Inverter building using Wiseguys Power board and the Nano drive board

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mab1 Senior Member Joined: 10/02/2015 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 282	Posted: 02:24pm 14 Jul 2024         KeepIS said   I thought it might be a good time to throw around some random thoughts on slight code modifications to monitor the use of two power boards. My first thought was physical adding the output of the two current sensors together and use that to trip the on board over current circuit latch. No code mods at all. Since ADC7 is no longer an issue in the Code, I now have the option to use ADC7 to display a second power board AC current. There is already a spare location on the LCD to display that, so both power board currents on the top line and the AC voltage output where the version number is. Almost no code change at all. In that case I would duplicate U5A+B circuit on a small PCB - nice clean and simple.   Then there is a spare digital pin which could be used if needed. I'm getting this system ready for complete off grid running, so in that case I would not need the AC sync pin, and at the moment, switching currents are really quite low with the new ATS anyway. I also plan to use two of those small color full AC monitor modules, so perhaps there  really is no need for AC current displays on the LCD at all. That would allow me to use ADC7 to monitor the Capacitor bank on the second power board, thinking about it, that may be more important in preventing and detecting any future fault/problem on the second PB. I'm also wondering about the use of two kilovacs, but as usual, I may be over thinking this, but just thinking out loud ATM. Perhaps when Mike (wiseguy) gets some time he may share his thoughts about the need for monitoring the second power board? Or shoot it down in flames Any random thoughts from forum members most welcome. That feeling of an adventure is coming back again _ Just my thoughts on this: Personally i would want the inverter display to retain its volts, amps, etc: If you want an easy to read external meter that's fine, but in the event that something isn't working right, the inverter display showing what it 'thinks' the volts, amps, etc are, gives you something to compare with the external meter readings. On the subject of the sync input: well i rarely switch back to the grid with my existing powerjack anyway. I'm using a rotary centre off transfer switch, so when i do switch over i just wait in the off position for 40secs or so to allow the fridge and freezer to depressurise before putting the power back on.  The risk of flash over has put me off the fast (manual) changover switches, plus the possible effects when running motors /transformers are suddenly 180° out of sync with their supply. But if the inverter could sync to the grid when it's there it would allow safe, seamless transfer without potential issues which would be a nice option even if i might never need it.