Solar System Build Thread using 2 APC Rackmount UPS

RudyLiPower

RudyLiPower

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Oct 20, 2016
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Ok Powerwallers,

System Build Thread...

Backstory
I have inherited 2 rack mount UPS APC SUA3000RMXL3U. It's basically a 3Kw inverter that has an A/C charger built in. I have gathered some data and I believe it is possibleto just use the inverter part. By Default they output 120V, but they can be chained to run 240V, which is my intention. I have a generator load panel I would wire the load side into and run only my office on this system. The UPSs run 48 volts and usually use some very small Sealed AGMbatteries. I was gifted 6 of those batteries to start with. I have a small office UPS that I will probably use 2 of them for, or if I buy 2 of them then I can parallel them.

You can see some of the setup here with original batteries and the inherited ones.
[img=600x446]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Y...JoRfuHgKWjh8kHk8OGJHHOUCM=w1307-h969-no[/img]

So what I need to do:
  1. Find the sites and videos with the UPS instructions - I lost them in the mix a bit back
  2. Get Solar Panels (got a line on 4 with up to 100 avalible225 Watt Sunrivafor $100)
  3. Figure out disconnects/fuses how to get the power from outside to inside
  4. Figure out some Ground Mounting for the panels
  5. Pick a solar charge controller MPPT... (or build one)
  6. Continue to build out my supply of 18650's (I have only 125 cells so far)
Once I have a charger figured out I can start the assembly of the system pretty quick.
Stay tuned for more onthe system build thread.

Comments and recommendations welcome! Please let me know what MPPTcharger you use and why. I want to pick the 'right' (cheap and 48V)one for me for the here and now, and will expand it later when I get a real inverter that is better than 75% efficient.

Rudy
 
Very Nice. :)

I actually have the older tan standalone unit. I'm doing some upgrading on it so it can handle the continuous loads easier and minimizing overheating.
It's really easy to boost the output. You just connect them together the same way you'd do a set of batteries. The only thing I'm not completely sure of, is if it's smart enough to auto master/slave. What I mean with this is, they both need to be putting out the exact same sine frequency without any variations. If both units power on at the same time, the wave form could be out of sync. You may have to come up with an auto sequence (with arduino or such) that powers on the master unit, waits 'x' seconds, then powers on the slave. If this is needed, it's possible the slave will have to be temporally powered from the master so it can get the frequency and timing and then disconnect and merge output.

I'm not 100% sure on this, but make sure you verify all this so you don't get surprised later on. knurlgnar24 on youtube has done several videos on this exact subject.

Goodluck! I'll be watching since I'm planning on something similar as well.
 
Korishan said:
Very Nice. :)

I actually have the older tan standalone unit. I'm doing some upgrading on it so it can handle the continuous loads easier and minimizing overheating.
It's really easy to boost the output. You just connect them together the same way you'd do a set of batteries. The only thing I'm not completely sure of, is if it's smart enough to auto master/slave. What I mean with this is, they both need to be putting out the exact same sine frequency without any variations. If both units power on at the same time, the wave form could be out of sync. You may have to come up with an auto sequence (with arduino or such) that powers on the master unit, waits 'x' seconds, then powers on the slave. If this is needed, it's possible the slave will have to be temporally powered from the master so it can get the frequency and timing and then disconnect and merge output.

I'm not 100% sure on this, but make sure you verify all this so you don't get surprised later on. knurlgnar24 on youtube has done several videos on this exact subject.

Goodluck! I'll be watching since I'm planning on something similar as well.
Click to expand...

Cool thanks for the follow, I will be slowly adding to the post as I gather supplies and re-affirm the prior research, and any modifications that I have to do to the UPS's. If I remember correctly if you have the output sides hooked together somehow they autosync...?

I have a small APC in my office that will be on the same circuit that supplies most of my office equipment, so I don't have to worry about manually switching the load back to the grid.

We will see how this works out.

Next up is solar panel purchase and charge controller!


Rudy
 
They will only autosync if they are plugged into the grid first. They have to sense what the current hz is to be able to adjust. And that can only be done on the input side of things. Some units are actually designed to be able to work together. They require a data link between the two units. A rack mount unit might actually have those options in the software they are designed to work with servers and do load balancing
 
There was a way to sync them offline I swear I remember reading it or seeing it on YouTube. There will be no input from A/C sooo.... Who knows I need to find that article!
 
If there is no ac input, you can do quick change over. They will come on and go in default hz. Thats why you may have to do a little trickery to get the second unit working
 
Build update!
Saturday I acquired 4 235W Sunriva PV panels! Only $100 Each and 2 years old. Pretty good deal at $0.425 per watt!
They actually fit in my car!
[img=200x270]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/w...wi_aygF32hfbrux936cZsMBzRQ=w684-h920-no[/img]

Spec label:
[img=200x266]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/i...hiXXvbrWdMi6hiqXkJnvRWNmko=w690-h920-no[/img]

Here is my first ever youtube video:youtu.be/c2Zu2hFvJXc

Last night i Finished my order of supplies from amazone

MPT-7210A Solar Charge Controller/Boost Converter -http://amzn.to/2nxVU6J
MC4 Connectors -http://amzn.to/2nxZLkw
MC4 Spanners -http://amzn.to/2oYc5KF
Decent Wire Crimpers -http://amzn.to/2oZeVwg
15A DC Buck Converter -http://amzn.to/2oROko5
100 ft10 AWG Black UL Solar Wire -http://amzn.to/2oqNPjC
100 ft 10 AWG Red UL Solar Wire -http://amzn.to/2oRGlHm

I now have enough cable to do everything I think I need.
Next up is the inverter research and I think I may need some circuit breakers ans stuff like that for safety...

Rudy
 
Welcome :) Its addictive!

Subbed to your channel so i dont miss anything.
 
Bahahaha!!!! I got Haul of Laptop Batteries from scraper#2
So update - I got one about 2 weeks ago and been processing them. only getting like 50% 1500mAh and up. Not done though. That first haul was 35 lbs. Got it for $1.50/lb.

[img=400x297]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/P...M9GBIMLW42loSaipwmw5QcaZw=w1240-h920-no[/img]

This second Haul was 106 lbs!!! I am buried in packs! I think I got about half of them de-cased. Still have the Dell ones and the unknown "replacement batteries" I have not had a chance to count them so far, but I am guessing there is going to be~525 cells. I also got these for $1.50/lb.

[img=400x538]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/M...-SBNIlqmBeW68PQ7Rr35D3f9mM=w684-h920-no[/img]

Man my hands hurt. I know most of them have charge, I think I sparked every pack, such a klutz.

Thanks for a place share the experience and for me to babble on....

Rudy
 
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