Use WbJr data to limit output current?

[2twisty]

I have a Classic 150 with WbJr.  I also have an Outback VFX3648.

Sometimes, I need to bulk my batteries by running my generator since I'm not quite getting enough from the panels due to overcast, etc.

When both sources are charging, I can sometimes wind up with the total input into the batteries at more than the C/10 rate.  I've got the Classic set to limit its output current to C/10, but it seems that its oblivious to the charging that the outback is doing.

It seems to me that the Classic doesn't use the WbJr data to alter the charge rate...Is this correct?

I realize that the Classic can't tell the Outback to lower it's charge rate, but I know it could be set up to set its charge rate to zero if the total input into the batteries is greater than the output limits....

[2twisty]

Lol. Figures.  Just read in another thread that a FW with this feature is under development now.

[ClassicCrazy]

Do you have your Classic set up to use Ending Amps ?

Larry

[2twisty]

Yes.  It uses End Amps.  The concern I have is when I have the following situation:

Cloudy day.  Not enough solar to charge the batteries completely on solar alone. Charge rate is very low, something like C/25.  So, in order the bulk up the batteries, I start the genset. The inverter/charger happily will charge along at C/10.  The Classic continues to charge at C/25.  As a result, I am charging the batteries far harder than I'd like.

If the Classic can use WbJr for global charge limitation, then the Classic could see that the batteries were getting a charge from an alternate source that would exceed the current limitations of the  Classic, and therefore should stop charging and let the inverter handle it all.

Of course, it would be far better for the inverter to be the one to back off since the solar is "free" and the inverter's charging source costs fuel.  However, the inverter does not receive data from the WbJr, so it will just charge the batteries at whatever they will take, up to the maximum charge amps as configured by the MATE.

Sure would be nice if someone built an integration module that could speak the different languages of these units and control them accordingly.  Could be done easily with a RasPi, but I don't have the time or enough programming chops to pull that one off.

[ClassicCrazy]

Doesn't the inverter charger also run through the Whizbang shunt ? 
On my system everything going in or out of the battery goes through the shunt.
Wait - I think I know what you mean now - if I run my generator into  inverter I can monitor those input amps  via the Whizbang - but no way to control anything it sees unless that is via the Classic .

Yeah -- hopefully that new firmware will help out with that issue.

Larry

[boB]

Halfcrazy (and others ?) has the firmware and I think is testing it this week starting just today actually.

Fingers crossed that it meets his expectations !

boB