personal computer
Press the top “Function” button to change the information displayed
from instant to average
Further instructions are available in the separate Efergy manual provided.
Instant
Average
History
This is the amount of power you are
consuming at this very moment (kW)
This is your average consumption (kWh)
(Compare days, weeks or months)
Consumption records for the last 7
days, 7 weeks or 24 months.

Standalone Power : Essential System™ : User Manual
Copyright © 2014 Off-Grid Energy Australia Pty Ltd
8"
DC-BUS System Configuration
Also known as a DC-Coupled configuration, the battery bank system uses Extra Low Voltage (ELV) DC (12V,
24V or 48V) as the primary input sharing connection for the solar array and energy inputs. The solar power
working at a higher voltage (up to 120 volts) is fed into a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge
controller (advanced regulator), which then by step down converter action directly charges the battery bank
at a lower voltage, advantageously as the voltage is stepped down the current is stepped up by a similar
ratio.
When 230V AC power is required, the Inverter/Charger draws power from the Battery bank (DC) and
inverts/converts the power into 230V AC for normal household use via the AC switchboard.
To cover times of poor solar input or increased demand, a generator set can be plugged into the system; this
then charges the battery bank via the Outback Inverter/Charger, while the generator set is supplying power
for battery charging the Inverter/Charger will automatically switch generator power directly to the house to
keep the house powered at this time.

Standalone Power : Essential System™ : User Manual
Copyright © 2014 Off-Grid Energy Australia Pty Ltd
9"
Equipment Layout
Your system is an Off-Grid Energy Australia Adapt unit. This unit is the nerve centre of your system,
incorporating your Inverter/charger and all applicable circuit protection. All energy generators and loads are
centrally connected and controlled from here. The battery bank is also connected to the Adapt board but
remains separated by a short distance or other divider for safety compliance reasons.
WARNING
oVarious components operate at high DC and AC voltages. Apply caution at all times.
oDo not touch or forcibly pull any electrical wiring connected to the system.
oDo not switch on your system if you observe any damaged or exposed cables.
oNo smoking or naked flames in enclosure area.
oKeep spark producing equipment and machinery away from the battery bank
AC
Switchboard
Outback
Inverter/Charger
Inverter/Charger &
Charge Controller
DC Battery Fuse
Disconnect
State of Charge
Meter Fuse
PV Array DC Isolator
(Located near MPPT
Charge Controller)
Battery State of
Charge Indicator
Solar MPPT Charge
Controller
Generator Inlet Plug
(15 Amp Socket Only)