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Inverter shows a load that is over twice what it actually is

  • 03-07-2023 06:59PM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 127 ✭✭


    I have a situation that developed on my inverter over the last few weeks and I’m not having an easy time of explaining it to the installer of the system. I’m based in Italy and language is a problem.

    I have a 6kw system with two 5kw batteries. They are all from the Italian manufacturer ACS Azzurro.

    The house consumption has always been around 500w to 600w. The inverter now displays a load of 1kw and above when the panels are generating. This load is not possible so I checked the consumption figures using MyEnergi app as I have an EDDI fitted to handle the surplus.

    Screenshot 2023-06-30 at 16.41.25.png

    MyEnergi shows an almost constant 600w being exported even when the batteries are trying to charge. When the PV stops producing, the batteries keep discharging with this phantom "load" of over 1kw until they drain. Then the import from the grid kicks in and as expected at about 500w until the whole cycle starts again the next day. I normally would use only about 50% of the battery charge to tide me overnight but now the batteries are discharged before midnight. The logs for the inverter show no errors only error is for the low battery voltage.

    The inverter shows no export to the grid, jut PV and battery feeding the "load".

    IMG_5547.jpeg

    I’m hoping you guys can tell me if there is a name for this problem? Is it something to do with the grid voltage?

    I’m looking for some ideas that I can direct at the installer to point them in the right direction for a solution.



Comments

  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 7,102 Mod ✭✭✭✭graememk


    That's a sofar hybrid by the looks of it. The ACS Azzurro is just a rebadge. Just so you know thats all.

    600w difference is a lot of an error on the CT, I'm wondering is the correct CT being used. The sofars are usually pretty spot on. (Within 10-20w)

    There is a CT calibration setting in the settings menu, possibly you might be able to offset it's reading by 600w and see how it behaves.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 127 ✭✭target


    I had a look through the user manual and could not find any reference to CT calibration. The only entry was how to install the CT clamp. I thought the CT might have been faulty so I switched it with the clamp that came with the Eddi. It gave the same readings so the clamps are ok.



  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 7,102 Mod ✭✭✭✭graememk


    Have a look through the setting menu, if it's there it will be one of the last ones. (I have a me3000 so it could be different)

    Not all CT are the same, some have burden resistors, some Haven't, some have 5000:1 ratio some are 3000:1... Etc.

    Does the grid CT ever read anything different? When the inverter is not discharging does it read the grid correctly?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 127 ✭✭target


    I checked this in the early morning when only the grid supplying. Figures match what I expected and MyEnergi App confirms too.

    IMG_5435.jpeg

    I checked through the settings menu and didn't see anything referring to CT. I found an "anti reflux control" under advanced but I don't think it is related to this problem it says its about limiting the maximum exported to the grid. It is disabled on the system.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 127 ✭✭target


    If it helps anyone this is the user manual for the model I have




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  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 7,102 Mod ✭✭✭✭graememk


    @irishchris you have a sofar hybrid, any suggestions?


    So odd that it's reading correctly when not running, but not when it's running.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,700 ✭✭✭bullit_dodger


    Try running it for a few hours so you have telemetry with the breaker thrown on the battery. See what the charts look like with no battery during the day with solar. It won't solve the problem, but it may give you a narrower playing field if you can remove a variable.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,290 ✭✭✭irishchris


    Very strange one alright. By looks of it the CT seems to be working correctly as is reading the grid perfectly when running off grid only. The mysterious load is baffling though and doesn't add up with the CT not reading any export when it clearly is



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 127 ✭✭target


    Thanks for the guidance. I will switch off the batteries tomorrow and see how it reads

    A had a local electrician speak to the inverter supplier. He said something about the grid company and voltage. I didn’t fully comprehend. He said we will wait ten days for a reply and we take it from there.



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