Energy Matters Forums

[davidg]

Midnite Classic 150 MPPT controller.

A Good DC MPPT Charge Controller

My question is. Have the latest models improved at all? I see them on eBay for about $440 incl post.

Total piece of crap that will eat power. After a matter of weeks you will wonder why the batteries keep going flat all the time, unmodified they consume an amazing amount of power even just sitting there and around 20% in real terms when doing anything at all don't be fooled by the specs line mode is connected to a power source such as the grid, so that's it has a minor loss as the power passes through the unit. It may just up and die for no good reason apart from just being cheap.

Either do the mod if you have the time and money then it's not bad.
or go for a real one first time around, Such as an SP-Pro not cheap worth every penny or Sunny Island. Want one let me know I have one myself run two houses from it.

[vk4akp]

OK Thanks for the advice.

Can you expand more on my options please?

I'd like to get something that can run decent wattage.

Or perhaps something affordable that I can buy 2-3 of.

However I would like to run some 240VAC circuits in the home that can handle a very small Box reverse cycle air con, or small microwave oven, kettle, single desk top hotplate, still, etc.

I realise this is not ideal as high current is a big problem for batteries but would like the ability to run such items for short periods if needed.
.-.-.

[Garyho]

I would make sure you have exhausted other ways to avoid using an AC off of your solar system. ie insulation. As it will draw huge amounts of power.

[brucedownunder]

200mm dia transformer (640x480) (2).jpg (52.06 KiB) Viewed 3953 times

Hello, I have this transformer ,around 200mm ,15 Kg,1.5Kw and want to wind the Primary wire..

But, as you can see , the center core has been filled and has some sort of epoxy poured around the "core-plug" ..

Question is ,,,how do remove this core without damaging the existing windings...

Any clues ?

Bruce

[Tracker]

.
IMPOSSIBLE...
You could use toxic solvents that eats epoxy, but I would be confident that it would damage the wire coatings..

What are the existing windings..

PS - just an after thought..
You might be able to machine out the center, and get enough out to leave a "Layer" of epoxy left..
NOT 100% sure what the effect would be with the new secondary , not being "Tight" on the inside..
..
.

[brucedownunder]

Thanks for the reply.

I have spent about an hour carefully drilling and chisseling away ,,,success..

I'd do it again ,,at 68 years , it's low on my "hard to do " list ..

It came out perfect, hard work and concentration required,, but not damage at all to the windings. I used a 1/4 inch masonary drill to take out the center core at around 45 degree positions and with care, from alternating sides ,was able to chissel away at the epoxy.. the black "chunk" behind the pic is a portion of the broken away epoxy compound. Hard work .have to be very carefull..

Bruce- nothing is impossible,.

DSC00986.JPG (16.64 KiB) Viewed 3940 times

[Tracker]

I have spent about an hour carefully drilling and chiseling away ,,,success..

Fantastic work..
I suppose the epoxy did not stick-tight to the plastic wrapping..

I thought you might have to live with a layer of epoxy..

Where did you get that little puppy from..?
..
.

[brucedownunder]

Hi Tracker. It's from a new "Inspire 1.5 Kw" grid tie inverter . there are a few advertised on e-bay . I have a feeling they don't comply with aus. solar regulations and are selling for around $50-100 . But they do weight in heavy, so freight is a problem unless you can go pick them up . Around 100 on a couple of pallets were auctioned on e-bay a few weeks back for scrap value.

I'd be interested if anyone knows if the 2.5Kw transformer is much larger than the 1.5Kw tranny ??.

Bruce

[Tracker]

Inspire 1.5 Kw" grid tie inverter . there are a few advertised on e-bay

What a good discovery.. what a shame that such good looking technology was in a poor inverter..
I would love to have bought the 100lot..
Two in Parallel. Think of that..
..
.

[Garyho]

Dead inverters should not be too hard to come by, have a talk to a few local solar installers.